Boomerang-Lift Plastic-Surgery Trend: What to Know

Though more infrequently than in makeup and hair, the world of plastic surgery sees the occasional trend. In recent years, thanks to social media and the candidness of a handful of celebrities, more people are opening up about the work they’ve had done, and it’s causing the industry to boom. Everything from “buccal fat removal” to “ponytail lifts” have become more commonplace, which has opened up the doors to more information surrounding new types of procedures, such as the “boomerang lift.”

The boomerang lift is a type of facial rejuvenation that addresses volume in the face and provides some lift to the cheekbone area. This differs from a full-blown facelift, which addresses the entire face, particularly sagging around the jawline and neck.

Experts Featured in This Article

Oren Tepper, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon and director of aesthetic surgery at Montefiore Medical Center.

Glenn Jelks, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon and ophthalmologist.

What Is the Boomerang Lift?

“The boomerang lift was inspired by many years of research and work in reconstructive surgery, which showed that stem cells could be derived from one’s own fat and, if placed at the appropriate area and depth, had the ability to create foundational support and lift to facial structures,” Dr. Tepper tells PS. A boomerang lift is a nonsurgical volumizing lift, but it got its catchy name from its results. “The procedure was named the boomerang lift for its tri-aesthetic benefits due to its ability to restore and lift cheek volume in the shape of a boomerang, help boomerang back patients’ appearance 10-15 years, and quickly boomerang back to normal life in just a few days,” Dr. Tepper says.

It can address wrinkles and depression lines in the skin from loss of volume, but it’s not the best solution for sagging skin. “Those patients with significant amounts of excess skin will require additional, more invasive procedures that involve incisions, such as a temporal lift, facelift, and neck lift,” he says.

The procedure is done under local anesthesia or light sedation and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. “The cheek is comprised of three targeted compartments that look like a boomerang,” Dr. Tepper says. “When you fill these areas using one’s own fat, you restore youthful volume, create a lifting effect, and soften the depression which occurs at the border of the lower eyelid and cheek.”

Who Is the Boomerang Lift For?

Unlike facelifts, which are recommended for those of middle age and up, Dr. Tepper says the boomerang lift is suitable for a wide age group, starting with those in their 20s. “With aging, cheek volume often decreases and dissolves,” he says. “For many younger patients, this appearance may just be their baseline anatomy. The boomerang lift offers a targeted approach to restoring the normal volume and contour of the upper cheek region.”

The Downtime of a Boomerang Lift

One of the reasons the boomerang lift got its name is because of how fast the recovery time is. Immediately post-op, you’ll need to avoid all strenuous activities and rapid facial movements, but “there are limited to no restrictions after 72 hours.” Some light bruising from the procedure can last up to a week, but you’re cleared to cover it up with makeup after just 24 hours.

“It is great for people who do not want or cannot commit to the downtime associated with more invasive procedures,” Dr. Tepper says.

Jessica Harrington is the senior beauty editor at PS, where she writes about hair, makeup, skin care, piercings, tattoos, and more. As a New York City-based writer and editor with a degree in journalism and over eight years of industry experience, she loves to interview industry experts, keep up with the latest trends, and test new products.