Depressions after a mini facelift with C02. Would a cheek lift help? (Photos)

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin - Winnetka & Chicago. This is a great question. A cheek lift could help, depending on exactly where the depressions are and what’s causing them. If the issue is more about soft tissue descent or laxity that wasn’t fully addressed by the mini lift, then a more focused midface lift might offer some structural improvement. However, if the problem is mostly volume-related—not just sagging—then another round of fat grafting or strategic filler placement may still be your best option. In some patients, subtle, repeated treatments work better than one large intervention, especially when the goal is maintaining softness and volume over time. For skin quality, if CO2 gave you a short-lived boost, Morpheus8 or RF microneedling could be worth trying for collagen stimulation that’s less aggressive but builds over multiple sessions. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Subcision, which I have been performing for thirty years, works well for elevating and smoothing all kinds of depressions and can long-term to permanent benefits. HA filler can be additionally employed to for further improvement and for its properties to enhance new collagen and elastic fiber synthesis. You would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and best of luck..

Thank you for sharing your experience and concerns. Post-procedure depressions following a mini facelift and CO2 laser treatment can be challenging, and it's understandable to seek further solutions. Here are some considerations for addressing these issues:

Causes of Depressions:
Volume Loss: It's possible that volume loss in the mid-face area is contributing to the appearance of depressions. Fat transfer can temporarily restore volume, but results may diminish over time if the fat does not fully integrate.
Skin Texture and Elasticity: CO2 laser treatment can improve skin texture, but changes in skin elasticity over time can lead to visible depressions.

Potential Treatments:
Cheek or Mid-Face Lift: A cheek lift can reposition the soft tissues of the mid-face, potentially improving the appearance of depressions by elevating and tightening the area. This can provide more lasting results compared to temporary fillers or fat transfer.
Dermal Fillers: Hyaluronic acid fillers can be a less invasive option to restore volume and smooth out depressions. They offer immediate results with minimal downtime.
Sculptra or Radiesse: These injectables stimulate collagen production, which can help improve skin texture and fullness over time.
Skin Resurfacing Treatments: Additional laser treatments or microneedling with radiofrequency can enhance skin texture and stimulate collagen production, potentially reducing the appearance of depressions.

Consultation:
Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist is crucial to assess your specific needs and determine the most appropriate treatment plan. They can evaluate the underlying causes of the depressions and recommend the best course of action based on your individual anatomy and previous procedures.

It's important to have a thorough discussion with your provider about your aesthetic goals and the potential outcomes of any additional procedures. This will help ensure that you achieve the best possible results tailored to your needs.