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 famous. 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.
An endoscopic midface lift, or cheek lift, is performed by our doctor for patients in our region to 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.
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, our physician will discuss your goals for the surgery and explain your probable outcome of treatment. Our 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 our 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 midface lift procedure
A midface lift can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with deep sedation, or general anesthesia, and may take 1 - 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 browlift 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 midface lift 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 from my midface lift?
After our doctor performs your midface lift there is a minimal amount of discomfort. There will be some swelling and bruising that may last from 7 - 12 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 7 - 10 days. Strenuous activity is restricted for 6 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.