A midface lift is a revolutionary new procedure that can dramatically improve the appearance of your face, giving you a more youthful and refreshed look. Using minimally invasive techniques, this innovative procedure can provide amazing results without the need for major surgery. Read on to learn more about what an endoscopic midface lift is and how it works.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 10,000 midface lifts were performed in the United States in 2022. This number is an increase of 4% from the previous year, showing that this procedure is becoming increasingly popular among those looking to reduce signs of aging and enhance their facial appearance. Endoscopic midface lifts offer minimal downtime and usually require only one or two days off work for recovery. As such, they are becoming more widely accepted as a safe and effective way to improve facial aesthetics.
What is Mid Face lift procedure?
An endoscopic midface lift also known as a cheek lift, is a minimally invasive procedure used to reposition soft tissue in order to achieve a more youthful appearance. It involves making small incisions in the scalp or cheeks that allow for the use of an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera attached) to get a better view of the underlying facial structure. Through these incisions, the surgeon can then carefully manipulate and reposition the soft tissues of the face, giving it a more youthful look.
The endoscopic midface lift can also help to restore volume loss in the face due to aging, while preserving natural facial expression. This procedure is often used in conjunction with other facial plastic surgery procedures to achieve a more comprehensive and long-lasting result. As such, it is becoming increasingly popular as an effective way to reduce signs of aging and improve overall facial appearance.
Benefits of a Mid Face Lift
The mid face lift procedure makes it possible to achieve a naturally refreshed, rejuvenated appearance by improving the “smile lines” (also known as melolabial and nasolabial folds and marionette lines), sagging or hollowed cheeks, and lower lid bags. It vertically elevates and repositions sagging cheek and jowl pads to increase cheek volume and create a well defined profile. For the female patient, the mid face lift provides an excellent opportunity to “open” the outside corners of the eyes. The mid face lift is a compliment for patients who have had traditional facelifts because it directly lifts the weightiness off the central portion of the face.
The mid face lift is also frequently used with other procedures, such as:
- Lower lid blepharoplasty, to restore delicate skin and beauty
- Endoscopic forehead and browlift, to “open” the eyes and restore youthful facial balance
- Fat injections, to add facial volume and fill lines, offsetting the effects of sun, gravity, environmental stress, and aging
- Dermal fillers, to recreate the look of fresh, young-looking skin
- Cheek implants, to create fullness and contours associated with youthful beauty
- Lower face and neck lift to address jowl formation and neck skin and muscle laxity
An endoscopic mid face lift returns youthful contours to the mid face by shaping and lifting the patient’s cheeks. The result is a naturally refreshed appearance often without the need for a complete facelift.
What to expect in a Mid Face Lift Consultation
During a consultation, the patient should discuss specific procedure-related goals. It is important to bring a list of concerns and questions to the consultation.
Dr. Agarwal and Dr. Holmes will evaluate the patient’s facial shape and bone structure. They will discuss the potential achievements of endoscopic mid face lift surgery during the meeting. Dr. Agarwal and Dr. Holmes focus on the patient’s primary aging concerns to identify the technique most likely to achieve desired results.
This is not a one-size-fits-all surgery. There are various techniques used to perform mid face lifts. Additional procedures may be required to achieve the patient’s desired results. Endoscopic mid face lift is highly regarded for its effectiveness, reduced scar production potential, longevity of results because of the deep plane of suspension, and minimal incision approach.
If Dr. Agarwal or Dr. Holmes determine that the patient is a candidate for the surgery, he or she books an appointment and receives pre-surgical instructions.
A mid face lift is not a mini face lift. At the Aesthetic Surgery Center, our surgeons perform endoscopic midface lifts, which are designed to address sagging of the cheeks, temporal hooding of the outer eyebrows, and the jowls. Small incisions are made behind the hairline of the forehead, inside the mouth, and small incisions around the ears. These lead to very well hidden mid face lift scars that are difficult to detect. As the midface is often one of the first areas to age, this can be used for 50 year olds, with no upper age limit. The midface lift is performed on many layers, under the periosteum, deep to the SMAS layer of the face and under the skin. This multilayer suspension ensures that you will have a facelift that lasts for several years.
