Will My Face Look Different After a Sinus Lift?
By Dr. Eastwood – Summerbrook Dental & Implants, Fort Worth, TX
A question I often hear is, “Will my face look different after a sinus lift?” The short answer is no—your face should not look noticeably different after the procedure. A sinus lift is designed to build up bone in the upper jaw to prepare for dental implants. The changes happen inside the jaw, not in the visible parts of your face.
When teeth are missing in the upper back jaw, the bone in that area can shrink over time. This not only makes implants harder to place, but it can also cause the cheeks to look slightly sunken. A sinus lift adds bone beneath the sinus, creating a strong foundation for implants. While this does not change your outward appearance, it helps restore the natural support for your teeth and jaw over time.
Right after surgery, you may notice mild swelling or puffiness in your cheeks or under your eyes. Some patients also see light bruising. These are normal side effects and usually fade within a week or two. Once healing is complete, your face will look just like it did before surgery.
In fact, the long-term effect of a sinus lift is often positive. By giving implants the bone support they need, your face keeps a fuller, healthier shape compared to wearing dentures or leaving the space empty. This helps prevent the sunken look that can come from ongoing bone loss.
At Summerbrook Dental & Implants, I use advanced 3D imaging, zero bone loss principles, and custom healing abutments to plan sinus lifts carefully and protect both gum and bone tissue. For comfort, we also offer oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia with an MD anesthesiologist.
And please know—my office is a no judgment zone. Many patients come to me after years of missing teeth or struggling with dentures. My role is not to lecture, but to help you move forward with a safe, predictable plan.
So, will your face look different after a sinus lift? Other than short-term swelling, no. The procedure is done to strengthen your jaw, not change your appearance. If anything, it helps preserve your natural look by keeping your bone healthy. To learn more, schedule a consultation at Summerbrook Dental & Implants in Fort Worth.