A Mini Cheek Lift Might Be the Answer to a Fresher Face

While a facelift is often the answer to turning back the clock on your entire face, not everyone wants or needs that level of rejuvenation. Some patients notice aging is accelerated in certain places like their neck, hands or cheeks. The solution to sagging cheeks and undefined contours? The mini cheek lift, also known as an endoscopic mid-facelift. Hear what experts have to say on the procedure that’s getting a lot of attention lately.

Featured experts

• Konstantin Vasyukevich, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York
• Dr. Lee Ann Klausner is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in New York
• Michael Bassiri-Tehrani, MD is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in New York

What is a mini cheek lift?

A mini cheek lift, also referred to as an endoscopic mid-facelift, is “designed to lift the cheek fat compartment and restore it to a ‘high cheekbone’ position. A small incision is made in the hairline, just large enough to insert an endoscope (a small medical camera), allowing the surgeon to perform a deep-plane lift beneath the tissue without disturbing nerves or blood vessels,” says New York facial plastic surgeon Michael Bassiri-Tehrani, MD. “This technique softens the nasolabial folds and provides more lasting results than thread lifts or fillers.”

New York plastic surgeon Konstantin Vasyukevich, MD notes that a mini cheek lift is often done in conjunction with a brow lift. Dr. Bassiri-Tehrani adds that it also pairs well with upper or lower eyelid procedures to create a more complete rejuvenation of the upper two-thirds of the face.

The benefits of a mini cheek lift

“The procedure helps improve the appearance of sagging in the mid-face by lifting the cheek,” says Dr. Vasyukevich. It can help restore youthful volume and contour to cheeks and soften the appearance of nasolabial folds, says Dr. Bassiri-Tehrani. “Unlike filler, which only adds volume, this procedure actually lifts the tissue, creating a more natural and long-lasting result,” he adds. “The deep-plane approach also avoids the surface irregularities and puffiness that can result from overfilling. Additionally, this procedure can support the lower eyelid area and reduce the risk of complications when performed with eyelid surgery.” New York facial plastic surgeon Dr. Lee Ann Klausner also notes that “scars are hidden in the hairline and therefore less noticeable.”

Good candidates for a mini cheek lift

“Ideal candidates are typically in their late 30s to 50s, beginning to notice facial aging in the midface, such as cheek deflation, flatness or deepening smile lines. Many have used cheek fillers in the past but are now seeking a more natural, permanent solution that lifts rather than adds volume,” says Dr. Bassari.

Dr. Klausner notes that a mini cheek lift is a great option for a patient in their 40s to early 50s with focal sagging in the cheeks and not as much in their jowls and neck. “This procedure is best suited for patients whose primary concern is drooping in the cheek area,” says Dr. Vasyukevich. He notes that if patients are also looking to address jawline and neck concerns in addition to the cheek, they’re better served with a deep plane facelift and neck lift.

What is the recovery like?

“Most patients take pain medication for two to three days following the procedure. Sutures are usually removed after one week, and light activity can resume shortly after,” says Dr. Bassiri-Tehrani. “Most swelling and bruising subside within seven to 10 days, allowing patients to return to normal social activities within one to two weeks.”