The Superficial Subciliary Cheek Lift, A Technique for Rejuvenating the Infraorbital Region and Nasojugal Groove: A Clinical Series of 71 Patients

Abstract

The superficial subciliary cheek lift is an aesthetic operation to rejuvenate the infraorbital region and midface. It smoothes and rejuvenates the nasojugal groove, the nasolabial fold, and cheekpad with a direct pull upward. This technique is a technically straightforward procedure that does not involve dissection at a subperiosteal level, endoscopic equipment, a formal canthotomy, or drill fixation. It does not produce superior displacement of the lateral canthus. The entire operation is performed through an extended subciliary incision. Fixation is accomplished to the intermediate temporal fascia just lateral to the lateral orbital rim. No reliance is placed on the lower eyelid for tightening the midface region. The superficial subciliary cheek lift can be performed as a separate operation or in conjunction with a face lift. It is an aesthetic procedure that is an adjunct to a subciliary lower blepharoplasty when rejuvenation of the upper midface and nasojugal area is also required. A series of 71 patients is presented, with excellent 6-month to 3-year results and an acceptably low complication rate. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 104: 1863, 1999.)