Midface Lift
What Is a Midface Lift?
A midface lift, also known as a cheek lift or mid-face lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to address sagging or drooping of the tissues in the middle portion of the face. This area includes the cheeks, under-eye area, and the nasolabial folds (the lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth). The goal of a midface lift is to restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance by lifting and repositioning the underlying structures.
Midface Lift Overview
- Incisions: The surgeon will make small incisions, often hidden within the hairline or along the natural creases of the face. The precise location of the incisions will depend on the surgical technique chosen.
- Tissue Repositioning: Once the incisions are made, Dr. Avila will lift and reposition the sagging tissues in the midface area. This may involve lifting the deeper layers of muscle and fat to create a more youthful contour.
- Suture or Tissue Suspension: Various techniques may be used to suspend or secure the lifted tissues in their new position. This can involve the use of sutures, tissue anchors, or other methods to achieve a long-lasting lift.
- Volume Restoration: In some cases, a midface lift may be combined with fat grafting or dermal fillers to restore lost volume in the cheeks and other facial areas.
- Closing Incisions: Once the repositioning and contouring are complete, the surgeon will carefully close the incisions with sutures.
Can a Midface Lift be Combined with Eyelid Surgery?
Yes, a midface lift can be combined with eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Combining these procedures is common, and the simultaneous addressing of the midface and eyelid areas can provide more harmonious and natural-looking results. Here’s how the combination of a midface lift and eyelid surgery works:
- Midface Lift: The midface lift focuses on lifting and repositioning the sagging tissues in the middle portion of the face, including the cheeks and nasolabial folds. This helps address issues such as flattened or sunken cheeks, restoring volume and creating a more youthful appearance.
- Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Eyelid surgery involves the removal of excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids. Upper eyelid surgery can address sagging skin that may be affecting the appearance of the eyes, while lower eyelid surgery can target under-eye bags and puffiness. Combining a midface lift with eyelid surgery is beneficial for several reasons:
- Comprehensive Results: By addressing both the midface and eyelid areas
simultaneously, patients can achieve more comprehensive and balanced results. This approach ensures that the rejuvenation is not limited to one specific area, providing a more harmonious facial appearance. - Single Recovery Period: Combining procedures allows for a single recovery period, minimizing overall downtime. While recovery experiences vary, patients may find it more convenient to undergo both procedures at once, reducing the need for separate recovery periods.
- Customized Treatment: The combination of a midface lift and eyelid surgery allows for a customized treatment plan tailored to the unique needs and goals of the patient. The surgeon can address specific concerns in both areas to achieve the desired outcome.
- Enhanced Symmetry: Simultaneously addressing the midface and eyelids helps enhance facial symmetry, ensuring that changes in one area complement the rejuvenation of the other.
It is important for patients considering a combination of procedures to have a thorough consultation with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon or oculoplastic surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess the patient’s facial anatomy, discuss their aesthetic goals, and recommend a personalized treatment plan based on their individual needs.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Midface Lift?
A midface lift is typically suitable for individuals who are experiencing sagging or drooping in the middle portion of their face, including the cheeks, under-eye area, and nasolabial folds. Candidates for a midface lift often share common characteristics, and it is important to consider the following criteria:
- Signs of Aging in the Midface: Candidates usually exhibit noticeable signs of aging in the midface, such as sagging skin, loss of volume in the cheeks, deepening nasolabial folds, and a tired or aged appearance.
- Good Overall Health: Candidates should be in good general health, free from any serious medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications during or after surgery.
- Realistic Expectations: Candidates should have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure. While a midface lift can provide a rejuvenated appearance, it may not completely halt the aging process, and individual results can vary.
- Non-Smoker: Smoking can impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Candidates are generally advised to quit smoking before undergoing a midface lift.
- Skin Elasticity: Good skin elasticity is essential for optimal results. Candidates with moderate skin laxity are often better suited for a midface lift compared to those with very loose or extremely tight skin.
- Stable Weight: Candidates should have a stable and healthy body weight. Significant weight fluctuations can affect the long-term results of the surgery.
- Understanding of the Procedure: Candidates should have a clear understanding of the midface lift procedure, including the potential risks and recovery process. It is important for them to be well-informed before making a decision.
- Consultation with a Surgeon: A thorough consultation with a qualified and experienced oculoplastic surgeon is crucial. During the consultation, Dr. Avila will assess the patient’s facial anatomy, discuss their goals, and determine whether a midface lift is the most appropriate option.
It is important to note that everyone is unique, and candidacy for a midface lift is determined on a case-by-case basis. Dr. Avila will consider the patient’s facial features, medical history, and aesthetic goals to develop a personalized treatment plan. Alternatives or complementary procedures may also be discussed based on the patient’s specific needs.
Sarah Avila, MD
Specialization: Eyelid Surgery & Aesthetics
Dr. Sarah Avila is an oculofacial plastic surgeon in Miami, Florida. After completing medical school, Dr. Avila completed a residency in ophthalmology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, followed by a highly competitive two-year ASOPRS-accredited fellowship in reconstructive and cosmetic oculofacial surgery at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. During this fellowship, Dr. Avila focused on plastic surgery related to the eyelids, brows, lacrimal duct system, orbit, and face.
