Cheek Lift: Stories

Thank you for updating. I am so sorry to hear this. Some don't go well!! :(

As requested, here's a brief update: I wish the news were better! Unfortunately, I still regret having had this surgery. I am still very asymmetric, and have paid more money for filler since the surgery than I ever had beforehand. How ironic. I thought I would end up saving that money once I underwent the surgery. In addition to those expenses, I incurred another couple thousand more (even with insurance) for problems related to the surgery. My eyesight has normalized, but I still have some pain in my left eye and forehead. I put ointment in both eyes every night, and use drops throughout the day. Although filler has helped to minimize the asymmetries, my nose and mouth (areas that supposedly were not involved in my surgery) are very crooked. Several people commented that they thought I had a nose job because my nose looked so strange. Apparently, the nasal and mouth distortions are related to my nerve and muscle damage, which seems not to have improved much since my last update. Everything still slants to the right. It's especially noticeable when I chew and speak. I recently saw two neurologists -- one said it can take 18 months for those issues to resolve, the other said 2 full years. Both acknowledged that the damage might be permanent. One of the neurologists noted that my eye movements are not completely parallel (left eye lags behind). Two doctors pointed out that I also have synkinesis that is apparent when I blink. (The left side of my face and lip move upward.) Overall, I still have a hard, severe look, particularly around my eyes. Two PSs thought I had a canthopexy procedure! All I had wanted was my brows elevated a bit (was talked into the cheek procedure for "balance") -- but I never expected the problems with my eyes, nose, mouth, and lower face. Last week I had permanent filler placed in my cheeks, and that helped to soften my look a bit. Trying to learn to accept it -- and laugh about my funny face -- but I am extremely disappointed.

We'd love an update on how you're doing now! Photos would be incredible, too, if you're comfortable posting them. They help others in the community so much.

I truly hope your issues have resolved and you're now feeling this was worth it.

You are not far enough away from surgery to know what you will look like. All the things you complain about at just part of the process: it takes months for the inflammation and swelling to disappear. There are nerve endings that have to grow in to reduce numbness and asymmetry. Give it time, please, because this is a one year voyage. I did this in the past and going for another surgery 15 years later. First time I did not leave the house for a month, no activity but rest and recovery. Next time I will have a months food so I will never go out at all.

I'm sorry to hear this, Annie.
I hope you are getting better.
Though you seem quite sure about the result being bad, I hope it can still recover a bit, it seems that the cheek lift is a very traumatic procedure and its recovery time being very long.
What's exactly the problem ? Some nervous damage ? Or the tissue not being properly and symetrically pulled up ?
What have your doctor said about the result ? Has he recognized that it went wrong or not ?
Still, your family might chose less harsh words...
Good luck and keep us informed. I hope everything's going to be ok.