Cheek "lumps" when I smile. Can you please tell me what I need to do to get rid of these lumps that form with a smile? (photo)

Question

I had a lower face lift 8 years ago and take very good care of my skin. About 2 years ago I noticed an issue and it is getting worse. The problem is that when I smile, I have these lumps / bumps on the side of my mouth, particularly on the left side. I have never had fillers placed in this area nor do I sleep on my side. Also, I have been told that I do not need another face-lift at this time. Can you please tell me what I need to do to get rid of these lumps that form with a smile? Thank you!

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello juleiCheek implants add fullness and contour to cheeks that lack definition. People who have weak cheek structure, a narrow or flat face, or who have lost cheek contour due to the effects of age can benefit cheek augmentation. Fillers such as Juvederm Voluma, Radiesse and RestylaneLyft are great alternatives to cheek implants, also fat transfer or injection can be done.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Fillers can be used to camouflage this. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi, I have performed many facial shaping procedures using dermal fillers, facial implants (cheek, chin), liposuction and/or facelifts for over 30 years.  Have you ever had silicone or another permanent filler placed in the lower eye or cheek area on that side of the face?  Fat injections?  Suspension threads (thread lift) or sutures?  A typical facelift shouldn't result in those types of lumps years later.  An in person examination would need to be done to ascertain what formed these lumps and what can done to reduce their appearance. I have performed many SMAS facelifts for over 30 years and have performed many minimally, invasive SMAS facelifts.  "Jowls” are sagging facial tissues and the main indication for some form of a SMAS facelift.  The underlying SMAS layer, of the face, must be dissected, lifted, trimmed and re-sutured (not merely folded or suspended with threads or sutures that will not last).  The excess skin is then removed and the facelift incisions closed.
 My most popular SMAS facelift is the minimally invasive, short incision SMAS facelift that has all the benefits of more invasive facelifts (traditional, mid-face, deep plane, cheek lift and subperiosteal facelifts) but with these added benefits:
very small incisions and no incisions extend or are placed within the hair.
minimal tissue dissection = less bruising and swelling = rapid recovery ( several days instead of weeks or months with the more invasive type facelifts mentioned)
can be performed in 90 minutes or less, with or without general anesthesia
proper SMAS Imbrication technique
no incisions within the hair = no hair loss
excess fat can be removed from the face and neck
excess skin removed from the face and neck
cheeks, chin and jaw line can be augmented with dermal fillers (I prefer Restylane Lyft) or facial implants
most patients fly back home to parts all over the world in as little as 3 days post-op
 I combine facial shaping with every facelift procedure.  When jowls are present, these should be done in concert and not alone or separately in order to create a naturally, more attractive face.  Following my beauty principles, women look the most feminine, youthful and attractive with heart shaped faces.  Heart shaped faces have cheeks that are full and round in the front.  When the front portion of the cheeks are flat or concave, cheek augmentation with a dermal filler or using silastic cheek implants (for a permanent enhancement) will create full, round cheeks that will feminize the entire face.
Hope this helps.

Cheek "lumps" when I smile. Can you please tell me what I need to do to get rid of these lumps that form with a smile? (photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Cheek Fillers

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Cheek "lumps" when I smile. Can you please tell me what I need to do to get rid of these lumps that form with a smile? (photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Cheek Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.