A midface lift is a cosmetic operation that repositions cheek tissues that have descended with age. It is performed with the goal of restoring cheek fullness and softening hollows under the eyes and folds between nose and mouth in people who notice sagging in the middle of the face.
The surgeon usually works under general anaesthesia, or local anaesthesia with sedation. The tissues are reached through an incision in the lower eyelid, at the hairline in front of the ear, or inside the mouth, sometimes with an endoscope. The cheek fat pad and deeper layers are lifted and secured higher, and fat grafting may be added.
The operation often takes two to four hours. Swelling and bruising often last about two weeks, and many people return to work after roughly two weeks. The final result emerges gradually over three to six months once swelling settles and the tissues stabilise.
The final cost is set after a medical consultant reviews your case and photos.
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It may lift the cheeks and soften hollows under the eyes and folds around the mouth, giving a fresher, more balanced look. It does not stop ageing, and skin quality and age still have an effect.
Usually someone with descended cheeks and loss of fullness, reasonably elastic skin, good health and realistic expectations. Other options such as a full facelift or injectables may suit some people better, and the surgeon decides after examination.
The surgeon requests blood tests and an anaesthesia assessment, and reviews your medicines and supplements, deciding whether any should be paused. Stopping smoking well before and after surgery is advised, since it impairs healing. Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own.
It is done through an incision in the lower eyelid, at the temple or inside the mouth, sometimes with an endoscope. Deeper cheek tissues are lifted and fixed higher, the incisions are closed, and the person's own fat may be added to replace lost volume.
Swelling, bruising and a feeling of tightness are expected for about two weeks, and stitches usually come out within about a week. Sleeping with the head raised and avoiding strenuous activity for several weeks is usually advised.
Improvement appears gradually and the result becomes clear over months. The effect often lasts for years, but ageing continues and new sagging may appear over time.
Risks include bleeding, a collection of blood, infection, asymmetry, temporary numbness and the risks of anaesthesia. Rarely, a facial nerve branch is affected and weakens movement, the lower eyelid is pulled down, or scars heal poorly, and a corrective operation may be needed.
Incisions are usually hidden in the hairline, the lower eyelid margin or inside the mouth, and they fade with time. Scar quality varies from person to person.
Waiting about two weeks is usually advised, until swelling has eased and stitches are out; longer if any complication occurs. Your treating doctor confirms the right time.
A midface lift focuses on the cheeks and the area under the eyes, whereas a full facelift usually treats the jawline and neck. The surgeon may combine them depending on your needs.
