Midface Lift
The midface lift, which addresses the cheeks, extends from the lower eyelids to the creases extending from the side of the nose to the corners of the mouth (nasolabial folds). This area includes the fat of the upper cheeks (malar fat pads), which descend over the years to reveal bony rims below the eyes. This gives the eyes a tired appearance and accentuates the nasolabial folds.
Through an endoscopic approach and minimal incisions, the soft tissues of the cheek can be raised to a youthful position. This procedure is combined with the endoscopic browlift and lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to rejuvenate the upper and middle components of the face.
Midface Lift Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a Midface Lift?
The Midface Lift addresses the middle third of the face, between the eyes and the upper lip. It is performed when a more subtle, but still very significant, improvement is needed. Although the goal of the Midface Lift, like the traditional lower facelift, is to rejuvenate the face, the techniques are very different. Both techniques are used to address drooping or sagging skin, wrinkles, and other signs of premature aging, but the Midface Lift is performed with minimal incisions that are hidden from view within the hair. In addition, many patients who qualify for the Midface Lift do not require significant skin redraping, and therefore have less swelling immediately after the procedure.
2. What is the difference between a Facelift and a Midface Lift?
The traditional facelift focuses on the lower face and neck, while the Midface Lift, as its name suggests, focuses on the central third of the face, or the cheeks between the eyes and the upper lip. The changes that occur with aging in this area include deepening of the fold between the cheek and upper lip (also called the naso-labial fold). Although part of the reason this fold deepens can be attributed to age-related volume loss, sagging skin and underlying tissues also contribute to the tired, sad look associated with these lines. While the traditional facelift will improve jowling along the jaw-line, and some techniques, such as the deep-plane facelift, also pull laterally (towards the ears) along the cheeks and the midface, only the Midface Lift provides the ideal vector (direction) of lifting, moving sagging tissues in the midface back to their original positions. Because both the facelift and Midface Lift have different goals and address different areas of the face, they are often performed together to provide more complete facial rejuvenation. The best way to discover which procedures are best for your unique face is to schedule a consultation with a facial plastic surgeon.
3. Who is a candidate for the Midface Lift?
Ideal candidates for the Midface Lift have deep hollows beneath their eyes (and eye bags), with deep smile lines and a falling brow. In general, the midface area (the cheeks between the eyes and upper lip) begins to droop in the mid-thirties. This change becomes more prominent during the decade between 40 and 50 years of age. In order to counter the effects of this aging, the Midface lift restores the padding of the bony rim beneath the lower eyelid, also allowing for more skin removal (the wrinkled, lined skin of the lower eyelid) without eyelid changes. It can soften the smile lines by raising the cheeks to their more youthful position, and is performed together with an endoscopic brow lift to rejuvenate the forehead and brow at the same time. An in-depth consultation with Dr. Chow reviewing your aesthetic concerns will help you decide if this cosmetic procedure is right for you.
4. How do I know if I need a Midface Lift or a Facelift?
A large number of factors, including your age, your genetic disposition, the amount of sun exposure and sun protection you have had, your skin type, and your history of tobacco use can all affect facial aging. When aging has occurred in the lower face and neck, the traditional facelift or mini-facelift are useful for rejuvenation. The Midface Lift is used for rejuvenation in the middle third of the face, between the eyes and the upper lip. The best way to know for certain what is best for you is to consult with your facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Chow uses an endoscopic, minimal-incision approach to his Midface Lift. Don't be afraid to ask questions during your consultation!
LEARN MORE ABOUT MIDFACE LIFT
Request a Consultation by filling out the form below or by calling 626-447-3223 to speak with Dr. Chow.
