Cheek Lifting is a popular facial rejuvenation procedure in Korea that elevates sagging cheek tissues, restores youthful fullness, and redefines the midface contour. This lift targets the flattened or heavy appearance that develops when the cheek fat pads descend with age, creating deeper smile lines, lower-face heaviness, and a tired overall expression.

Cheek lifting restores natural height and volume to the midface for a brighter, more refreshed appearance.

What Is Cheek Lifting?

Cheek Lifting focuses on correcting:

• Flattened or sagging cheeks
• Loss of youthful cheek volume
• Deep smile lines (nasolabial folds)
• Early jowls from midface descent
• Heaviness around the mouth
• Tired or sunken midface appearance

Because aging begins in the midface, lifting this area provides some of the most dramatic and natural rejuvenation results.

How Cheek Lifting Works

Cheek lifting repositions the cheek fat pads and tightens deeper layers for long-lasting rejuvenation. The process typically includes:

1. Elevation of the Cheek Fat Pads

The malar fat pads are lifted back to their youthful position.

2. Tightening of the SMAS Layer

The supportive deep layer is reinforced to prevent sagging from returning.

3. Midface Recontouring

The area between the lower eyelid and upper lip is smoothed and lifted.

4. Optional Micro-Fat Grafting

Adds natural volume to areas needing additional fullness.

5. Skin Redraping

Skin gently conforms to the lifted structure without tension or puffiness.

This multi-layer approach restores cheek height and a youthful three-dimensional contour.

Cheek Lifting Treatment Options

1. Midface Lift

Most effective for sagging cheeks and deeper folds.

2. SMAS Facelift

Provides broader lift to both midface and lower face.

3. Endoscopic Midface Lift

Minimally invasive option with hidden incisions and faster recovery.

4. Thread Lifting

Suitable for mild cheek descent; offers subtle lift.

5. Elasticum (Elastic Band Lift)

Stronger, minimally invasive lifting for heavier midface sagging.

6. Micro-Fat or Nano-Fat Grafting

Restores volume and improves skin quality.

Many patients combine lifting with light volume for the most natural result.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Cheek Lifting is ideal for people with:

• Drooping or flattened cheeks
• Deep smile lines
• Early jowls
• Tired or aged midface appearance
• Loss of cheek definition
• Minimal improvement from fillers
• Desire for natural, youthful fullness

Suitable for individuals in their late 20s to 60s depending on anatomy and severity.

Expected Results

Cheek Lifting provides:

• Elevated, youthful cheek contour
• Softer, smoother smile lines
• More defined midface structure
• Brighter, refreshed facial expression
• Improved overall facial proportions
• Long-lasting rejuvenation without excessive volume

Results look subtle, natural, and age-appropriate.

Recovery Timeline

Recovery depends on the technique:

Surgical Lifting

• Days 1–3: Swelling, tightness, mild bruising
• 1 week: Stitches removed
• 2–3 weeks: Visible improvement in cheek height
• 1–2 months: Final, refined contour

Thread Lift

• 0–2 days: Mild swelling
• 1–3 weeks: Threads settle and lift becomes more visible

Fat Grafting

• 1 week: Swelling decreases
• 1–3 months: Volume integrates naturally

Cheek Lifting vs. Cheek Fillers

Cheek Fillers

• Add volume but do not lift tissue
• Risk of looking overly full or puffy
• Shorter duration

Cheek Lifting

• Corrects sagging at the structural level
• Restores natural cheek height
• Longer-lasting and more natural

Lifting is ideal for sagging cheeks; fillers are best for minor contour enhancement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will cheek lifting make me look different?
No—it restores youthful cheek height while preserving your natural features.

Is it painful?
Discomfort is mild and manageable; endoscopic and thread options have quick recovery.

Can it be combined with other treatments?
Yes—commonly paired with lower face lifting, fat grafting, or eyelid surgery for full-face rejuvenation.

How long does it last?
Surgical cheek lifting lasts many years; thread lifts last 12–24 months.