At your consultation, our plastic surgeons will discuss the incisions and scars, how long a mid facelift lasts, facelift recovery, and instructions post facelift. Our patient coordinator will show you multiple mid face lift before and after photos as we have numerous examples of our work. A formal cost proposal will be given to you based on what the surgeon has recommended at your initial consult. Wish that it were but there really is no face lift without surgery – an advertising term that is in truth referring to injectables. Scheduling a Consultation with Dr. Agarwal or Dr. Holmes at the Aesthetic Surgery Center is the first step in helping you to achieve Your personal goals. We look forward to meeting you!
The Mid Face Lift Cost
Facial plastic surgeons are specialists trained to perform cosmetic surgery, a surgical specialty that focuses on the aesthetic improvement of facial features. Facial plastic surgeons use advanced surgical techniques to produce natural-looking results while minimizing scarring and discomfort. With their expertise in facial anatomy, these doctors are highly qualified to perform endoscopic midface lifts and other cosmetic facial procedures. They understand how different techniques can be used to address specific issues, such as sagging skin or jowls. The experienced facial plastic surgeon will also assess the patient’s overall health condition prior to any procedure so as to minimize risks associated with surgery. With the help of a highly skilled facial plastic surgeon, patients can achieve their desired look with minimal downtime and excellent results.
The Mid Face Lift Candidate
A mid face lift is a good fit for anyone who has noticed the first aging signs in the midface area. There is no age limit for the mid face lift, but people in their 40s use it to maintain their youthful looks, while patients in their 50s to 80s use it most commonly as part of a full endoscopic facelift procedure.
The patient should have realistic expectations at the start. A candidate for the endoscopic mid face lift is in good general health. The patient should tell the doctor about any medicines the patient takes, including over-the-counter or herbal medicines. Some medicines, such as blood thinners, increase the patient’s risk of bleeding.
Before any endoscopic midface lift is performed, the patient’s medical history should be taken into consideration. This includes any previous surgery and any medications or supplements the patient is currently taking. The doctor will then discuss the procedure in detail and answer any questions before scheduling the outpatient procedure. During the outpatient procedure, local anesthesia (or general anesthesia if necessary) will be used to ensure that the patient remains comfortable throughout. The endoscopic midface lift can usually be completed within 2-3 hours, depending on the extent of work being done and how long it takes for the patient to recover from anesthesia.
Mid face Lift Risks
Risks of Complications: Although the endoscopic midface lift is a relatively safe procedure, there are still risks of complications during and after the surgery. These may include excessive bleeding or swelling, pain or discomfort, loss of sensation in the face or neck area, numbness, infection or reaction to anesthesia. In rare cases, a patient can also experience permanent hair loss in the treatment area.
Loss of Volume and Facial Muscles: When performing an endoscopic midface lift it is possible to lose some volume and facial muscle tone due to the skin being pulled tight during the procedure. This can cause a lack of facial expression and lead to an unnatural looking appearance in some cases.
Nerve Damage: When performing an endoscopic midface lift it is possible for nerves to be damaged during the process which could result in limited range of motion in certain areas of the face. It is important that any potential nerve damage be discussed with your surgeon before deciding whether this procedure is right for you.
Infection: As with any surgical procedure there is always a risk of infection which can occur anytime after surgery has been completed. Signs of infection include redness, warmth, swelling and pain in the treatment area. Your surgeon should be made aware of any signs of infection so that they can take the necessary measures to treat it.
The Midface Lift Procedure performed
The innovative endoscopic mid face lift procedure is accomplished using the latest plastic surgery and skin restoration techniques. As a stand alone procedure, it typically takes about three to four hours to perform. Coupled with other rejuvenating procedures, it may take longer. All procedures are performed in an accredited outpatient surgical facility. All of our physicians also have hospital privileges here in Naples, Florida.
