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Mid-face Lift vs. Cheek and Chin Implants

I am a 44 y.o. male who is concered with what once were likely "chipmunk cheeks" now making a steady progression southward, as well as "flat" cheekbones and a weak chin. The combination of these factors has given me what has been described as a "squat" or "boxy" lower face. A mid-face lift has been recommended, but I am also wondering if cheek implants along with a chin implant would be enough to "take up the slack" so to speak. I'm just not sure if a full facelift is right for me at this point.

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17 Doctor Answers | Asked by Robby712 in Annapolis, MD

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Midface rejuvenation - first identify the aging mechanism.

Your situation illustrates a common dilemna faced by people interested in facial rejuvenation procedures. The key to achieving youthful and natural results is to first perform a careful assessment and identify the cause of the aged appearance in each individual. Facial aging can be categorized into three basic groups known as the 3 D's: 1) Deterioration of the skin surface, 2) Deflation or loss of volume and 3) Descent of the facial tissues. Once the role... more

Sagging cheeks- cheeklift or facelift

Each operation does something different. Augmentation of the cheeks can be accomplished with implants, or with the patient's own tissues. Reduction in the buccal fat pad can be accomplished through the mouth. It is very effective for patients with "chipmunk cheeks". Cheeklifts (and there are many different types) help the lower eyelid and cheekpad position, as well as the eye-cheek junction, depending on the technique (and the surgeon). Facelifts which... more

Mid-face Lift vs. Cheek and Chin Implants

It is very difficult to answer your question without seeing your pictures – but based on your description you appear to be a good candidate for a chin implant and cheek implants. Buccal fat removal will at times help with the chubby cheeks, such as in the link below

Sam Naficy, MD

80 reviews

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattleface.com

Facelift

See a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for a facelift consultation. I would put the implants down the list as options to consider. They can be effective in the short term, but in the long term, they can cause some bone erosion as I have witnessed on many occasions.

Aging Midface in a Male

I would consider re-inflation of your cheeks with volume (filler) or implant over a mid or face lift at this point. One has to determine if you problem is more of a bone or soft tissue deficit or both. In your case, a detailed exam is critical to determine options. Find someone you trust and whose results you admire. Good luck!

Try fillers to plump cheeks and chin before considering surgery-will give you an idea of the result to expect

Today most Plastic Surgeons feel that facial volume restoration in the mid face is a better solution to aging changes in the mid face than surgical Mid Face Lifting. Cheek and chin implants may be your solution. An easy way to analyze for yourself what you can expect from these procedures is to first have filler injections using a substantive filler such as Perlane or Radiesse to plump the cheeks and enlarge the chin so you can analyse the resultnad see if you like the change... more

Mid-face lift or facial implants

Cheek implants are a volumetric augmentation of the cheek to give a more youthful full look to the cheek. A midfacelift is only a minor upward lift, which will not give volumetric augmentation. Flat cheekbones are best treated with a cheek implant. The implants are placed through an intraoral approach above the upper teeth and placed directly over the maxillary bone. A weak chin profile is best treated with a chin implant. This is inserted through an incision on... more

Facial Sculpting of Cheeks and Chin

Thank you for your question. Flattening of the face occurs primarily from volume loss, in addition to sagging of skin and tissue. A flat cheek may give the appearance of aging or less attractive. Options include a silicone cheek implant, facial fillers (Radiesse, Sculptra), or fat injections. Cheek implants are great permanent solution. Your questions suggest underlying bone structure weakness that may benefit from both chin and cheek implants. A midface lift or face lift has not been the... more

Midface rejuvenation

The southward progression of your cheeks may be an illusion actually resulting from volume loss in areas above the areas of descent. A thorough evaluation to evaluate your particular aging progression is necessary. Many options exist to treat the aging midface, from fillers to fat grafting to midfacelifting to cheek implants. I think you will find that very simple and minimally invasive solutions will suffice for the treatment of much of your issues... more

Midface lift versus cheek implants for facial rejuvenation

You pose a very good dilemma, but it's hard to make an assessment without actually examining you. A midface lift is great for restoring volume to your cheekbones, but you're limited to the skin and fat that already exists on your face. Cheek implants are great as they can add extra volume in addition to what you already have. Either way, they are both proven ways to restore lost volume to the cheeks for facial rejuvenation and they are safe procedure performed in an... more

Cheek lifting, chin implant

Dear Robby, You have several options for the midface, but a chin implant would work best for your jaw. For the midface, a lift is an option, but so is buccal fat pad removal and cheek augmentation with fat. It would be best to get a good exam with photos and see what your face looks like. Sometimes, descended fat in the cheeks hollow out the eyes, so if you go for fat grafting, you can fill out the under eye area, cheeks, and possibly remove the buccal fat pads if... more

Mid-facelift vs cheek and chin implants

Given what you have said regarding the fact that your cheeks have made a "steady progression southward" it sounds as if you would benefit from the mid- face lift. If your cheek bones are somewhat flat and you mandible is small and without significant projection you may well be a good candidate for cheek and chin implants as well. Without having your photos or having performed an physical exam I can't say which option I would recommend. However, if the sagging... more

Midface lift vs. facial implants

The right surgery for you really depends on your facial structure. An exam would give the best information. In some situations facial implants can be enough. In other situations a mid-face lift can be enough. I may be possible that cheek implants and a mid-face lift would be best. The chin implant should be considered independently since that is an area that isn't effected by cheek implants or a mid-face lift. A mid-face lift is less invasive than a... more

Facelift and facial implants for flat cheeks

No, Cheek Implants should not be so large as to lift the tissues of the face or you will look like a puppet. This is frequently done by those inexperienced in the subtle art of using facial implants. From what you are describing, you are not unlike many of my clients who show typical signs of aging combined with flat cheeks. The most important part of rejuvenating the face is to create aesthetically beautiful cheeks...not how tightly the skin is pulled. It sounds like... more

Midface lift vs cheek and or chin implants.

If the chin is receded, then you need a chin implant no matter about the midface. As for the cheek implants vs. midface and or facelift, I would have to see photos and know what your goals are. See an experienced facelift surgeon to answer the question.

Toby Mayer, MD

7 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Facelift or Mid-Facelift vs Implants

It is hard to tell what you need without an examination. However, from your description of full cheeks now descending, it sounds like you need a lift of some kind to return your tissues to their previously normal position. Many of the standard procedures do not really do this. In fact, many make the problem worse. That is the reason for developing cheek implants. An Extended MACS Lift like procedure should return your facial tissues to their correct position. This is a much more natural... more

Facial Enhancement with Implants and Fat Removal

When it coms to changing one 's facial shape, it is important to look at underlying structural changes before considering whether skin lifting is really needed or beneficial. By your own assessment, you have identified chin and cheek weaknesses which could be improved by implants. The chipmunk cheek issue has a fat component and the consideration of fat removal with either buccal lipectomies, perioral mound liposuction, or both are reasonable options. I would not consider any type of... more