A mid face lift describes surgery to lift the cheek, jowl, and temporal portion of the face. There are many techniques to accomplish this goal, with varying results. Our surgeons at the Aesthetic Surgery Center perform the Endoscopic Midface Lift, which is a minimal incision approach to lifting the cheeks and jowl, using advanced endoscopic techniques performed by limited surgeons worldwide.
It requires special instrumentation and vast amounts of experience to master as it is technically challenging. The procedure is performed through much smaller incisions than normally required with a more “open” type of midface lift, resulting in far fewer scars that are strategically hidden. The lift is performed on the deepest plane possible, under the periosteum on top of the facial bones. The deep layer in which the lift is performed and secured, along with the vertical direction of the lift, gives long lasting results and patients that look refreshed and feel rejuvenated. Our surgeons don’t recommend or perform percutaneous midface lifts with barbed sutures, as skin has an inherent tendency to stretch back within a few months with these techniques.
The first signs of aging are frequently noticed in the mid face. Loss of skin elasticity and tone causes the patient to look tired or worn. The mid face lift literally reverses some of the early signs of aging. The mid face lift’s targeted, minimally invasive approach helps patient’s look and feel younger without significant bruising and downtime. Dr. Agarwal, Dr. Maloney and Dr. Ross of the Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples, FL are experienced plastic surgeons who perform endoscopic mid face lift surgery.
Benefits of a Endoscopic 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 without the need for a complete facelift.
Before & After Photos
What to expect in a 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, Dr. Maloney and Dr. Ross 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, Dr. Maloney and Dr. Ross 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, Dr. Maloney and Dr. Ross determine that the patient is a candidate for the surgery, he or she books an appointment and receives pre-surgical instructions.
Candidates for an Endoscopic Mid Face Lift
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 30s to 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.
Endoscopic Mid Face Lift Procedure
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, Dr. Maloney or Dr. Ross makes tiny incisions at 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, Dr. Maloney and Dr. Ross 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.
Endoscopic Mid Face Lift Recovery
Patients return home on the day of surgery. Family or friends frequently take care of the patient afterwards, but professional home nursing care may be arranged on request. The doctor will advise the patient about limits, as to what he or she can/cannot do.
The full recovery time varies. Most patients experience some bruising and swelling that is at it’s worst in the first week, and then continues to subside over two to three weeks. Most patients plan to take two weeks off before returning to work.
Choosing the Right Endoscopic Mid Face Lift Surgeon
The right plastic surgeon to accomplish the endoscopic mid face lift is a matter of personal preference. According to Mayo Clinic, patients typically search for:
- An experienced plastic surgeon with plenty of experience with facial procedures
- Enthusiastic client recommendations and references
- Patient-focused practice: the doctor listens to his or her patients
- State-of-the-art, certified surgical facility
- Convenient location
Patients in search of endoscopic mid face lift surgery in Naples, FL should contact Dr. Agarwal, Dr. Maloney and Dr. Ross at the Aesthetic Surgery Center to learn more.
Endoscopic Mid Face Lift FAQs
No. This is an ideal time to reposition sagging midface tissues and fat pads. Often, these changes are seen in the late 30s and onwards, as a result of heredity. The beauty of this procedure is that the face is strengthened in multiple layers during an Endoscopic Mid Face Lift. The flexibility of this procedure allows it to be custom designed to suit your needs at any age.
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 Face lift is performed, there is some cheek swelling that persists for about 3 weeks post-operatively.
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.
Our Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Agarwal or Dr. Maloney, 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.
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.
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.
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 minimal. As a result, bruising is minimized.
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.
Most procedures are performed at our state of the art AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) certified office surgical center. We maintain an impeccable operating room and suite, with utmost attention to your safety.
You will be able to resume walking exercises about 10 days post-operatively. You will be able to start running and weight training after two weeks, and advance from there.
Generally speaking, you can begin putting and chipping at two weeks. You can resume your full swing at three weeks.
Assuming there is no laser resurfacing performed simultaneously with the endoscopic mid face lift, you can submerge your head 3 to 4 days post-operatively.
Ideally, we recommend coloring your hair a couple of days before your endoscopic mid face lift. You can color it again 3 weeks post-operatively.
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.
Most patients complain of a tight sensation, temporary numbness, and slight discomfort. Pain is uncommon after facial surgery.
After an endoscopic mid face lift, you will be able to drive your own car about one week post-operatively, provided that you are not still taking narcotic pain medicine
You will feel quite good after an endoscopic mid face lift. When to return to work depends on the type of work you do, whether you care if your colleagues know you have had something done, etc… Certainly, you should not embark upon any strenuous physical work for at least 2 weeks post-operatively.
At the Aesthetic Surgery Center, we have many national and international patients who fly to Naples for their facial surgery. We ask that you remain in town for a full 14 days after an endoscopic mid face lift. After that, you are free to fly.
Many of the incisions for an endoscopic mid face lift 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.
Smoking has been shown in numerous scientific publications to dramatically affect the healing of facial skin and soft tissues post-operatively. At the minimum, you should stop smoking completely 2 weeks prior and for 2 weeks after a facelift. If you absolutely cannot stop smoking, hyberbaric oxygen may be utilized before and after the facelift to reduce but not eliminate the chances of wound healing problems. The endoscopic technique can be adjusted so that the skin layer is not disturbed, thereby preserving its blood supply while your surgeon works on deeper layers.
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 10 days pre-operatively.
Related Procedures: Facelift, Rhinoplasty, Revision Rhinoplasty, The UpLift Facelift, Eyelid Surgery, Eyebrow Transplant, Chin & Cheek Surgery, Skin Cancer Reconstruction, Hair Transplant Surgery, Surgery of the Ears, Fat Transfer, Lip Augmentation, Endoscopic Eyebrow Lift, Scar Revision, Facial Trauma