Using twilight anesthesia, Dr. Agarwal or Dr. Holmes make tiny incisions just behind the patient’s hairline, inside the upper lip, and above the ears. Fat pads and muscle are readjusted to former positions on the face. Any excess skin may be trimmed at this time. These surgical adjustments create a youthful heart shaped face and a firm neckline.
Some patients use the midface procedure along with a full facelift to achieve their personal goals. Since no two patients are alike, the mid face lift procedure is adjusted to meet each patient’s unique needs.
Dr. Agarwal and Dr. Holmes are guided by a fiberoptic camera system and tiny precision instruments. Broad incisions used in the past unnecessarily exposed facial tissues and increased recovery time.
Recent developments in facial surgery, including non-reactive supportive suture designs and minimal-incision endoscopic procedures, create natural-looking results that are never over-done. Skin, fat, and cheek muscle is drawn to a higher plane as a single unit.
Endoscopic midface lift complications are extremely rare but as with any surgery, can include bleeding, infection, or nerve injury. Our surgeons monitor you closely in the post-operative period to ensure the best result possible. Midface lift cost is commonly requested, but this is based on the level of complexity of the case, which is determined at your individualized consultation. We invite you to have a consultation at our practice with one of our experienced endoscopic facelift surgeons.
Comparing upper facelift, mid facelift and lower facelift
Upper facelift, mid facelift, and lower facelift are surgical procedures that help improve the appearance of aging facial features. Depending on age and desired results, different types of facelifts may be recommended.
An upper facelift is also known as a brow lift or forehead lift. It focuses on improving the appearance of drooping eyebrows, wrinkles in the forehead, and sagging skin in the upper part of the face. An incision is made along the hairline to remove excess skin and tighten underlying muscles to give a more youthful look. The procedure can take anywhere from one to four hours depending on how much work is being done.
A mid facelift is designed to address issues in the mid-face area such as jowling or sagging cheeks, nasolabial folds (lines near the nose), and marionette lines (lines near the lips). This procedure involves making incisions inside the mouth or around natural skin creases to access underlying muscles and fat pads. The surgeon then gently lifts and tightens these tissues before removing any excess skin to achieve a more youthful look. Mid facelifts typically take between two and three hours depending on how much work needs to be done.
A lower facelift focuses on the lower half of the face, including the neck and jowls. An incision is made near the hairline and extended down below the earlobe. The surgeon then removes excess skin and tightens underlying muscles to improve sagging jowls, neck bands, and wrinkles in the lower part of the face. This procedure typically takes two to four hours depending on the amount of work being done.
In choosing between upper, mid, and lower facelift procedures, it is important to discuss your goals with a qualified plastic surgeon. Your surgeon can help you determine which type of facelift will best address your individual concerns and provide the desired results.
The Midface Lift Recovery
The recovery period after an mid – Facelift is relatively short. Patients should plan to rest for the first few days following surgery, avoiding any strenuous activities. Ice packs can be applied to reduce swelling and discomfort in the area. During the healing process, patients may experience some bruising and tenderness as well as numbness in the treated area. These symptoms should subside within a few days or weeks of the procedure.
In order to ensure postoperative period optimal results, it is important for patients to follow all post-operative instructions carefully. In addition to resting and avoiding strenuous activities, it is important that patients avoid any activities that may cause excessive strain on the face such as bending over or lifting heavy objects. Additionally, patients should also wear sunscreen when outdoors and limit their exposure to direct sunlight during recovery in order to prevent discoloration of the skin around the incision sites.
Most patients are able to return to work or other normal activities within one week after an endoscopic midface lift procedure. The majority of residual bruising and swelling will resolve within two weeks of surgery and full results of the procedure can be seen within 3-4 months after surgery. As with any surgical procedure, it is important that patients listen closely to their surgeons instructions in order to ensure the best possible results.
Results of an Mid Face Lift
The mid-facelift is a cosmetic procedure designed to restore youthful position and contours to the face. This procedure is minimally invasive and provides lasting results with minimal scarring. During the procedure, small incisions are made along the hairline, inside the mouth, and around the ears. The surgeon then lifts and tightens deep layers of tissue beneath the skin to restore a youthful appearance. Afterward, excess skin is removed and sutures are placed to close any incisions.
