Cheek lift, or mid face lift, is a cosmetic procedure performed to enhance the appearance of the mid face region. It can improve the appearance by removing the sagging skin from the cheeks and regions below the lower eyelid. It also tightens the facial muscles, removing the age-related wrinkles and crease lines. It can also help to correct the elongation between the upper lip and nose. But, this procedure is accompanied by certain side effects, just like other cosmetic procedures.

Swelling

Soon after the surgery, you will experience minor to mild pain for which the surgeon will prescribe a pain killer. At times, swelling occurs very rapidly, causing an alarm. The degree of swelling varies from person to person. Swelling is a natural reaction of the body to an injury. This swelling will usually subside as the injury heals. The swelling might get reduced within a few days, or it may take several weeks depending on the degree of swelling.

Numbness

Soon after cheek lift surgery, you will feel swollen and numb cheeks with little pain. Keeping your head in an elevated position and having cold compresses in periodic intervals for the first few days will help to reduce this numbness. Numbness in the upper lip can also be experienced in rare cases. This will get resolved naturally in due course of time.

Bruising

Like swelling, bruising is also a natural reaction of the body to the injury. This bruising can be noticed more during the first few days of cheek lift surgery. Bruises around the eye region look more pronounced. These bruises may start to fade away within a couple of weeks, but entire healing may take a few months. Medications like Ibuprofen, Aspirin or vitamin E may worsen the bruises, and hence should be avoided.

Scarring

Scars of the cheek lift may remain pink for several months, and they'll slowly turn to a less noticeable color. Exposure to sun may increase the redness of the skin and can cause a permanent discoloration if adequate care is not taken.

Infection

Antibiotic treatment should be taken regularly to control the infection after the surgery. Good oral hygiene will also help you to prevent infections and prompt the sutures to dissolve without any additional side effects. Infection can also occur in the cheek augmentation procedure of cheek lift surgery. Though inert material, like silicone, is used as implants, sometimes you may develop an infection from these implants. Implants need to be removed if the infection becomes severe.

Word of Caution

Due to these side effects, it becomes important to be prepared to face any or all of these complications when you undergo this cheek lift procedure. Select a good and experienced plastic surgeon if you decide to have one. Discuss and gather all related information from the surgeon so that the correct type of cheek lift procedure can be decided for your condition. If you are still not sure of the safety, you can always try alternative methodsﾠfor cheek lifting.