As we age, the signs of aging set in, and our once-youthful facial appearances begin to droop and sag. These changes can be difficult to cope with and take a large toll on one’s self-esteem. Thankfully, cosmetic surgery procedures like a midface lift, also called a cheek lift, allow patients to regain the soft, supple look that had been lost. This cosmetic surgery enhances the midface area by lifting and repositioning the cheeks to reduce the appearance of sagging and wrinkles. This procedure can offer transformative results, but it is important to know if you are well suited to the surgery before moving forward with it. Today, we answer the question, “Who is the ideal candidate for a midface lift?” to help you determine if the procedure is right for you.
What Is a Midface Lift?
A midface lift improves the signs of aging by targeting the midface area. It provides rejuvenation by lifting and smoothing your cheeks and the surrounding areas of your face. Prospective midface lift patients should note that a midface lift does not address any visible aging in your upper eyelids and brow, nor does it correct any drooping relative to your lower jaw, throat, or neckline. If these are areas of concern for you, there are separate procedures you can discuss with your plastic surgeon that will help improve those areas.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for a Midface Lift?
Your surgeon will determine if a midface lift is the right procedure for you. They will gather relevant information and perform necessary tests and assessments to make their determination. A few factors your physician will take into consideration are whether:
- You are in good physical health.
- You have realistic expectations.
- The skin below your eyes appears hollow or baggy.
- Your cheeks appear heavy or begin to sag.
- You do not smoke or are able to quit smoking for up to 12 weeks (six weeks prior to the procedure and six weeks following).
Age is also a significant factor to consider when deciding on a midface lift. Those who benefit the most from a midface lift are often in their 40s to 60s. During these years, the visual signs of aging, such as volume loss in the midface region, sagging skin, and deepening wrinkles, become more prominent. People with such complications often seek to correct these issues with a midface lift.
The Procedure
After you have undergone all required testing and assessments, your doctor has evaluated all the data and information, and it has been determined you are an ideal candidate for a midface lift, you may wonder what the exact procedure for a midface lift entails.
A midface lift is considered a relatively complex surgical procedure. The midface contains a web of intricate muscle and tissue structures. As such, a high level of skill and detailed knowledge of the facial structure is required.
During the procedure, your surgeon will carefully dissect an average of three facial layers and several muscles. This dissection requires extensive knowledge and experience to perform successfully. When choosing a cosmetic surgeon, it is highly advised that you seek one with extensive experience in facial plastic surgery. In your consultations, you would benefit from asking the following.
- What board certifications do you have?
- Do you operate in an accredited surgical facility?
- Do you have hospital privileges?
- What credentials are required of your surgical staff?
- What is your experience with midface lifts?
- What are your procedures for operating during an emergency?
Because the midface area is located near important facial nerves, your surgeon will also need to pay great attention to protecting these nerves during the operation to avoid facial numbness and other complications.
After the muscles and fat in the cheeks have been adjusted, the surgeon will suture the skin back into place. To minimize the appearance of scarring, they will typically place these incisions along the hairline and inside the mouth. Your surgeon must be adept in the latest practices and techniques so they can seal the skin correctly and with minimal scarring.
Oculoplastic Surgery in Miami
A midface lift is an ideal option for patients in their 40s to 60s who are experiencing visible signs of aging in the form of sagging skin, deepening wrinkles, and volume loss in their midfaces. If you are in good physical health, have realistic expectations, and are experiencing hollow or baggy skin under your eyes or cheeks, then you are an ideal candidate for a midface lift. Consult with a surgeon if you are considering a midface lift to reverse the signs of aging.
