Will having cheek implants make a deep plane facelift more challenging? Will I be at risk for complications?

Hi, greetings from Istanbul, Turkey! Since cheek implants are placed directly on the cheekbones, they are located rather deep. While deep plane facelifts are named "deep", they involve the upper layers of the skin. I do not expect cheek implants to create a significant risk of complication, but you should definitely discuss this with your surgeon and get a thorough assessment. Hope this helps, best of luck!

Good morning from Washington DC,
That's a great question! Cheek implants are typically placed directly on the bone (subperiosteal plane) and much deeper than the area where the deep plane dissection is performed. The surgery should not be more difficult and your risk for complications is the same. I hope that helps! I wish you all the best!
Dr. SitaparaChevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery

thank you for posting this question. In short, any previously performed surgery or treatment will have more or less an influence onto facelift surgery. If your cheek implants have been placed directly over your cheek bones, the "deep plane" of the facelift is above. Cheek implants can be placed from inside the mouth, where the overlying tissue is not touched. This approach would work in your favor for your future facelift surgery. Any cheek implant that has been placed more superficial or a previous surgical approach required more soft tissue dissection will have an impact to some degree. It is best to have your case discussed with a board certified plastic surgeon who is familiar with both. I hope this helps.

I’ve done many facelifts on patients with idiot cheek implants with no problems. This won’t be a challenge for an experienced surgeon.

The simple answer is yes. There are a variety of procedures that are called “facelifts.” A well performed facelift which elevates and supports the deeper tissue of the face called the SMAS as well as removing the excess loose skin and adding appropriate amounts of volume to deficient areas of hollows and depressions not only turns back the clock, but also slow the aging process. However, the clock keeps ticking.

What is more important than the specific technique is the experience and artistry of the plastic surgeon. Some surgeons claim that “Deep Plane Facelifts” last longer, but there is no valid scientific evidence to support those claims.
I would suggest your plastic surgeon be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with who has all of the modalities of treatment available. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person. Facial rejuvenation needs to be individualized. What would be an ideal approach for one patient is not necessarily the same for someone else. Based on the examination and discussion at the consultation, you should have a better understanding of the various options that can achieve the best cosmetic result for you.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California

As long as the implant is placed directly over the bone and are placed in the right position, and your surgeon is the right plane of dissection during the facelift procedure, there shouldn't be any complications. Study your prospective surgeon's before-and-after facelift photo Gallery to make sure that there are lots of results that look very natural