Can My Deepened Nasolabial Folds After Cheek Implant Removal Be Improved By A Midface Lift?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am writing to inquire about a potential reconstructive surgery to reposition soft tissue and fat on my face, which has become displaced following cheek implant removal.

To provide some context, I previously had cheek implants, which involved creating pockets that required the dissection of the attachments to my soft tissue and fat from the bone. When the implants were removed six months later in 2016, the tissues were not sutured or reattached, leading to significant sliding, sagging and displacement of my facial soft tissue and fat. I went on to have a mid-face lift with another surgeon in 2019, who recommended remedying this. I loved the result (I no longer need or wish for implants). The procedure worked wonderfully to give me a side projection in my profile. It, however, did little to address the heavy nasio-labial folds or any of the soft tissue descent in the front of my face. I accepted these changes and moved on while secretly hoping one day I could put my soft tissue back where it slid from. I came across your blog and read about soft tissue resuspension, and I am very interested! I’m crossing my fingers that you can provide this. There is very little info or doctors who understand or offer this reconstructive need. I am grateful I came across your page and hopeful that you may be able to help me resolve this after so many years.

Thank you very much for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you

A:I think after having a midface lift you have maximized whatever amount of soft tissue reposiitioning that can be achieved. The change in the nasolabial folds is not really reversible  and, in theory, was also what a midface lift was designed to effect. (which it really can’t) There is no otehr procedure that can.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon