Cheek Tuck Surgery: An Overview

Introduction

Cheek surgery is a type of cosmetic procedure that helps rejuvenate the mid-face region by tightening and lifting the sagging tissue or skin, hollowing present in the chin and under-eye region, and deep wrinkles present in the face. This cheek tucks surgical procedure is also called a cheek lift or mid-face lift. As with an increase in age, the soft tissue and the skin present in the face will lose elasticity which results in sagging and dropping of the face. This can result in an aged appearance and can affect the self-confidence of an individual. Cheek tuck surgery helps in reversing the signs of aging by repositioning the soft tissues in the face and it creates a refreshed and youthful appearance. It is commonly performed in people above the age of 40 years. It can be done with a combination of other rejuvenation procedures like brow lifts, eyelid surgery, or facelift.

What Are the Indications of Cheek Tuck Surgery?

Cheek tuck surgery is commonly indicated in people who has moderate to severe sign of aging. The indications of cheek tuck surgery include the following:

• In case of dropping or sagging of the cheeks.

• When deep lines or wrinkles are present in the mid-face region.

• Reduction in the facial volume.

• Hollowing is present under the eyes or in the face.

• Presence of excess skin in the lower part of the face.

What Are the Contraindications of Cheek Tuck Surgery?

The contraindications of cheek tuck surgery include the following:

• People with severe health conditions like uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes, or any other heart disease are not indicated for cheek tuck surgery.

• People with the habit of smoking. Smoking can result in a reduction in the healing process and will have a high risk of complications after the surgical procedures. So people should quit smoking several weeks before the cheek tuck surgery.

• People with unrealistic expectations are contraindicated from the surgery as they may become disappointed with some results.

• Skin conditions or active skin infections like acne can increase the risk of infection.

• Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant should postpone the surgical procedure.

How Is Cheek Tuck Surgery Performed?

The duration of the surgical procedure can vary depending on the extent of the surgery and the individual patient. The recovery time after the surgery can also be different. The steps of the cheek tuck surgery procedure are as follows:

• Anesthesia - First the surgeon will administer general or local anesthesia to sedate the patient for ensuring a pain-free and comfortable procedure.

• Incisions - Small incisions are made usually within the hairline present above the ear or they can be also inside the mouth. It will give access to the underlying tissues present in the mid-face region.

• Lifting and Repositioning the Soft Tissues - The underlying soft tissue will be lifted and repositioned which will give a more youthful appearance.

• Removing Excess Skin - The excess skin tissues present in the midface region will be removed if necessary.

• Closing the Incisions - The incisions made will be closed after repositioning and removal of the skin. Surgical staples or sutures are used to close the incision site.

• Bandages - Compression garments or bandages are used around the face which helps in decreasing the swelling and also improves the healing process.

What Are the Advantages of Cheek Tuck Surgery?

Advantages of cheek tuck surgery include the following:

• The cheek tuck surgery helps in rejuvenating the face. The cheek tuck surgery helps in tightening and lifting drooped or saggy skin and will help in reducing wrinkles and hollows present in the face region or under the eyes which will help in creating a refreshed and youthful appearance.

• This surgery has a long-lasting result.

• The incisions of cheek tuck surgery are minimal, so the surgery will be with minimal scarring which is small and hidden.

• This procedure can be combined with other rejuvenation techniques like eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facelift. This helps in achieving a comprehensive rejuvenation of the face.

• This helps in increasing self-confidence by improving the appearance of the face.

• This surgical procedure has a very quick recovery time. People can go back to normal activity after one to two weeks of the procedure.

What Are the Disadvantages of Cheek Tuck Surgery?

Apart from the advantages of cheek tuck surgery, there are some potential disadvantages associated with this procedure. Some of the disadvantages include the following:

• Like most surgical procedures, cheek tuck surgery also has some risks associated with it like scarring, infection, bleeding, or complications with the anesthesia.

• Bruising or swelling is commonly associated with cheek tuck surgery and it will take several weeks to resolve this problem.

• Few patients can experience altered sensation or numbness in the mid-face region after this surgical procedure, which can be permanent or temporary.

• Some people may be disappointed after the surgical procedures if they were having any unrealistic expectations or if there is any failure during the procedure.

• Insurance does not cover most cosmetic procedures and cheek tuck surgery is usually expensive.

• Patients are advised to take rest and limit vigorous activities for a few weeks after the surgical procedure.

What Is the Prognosis of This Cheek Tuck Surgery?

The prognosis of cheek lift or cheek tuck surgery can vary depending on the individual patient. It depends on the health, the extent of the surgery, and the age of the patient. Generally, the prognosis of the cheek tuck surgery is positive and patients will have an improved appearance in the mid-face region which helps in boosting their self-confidence by bringing a youthful appearance. After the surgical procedure, some patients report swelling or discomfort. Usually, these symptoms will go away after a few weeks. All patients are instructed to follow some post-operative instructions including some prescribed medications. They are advised to avoid vigorous activities for a few weeks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cheek tuck surgery helps in reversing the sign of aging through cosmetic surgical procedures that help in lifting the sagging tissues and removing the wrinkles present in the face. It helps in creating a youthful appearance. Always consult a qualified plastic surgeon to know whether cheek tuck surgery is suitable and to avoid possible risk factors like bleeding, infection, or scarring. With proper care, most of the patients have a very good prognosis.