A high-quality cheek lift has the potential to add volume and heft to the cheeks that may have been left over time due to the natural processes of aging or other sources. Because of its ability to restore these desirable elements of the face, this procedure has become quite popular in recent years. But what is the recovery time for a cheek lift?

Like any serious medical procedure, it pays to stay on top of what the preparatory and recovery periods will look like for your operation. This can help you be more prepared in general and increase the overall chance of success.

What Is the Recovery Time for a Cheek Lift?

If you have a cheek lift planned, take a look at this guide that describes what to expect from your recovery period.

What Happens During a Cheek Lift?

A cheek lift, or a midface lift, as it’s also known, is a type of cosmetic procedure that lifts and supports the cheeks and the surrounding areas of the face. It is one of the most commonly requested types of facelifts that are requested from plastic surgeons.

In general, a cheek lift is prized for its ability to make a patient look younger with smoother skin. Depending on the medical profile of the patient, there’s a chance that this type of procedure can be effectively combined with other types of plastic surgery procedures, such as a brow lift or lower facelift.

Who Makes a Good Candidate for a Cheek Lift?

Before you receive any actual treatment, you’ll undergo a physical examination from your physician, determining whether or not you’re medically qualified to receive treatment. You should be approved, with special attention paid to the following factors:

• You don’t have a chronic medical condition that interferes with your body’s ability to heal after surgery
• You are not a current tobacco smoker
• You are generally in good physical health
• You have a realistic set of expectations surrounding the procedure
• You’re currently unhappy with your cheeks and the middle area of your face

The most common age group for people to seek this treatment out is individuals in between the age of 40 and 50. However, the treatment can be beneficial for anyone who is unhappy with the appearance of their cheeks.

How Do I Prepare for a Cheek Lift?

Prior to receiving any treatment, you should look into the qualifications of the physician that you’re selecting and ensure that they are board-certified by the ABPS (American Board of Plastic Surgery). This can help you ensure that your procedure is in the hands of a consummate professional that has been vetted by a board of their peers.

Beyond that step, there are several other steps that you can take in order to fully prepare yourself for your procedure and ensure that things go as they should. This includes fielding the following questions from your medical professional:

• What is your reason for seeking out a cheek lift treatment?
• Have you had any plastic surgery done before?
• What are your expectations surrounding the procedure?
• Have you had any negative experiences with surgery in the past?
• Are you currently taking any prescription or non-prescription medications?

What is The Recovery Time For a Cheek Lift?

The typical recovery period for a cheek lift is anywhere from seven to 10 days. Everyone’s body will heal at a different rate, so you shouldn’t necessarily be alarmed if your own takes longer or shorter than this.

The first couple of days following the procedure are generally the most uncomfortable. Some of the symptoms you may experience include the following:

• Swelling and bruising
• Pain and soreness
• Light bleeding in the incision site

Some of the above symptoms can be treated quite rudimentarily by applying an ice pack to the inflamed site for the first day or two. In general, you should also avoid engaging in any overly strenuous physical activity for the first couple of weeks following your procedure.

The swelling that you experience following a cheek lift has the potential to last for some time and, in some cases, can last as long as six weeks. As always, you should follow your physician’s instructions to the letter during this difficult period. In addition, you should keep your eyes out for the following symptoms, which may indicate a medical emergency:

• Extreme swelling
• Fever
• Extreme pain
• Bleeding
• Removed sutures

The Top Plastic Surgeon in Beverly Hills

Dr. Brent Moelleken is a widely regarded double board-certified plastic surgeon operating in Southern California. If you’re curious whether or not a cheek lift would benefit you and your appearance, contact our office today to schedule a consultation and start looking your best today.