The mid-facelift can be done as a stand alone procedure or in combination with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as a full facelift for more comprehensive results. Using advanced techniques such as twilight anesthesia and precision instruments guided by a fiberoptic camera system, patients can achieve natural looking results without large incisions or extended recovery time.
The endoscopic mid-facelift can help reduce wrinkles in the middle of the face, restore volume to cheeks that have become hollowed out due to aging, create contours that have been lost over time due to gravity or fat loss, reduce jowls around the jawline, minimize double chins caused by loose skin or fat accumulation in this area and much more. Results can be seen immediately and will continue to improve over time as the swelling subsides.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mid facelift
How long is the recovery process?
Generally speaking, it takes two weeks for most of the swelling and any bruising to resolve. This can vary from individual to individual. When an Endoscopic Mid Facelift is performed, there is some cheek swelling that persists for about 3 weeks post-operatively.
How long do the results last?
A facelift will make you look younger than your chronologic age. However, you will continue to age after the procedure. The best way to think about this is setting the clock back on the aging calendar. For example, if you are currently 65 years old, and after a facelift, you look 55 years old, then 10 years from now you will look 65, not 75 years old. You will always look younger than you would if you had not had the facelift.
Are there any drains after the procedure?
Our plastic surgeons, Dr. Agarwal and Dr. Holmes, use ultra-thin drains are used for two to three days post-operatively in order to reduce bruising and swelling. These thin drains are removed easily in the office.
Do I need someone to take care of me after my Endoscopic Mid Face Lift?
You will need someone to help you for at least one or two days post-operatively. If a supportive friend or family member is not available, then home nursing can be arranged through our office.
What kind of anesthesia is utilized during an Endoscopic Mid Face Lift?
Twilight sedation is used most commonly. During this type of anesthesia, you will breathe on your own, but you will not remember anything. It is a quick-acting type of anesthesia that also wears off quickly. Because you are breathing spontaneously, an endotracheal tube is usually not used.
Am I going to bruise after an Endoscopic Mid Face Lift?
There is some amount of bruising after a facelift. This varies from individual to individual. Because the endoscopic facelift technique requires good visualization during the surgery, bleeding is kept to a minimum. As a result, bruising is minimized.
Are there stitches and when are they removed?
Our facial plastic surgeons use fine, delicate sutures to close all incisions. The majority of these are dissolvable. The remaining sutures are removed about 7-9 days post-operatively.
When can I color my hair?
Ideally, we recommend coloring your hair a couple of days before your endoscopic mid-facelift. You can color it again 3 weeks post-operatively.
When can I shave?
Men who have facelifts can use an electric razor gently two days post-operatively. Care must be taken to avoid all sutures. Shaving with a blade can be undertaken three weeks post-operatively.
How long will the scars be noticeable after an Endoscopic Mid Face Lift?
Many of the incisions for an endoscopic mid-facelift are hidden in the hair-bearing scalp, or in the mouth. These are difficult to detect as they heal. The scars around the ears are well hidden but are slightly red and noticeable upon close inspection for one month post-operatively. Beyond that, they fade and blend in beautifully.
Do I have to stop any medications before my facial surgery?
Our nurses at the Aesthetic Surgery Center will provide you with a comprehensive list of medications (both prescription and non-prescription) that are known to increase bleeding and affect wound healing after surgery. These should be stopped about 14 days pre-operatively.
What makes an endoscopic midface lift different from a traditional facelift or neck lift?
An endoscopic midface lift is an innovative and minimally-invasive facelift procedure that lifts the cheek, jawline, and neck. As opposed to a traditional face or neck lift, it can be performed without external incisions. Read our blog to learn more about how an endoscopic midface lift compares to these other facial plastic procedures.
What endoscopic mid face lift office is near me?
If you live in the state of Florida, Aesthetic Surgery Center offers endoscopic mid face lift among its services. For a full list of services, please visit our Locations page.