Is There a Way to Lift the Cheeks Vertically Rather Than Horizontally?

Cheek Lift Can be Performed through Lower Lid
The answer is YES. Using a lower lid, blepharoplasty approach, the cheek fat ("SOOF") can be advanced and attached to the fibrous tissue on the lower orbit bone (called periosteum). This tends to improve the cheek fullness and the hollowing that occurs in many lower lids. This procedure is called a cheek lift or midface lift.

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan. It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Thank you for your question. The mid-face region roughly correlates with the area between the lower eyelid and the corner of the mouth. You are correct to suggest that a more vertical vector of lifting is preferred in the mid-facial region as compared with the lower facial region. A mid-face lift, sometimes referred to as a cheek lift, can help to restore fullness to the mid-face by vertically repositioning the soft tissue of the cheek to a higher, more youthful position on the cheek bone. At the same time, lower eyelid appearance is often improved as the repositioned cheek tissue is more favorably redraped over the lower orbital rim, minimizing the unfavorable hollow appearance of the lower eye region. A well performed mid-face lift can be a powerful method for facial rejuvenation. Learn more about this procedure on our site. Warm regards.

Hi,

You are exactly right in what happens as we get older.  In a youthful face, you can't tell where the eyelid ends and the cheek begins.  Personally, I think adding volume to the under eye area and upper cheeks will help get you where you want to be.

This can be done with Restylane, Juvederm, and even fat transfer.

Best,

Nima Shemirani

Great question. What you are describing is a midface lift. In this procedure, small incisions are made on each side inside the upper lip, above the gumline which sits just below the cheek. A second tiny incision is made behind the hairline in each temple. The soft tissue of the cheek is freed up from the underlying cheek bone and it is suspended with the use of a dissolvable device called an Endotine. The vector of the lift is predominantly vertical in direction.

This midface lift can yield excellent, natural looking results as a stand-alone procedure or can be done in conjunction with facelift, eyelid surgery, or fat transfer. Midface descent is an often undertreated and unrecognized issue. I occasionally see patients who come to me after having had a prior lower facelift or necklift from another surgeon and they exhibit a Nike "Swoosh" look on the cheeks, with the jawline being tight but the midface sagging. 

Seek a consultation with a facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon to determine if you would be a good candidate for this procedure. 

Best Regards,

Dr. Mehta