Is it advisable to have cheekbone implants done before a facelift?

Question

I have been thinking about getting cheek implants (submalar/ possibly malar as well) placed to address the flatness I have from the front. In the past I have tried both filler and fat transfer to this area but I’m still not satisfied with the result. I know that in the near future I will also likely need a midface lift, and due to cost reasons/opting to use two different surgeons I will not be able to undergo both procedures at once. Is there a difference if I get the facelift versus cheekbone

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Whether to undergo cheek implants before or after a facelift depends on your priorities and the changes you want to see first. Cheek implants—whether malar or submalar—primarily add projection and structure to the midface, while a facelift focuses more on lifting and tightening sagging tissues.

If flatness or lack of contour is your main concern, cheek implants can address that directly and create a foundation for later lifting procedures. On the other hand, if skin laxity and tissue descent are your dominant issues, a facelift might be more impactful initially. In many cases, surgeons prefer to place implants before a facelift, as this allows the facelift to be tailored around the new underlying structure.

Ultimately, both procedures target different aspects of midface rejuvenation, and the ideal sequencing should be guided by your anatomy, goals, and your surgeon’s experience.

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

Cheek implant augmentation can be done at the time of the facelift surgery and before. Many surgeons place them at the same time as the other procedures.  Since you already like the look of full cheeks, I would recommend that you proceed with cheek augmentation. This may defer the need for a midface lift or facelift for several years.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It would be in your best interest to address these issue on the basis of in person or teleconference consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in facial implants and periorbital rejuvenation. Good luck.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Much more information is needed, such as your age, and a full set of facial photographs from all angles to make a determination about being a candidate for two surgical procedures. Facelift and cheek implants can be performed simultaneously under one anesthesia with one recovery.

Thanapoom Boonipat, MD · Answer

The exposure is similar so if you do it at the same time, that will be much easier for the surgeon actually. You need a surgeon familiar with both craniofacial surgery and facelifts. Such a surgeon will be able to offer you both at the same time, which should help address the volume issues and also the skin part.

Is it advisable to have cheekbone implants done before a facelift?

Answers (5)