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

Today, the same principles are being challenged by innovative techniques that truly restore the ogee of the face. Unlike the traditional principles, a midface lift (sometimes called a cheek lift) restores a youthful midface.

The endoscopic midface lift procedure can lift sagging cheeks, smooth out nasal furrows, and pull up the corners of your lips.

Are you a candidate?

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

Discuss your goals with your surgeon during your initial cosmetic consultation. Your surgeon will help you to decide which surgical procedure or combination of procedures will best meet your cosmetic goals. You may be shown several photographs of patients before and after treatment to help illustrate the results you can expect.

What is the procedure?

Endoscopic or minimal-incision surgery is performed using a tiny fiber optic 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. The procedure is performed while viewing the television monitor and manipulating the tiny instruments externally.

Can you have midface lift and other procedures simultaneously?

A midface lift can be performed alone, in combination with an endoscopic Browlift or Laser Resurfacing, or as part of a full Facelift.

Will incisions be visible?

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

Are the effects permanent?

Having a midface lift does not stop the clock, but the effects are long-lasting. Years later you will continue to look better than if you had never undergone a midface lift; however, your face will continue to age with time. You may want to repeat the procedure one or more times-perhaps five or ten years down the line.

What are the risks of a midface lift?

Complications from a midface lift are infrequent and usually minor. Because individuals vary greatly in their anatomy, physical reactions, and ability to heal, the outcome is never completely predictable.

Complications may include hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin that must be removed by the surgeon), injury to the nerves that control facial muscles (usually temporary), infection, and reactions to the anesthesia. You can reduce your risks by closely following your surgeon’s instructions before and after surgery.

How do you prepare for surgery?

Your will receive specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications, and not smoking. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly. If you smoke, it is especially important to stop at least a week or two before surgery.

If your hair is very short, you might want to let it grow out before surgery, so that it is long enough to hide the scars while they heal.

Where is the procedure performed?

A midface lift may be performed in our office-based facility, an outpatient surgery center, or a hospital. It is usually performed on an outpatient basis.

What will the recovery period be like? What will happen after surgery?

Following endoscopic facial surgery a minimal amount of discomfort may occur. Swelling and bruising may persist for seven to twelve days. Keep your head elevated and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. As your incisions heal, some itching and numbness may occur. These symptoms will diminish over time. You may wear make-up immediately; your sutures will be removed in seven to ten days. Strenuous activity should be restricted for six weeks.