Midface Lift

Not long ago, a facelift was the principal means used to restore a youthful appearance to one's face.

Back then, facial surgery was considered reserved for the rich and the old. However, recent studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between looks and higher pay. Maybe that's one of the reasons why we find that younger and younger patients, including men, are requesting cosmetic surgery.

The endoscopic midface lift, or cheek lift, procedure can lift sagging cheeks, smooth out nasal furrows, and pull up the corners of your lips. It can be performed alone, in combination with an endoscopic browlift or laser resurfacing, or as part of a full facelift.

What is an endoscopic midface lift?

Endoscopic or minimal-incision surgery is performed using a tiny fiberoptic lens inserted through half-inch incisions placed inconspicuously in your mouth and temple. The lens is attached to a camera connected to a television, which allows for visualization of the surgery. Your surgeon performs the procedure while viewing the television monitor and manipulating the tiny instruments externally.

Is a midface lift for me?

The midface lift procedure is particularly useful for patients with sagging cheeks, deeper nasal furrows, thinner lips and down-turned corners of the lips. One may simulate the results of this procedure by placing a finger next to the corner of your lip and gently elevating upward and outward.

During your initial cosmetic consultation, your doctor will discuss your goals for the surgery and explain your probable outcome of treatment. Your doctor will also help you to decide which surgical approach will best meet your cosmetic goals - an individual procedure or a combination of procedures. You may be shown several before and after treatment photographs of patients having similar conditions, and your doctor will explain the treatment you can expect to receive. Before and after photos may be taken of your area to be treated to document your results.

The Procedure

An endoscopic midface lift can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with deep sedation, or general anesthesia, and may take 1 to 2 hours. A midface lift is performed through tiny incisions placed inconspicuously within the hairline of your temple area and on the inside of the mouth. During the procedure the fat pads of your cheeks will be repositioned up and over the cheekbones where they belong. This redraping will improve the nasal furrows caused by drooping fat pads. A midface lift is frequently performed in conjunction with eyelid surgery, an endoscopic brow lift or a facelift to achieve optimal results.

How is this different from other midface procedures?

Some physicians try to move the nasal furrows and lift up the corners of the lips by pulling sideways. This often results in a pulled, tight, surgical look. The most important aspect of this procedure is that it lifts the cheek tissue vertically, straight up. This reverses the effects of gravity, which pulls straight down. A much more natural, refreshed and youthful appearance is the result.

What are the benefits of endoscopic facial surgery?

The main benefits of endoscopic surgery include: no visible incisions, minimal scarring, less bleeding, no hair loss, minimal numbness and a much quicker recovery when compared to traditional surgical techniques.

What will recovery be like?

Following endoscopic facial surgery there is a minimal amount of discomfort. There will be some swelling and bruising that may last from seven to twelve days. Keeping your head elevated and application of cold compresses will help to reduce swelling. As your incisions heal, you will notice some itching and possibly some numbness. These symptoms will diminish over time. You may wear make-up immediately, and your sutures will be removed in seven to ten days. Strenuous activity is restricted for six weeks.

What other cosmetic procedures can be performed endoscopically?

Depending on the patient, browlifts, facelifts, neck lifts and breast augmentation can all be performed endoscopically.

This information is intended to supplement, not replace, a consultation with a board certified physician. To find out if you could be a candidate for one of these procedures or to learn more information about these procedures, we invite you to contact one of our doctors for a private consultation.

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