Why do so many post-facelift patients have an indentation on the upper mid-cheek and strange jawline skin?

The key is to select a Board certified Plastic surgeon who is a true expert in facelifting and understands your specific facial aging and anatomy .  The overdone, over pulled look with indentations is commonly seen with inadequate skin and SMAS release and vector reshaping in the midcheek.   This is prevented by proper mid face and neck reshaping and vectoring of the skin in a different direction from the SMAS .    The role of Fat augmentation is a key part of modern facelifting as well .  Make sure you see the surgeons patients photos with and without animation !

Often the after photos may appear shiny because the skin is dream smooth and the person is wearing makeup. I don’t know what you are referring to as a dent in the cheek but could be an indication that the dissection ended at that spot but that’s just a guess.

Contour irregularities and pulling the tissues in an unnatural position, along with poorly located incisions are understandably concerns for every prospective facelift patient. I would see a surgeon that has numerous before/afters, as well as patient testimonials that can deliver consistently excellent results.