Information About Non-Surgical Cheek Lift Procedures in New York, NY with Top Facial Cosmetic Surgeon, Dr. Andrew Jacono.
How Do the Cheeks Age?
In a previous issue of The Oprah Magazine, Dr. Jacono discussed cheeks and how they are affected by aging.
Over time, the skin and soft tissues beneath it lose their elasticity. This is a result of a combination of factors, including decreases in collagen production and the constant pull of gravity. The face naturally loses its definition, causing hollows around the eyes, mouth, and cheeks.
“Time is the face’s greatest enemy,” says Dr. Jacono. “It doesn’t matter how good your genetics are or how comprehensive your self-care routine is. At some point, the skin sags, and the facial architecture begins to fail. Luckily, there are plenty of cosmetic treatments to stop these effects.”
The best entry-level option for aging cheeks is skincare products. Creams, lotions, and other lubricating gels are excellent at keeping the face smooth and hydrated. Consistent usage can also delay more dramatic signs of aging.
“The drug store is a great place to buy skincare products,” says Dr. Jacono. “They usually have a large array of creams that target fine wrinkles and saggy pockets.” That said, these options can only do so much. At a certain point, the face will wrinkle anyway. When this occurs, facial plastic surgeons and dermatologists recommend injectables or surgery.
Facial Fillers for Non-Surgical Cheek Lift
Facial fillers have become synonymous with self-care. Celebrities and social media influencers flaunt the benefits of these seemingly miraculous aesthetic compounds. They cite bigger lips, fuller cheeks, and fewer wrinkles.
“Dermal fillers like Volume, Perlane, and Juvéderm are great tools against aging,” says Dr. Jacono. “Usually, my younger patients use them. This is because they’re not permanent, but last a while—between 9 and 12 months. They also offer great results without the complications and recovery times of more invasive surgery.”
Usually, facial fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA). Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that acts as a joint lubricant. When placed on the face, however, it adds volume and smooths fine to moderate wrinkles. The best part about facial fillers is their versatility. They can be used in eye hollows, in the chin, on the nose, and even in the cheeks.
When inserted into the cheeks, hyaluronic acid fillers lift the area and afford it attractive, youthful plumpness. An added bonus is that, once the cheeks have been lifted, the nasolabial folds (the lines running from the nose to the corners of the mouth) become less pronounced. “This is a welcome side-effect of using fillers for the non-surgical cheek lifts,” says Dr. Jacono. “The face as a whole looks more balanced and attractive as a whole.”
Other Anti-Aging Cheek Options
As effective as facial fillers can be, Dr. Jacono notes that they aren’t the be-all-end-all of cosmetic treatments.
“The reality is that surgery can do much more than facial fillers,” says Dr. Jacono. “This is because surgical procedures directly manipulate the underlying structure. They treat muscles, tissues, and other important architectural pieces. Facial fillers, on the other hand, only treat surface-level problems.”
What’s more, surgery lasts significantly longer than facial fillers. On average, Dr. Jacono’s facelift lasts between 10 and 15 years, and in some cases even longer. Hyaluronic acid fillers require constant maintenance. Some patients may have to revisit their doctors 2 to 3 times per year. This can become costly over time.
Yet another disadvantage of dermal injectables is that they can cause what is known as “filler fatigue.” People who continuously inject hyaluronic acid and other substances will eventually see diminishing returns. This is because, over time, fillers stretch out the face, accelerating wrinkling and sagging. More and more filler is required to recreate earlier results a patient was happy with.
“Filler fatigue is an unfortunate reality for a lot of my patients,” says Dr. Jacono. “They’re frustrated with how much filler they need to look good. Most of the time, too, they end up getting surgery anyway.” So, is it a good choice to start with facial fillers and graduate to surgery, or is it better to go under the knife immediately? Only the patient can decide for themselves.
Who Is Dr. Andrew Jacono?
Dr. Andrew A. Jacono, M.D., FACS is a world-renowned specialist in minimally invasive facial rejuvenation procedures. He is an assistant clinical professor at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He is the head of facial plastic surgery at North Shore University Hospital on Long Island. He is also a fellowship director for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Dr. Jacono has been widely published in venues such as the Aesthetic Surgery Journal and the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery. He has been featured on Good Morning America, Anderson, CNN, USA Today, Parade, and Newsweek.
Dr. Jacono’s television series, Facing Trauma, appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Network. He is a senior advisor to FACE TO FACE, a nonprofit organization that provides pro bono surgery to domestic violence victims. He is also a volunteer surgeon for Healing the Children and embarks on medical missions to developing countries annually.
