As you age, your cheeks naturally lose volume and begin to descend, creating a flatter appearance through the midface. This loss of support can also make under-eye hollows and nasolabial folds more noticeable, leaving you looking tired even when you feel your best.
At The Art of Plastic Surgery in Chicago, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Wiener offers both surgical and non-surgical solutions to restore youthful facial contours. Understanding the differences between a mid-facelift and dermal fillers can help you choose the treatment that best fits your goals.
How Fillers Restore Lost Volume
Dermal fillers are an excellent option if you’re experiencing mild to moderate volume loss. Hyaluronic acid fillers are strategically injected into the cheeks to restore fullness, soften facial folds, and improve facial balance. Treatment is performed in the office with little to no downtime, making fillers a convenient choice for patients seeking subtle enhancement.
However, fillers add volume—they do not reposition tissues that have descended over time. If sagging is contributing to your hollow cheeks, adding more filler may not produce the most natural-looking result.
When a Mid-Facelift May Be the Better Choice
A mid-facelift addresses the underlying structural changes that occur with aging. Rather than simply replacing lost volume, the procedure lifts and repositions the malar fat pads—the natural cheek tissue that has shifted downward over time. This restores youthful cheek contours while improving the transition between the lower eyelids and upper cheeks.
A mid-facelift may also soften nasolabial folds and reduce the appearance of under-eye hollows by restoring support where it has been lost. Because the procedure corrects the position of the tissues themselves, the results are typically longer-lasting than injectable treatments.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
The answer depends on what’s causing your hollow cheeks. If volume loss is your primary concern and your skin remains relatively firm, fillers may provide excellent improvement. If your cheeks have descended and you’re noticing early facial sagging or under-eye changes, a mid-facelift may offer a more comprehensive solution.
In some cases, the best outcome comes from combining treatments. A mid-facelift can restore youthful facial structure, while carefully placed fillers can refine contours or replace volume that naturally diminishes with age.
Schedule Your Consultation in Chicago
Choosing between fillers and a mid-facelift isn’t about selecting the newest treatment—it’s about selecting the right one for your anatomy and aesthetic goals. Dr. Gregory Wiener uses his extensive experience in facial rejuvenation to develop personalized treatment plans that prioritize natural-looking, balanced results.
Call 773-763-3990 to contact The Art of Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation and learn which approach is right for you.