As the face ages there is increased laxity and sagging of the soft tissues of the face. In the mid-face this results in exaggeration of the nasolabial folds or the “parenthesis” around the mouth due to descent of the cheeks. A mid face lift tightens and repositions to cheek to restore the natural youthful fullness of the cheeks, diminishes lower eyelid fullness, and reduces the folds around the cheeks and mouth.
A midface can be performed alone or most commonly alongside lower eyelid surgery or brow lifting surgery.
Who is a candidate for a midface lift?
A midface lift is great for patients who have started to notice bags beneath their eyes and heaviness of the folds around their nose and mouth. The average age range for someone undergoing a mid-face lift is 40-70 years old. Important factors include:
- you are physically healthy
- you have a positive outlook and realistic goals for what can be accomplished through surgery
What are my treatment options?
There are several ways to lift the midface. The decision as to which one works best for you depends on your goals as well as your unique anatomy. A detailed discussion with your surgeon is necessary to determine the best approach for you.
- Trans-eyelid approach – often performed in conjunction with a lower eyelid blepharoplasty, the cheeks are accessed by an incision placed on the back side of the lower eyelids “transconjunctival” (add link to lower lid blepharoplasty). The cheeks are then mobilized and resuspended to their natural, youthful position.
- Endoscopic – small incisions are placed in the temple region of the scalp which are camouflaged by the hair. Using these incisions, cameras and endoscopic instruments are used to tunnel down to the cheeks. Then the cheeks are mobilized and elevated to restore their natural position.
What are the risks?
It is important to have a detailed discussion on the risks associated with surgery as they can vary between the type of brow surgery performed.
In general the risks include: anesthesia risk, bleeding, infection, inflammation, scarring, changes in skin sensation, possible need for additional surgery.
It’s important that you address all your questions directly with your surgeon.
What can be expected afterwards?
In general initial wound healing may take 10 to 14 days. Sutures or surgical clips will be removed when deemed appropriate by your surgeon.
Most patients return to work after 10 to 14 days. Additional healing will continue over the course of several weeks as the swelling subsides and incision lines continue to heal.
It may take several months for you to completely recover from surgery.
Following your physician’s instructions is essential to the success of your surgery.
Why choose an Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon?
Oculofacial plastic surgeons are the only type of surgeons that have training in both surgery of the eyes and soft tissues of the face. When having procedures performed around your eyes the utmost care must be taken in order to preserve the delicate function of the eyes and their surrounding tissues. There are both aesthetic and functional implications. That is why we recommend having your surgery performed by an expert – an Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon.