What is Mid Facelift Surgery?
The mid facelift surgery which is also called as cheek lift or a vertical facelift especially aims to lift
the mid part of the face, which involves under eyes, cheeks and nasolabials. The mid facelift
addresses the signs of aging around the nasolabial lines, under eye sagginess and deflated
cheeks. This helps restoring a youthful and rejuvenated look.
The benefits of the mid facelift surgery are:
– The mid facelift/cheek lift helps boosting confidence by creating a rejuvenated appereance for
the upper face.
– The mid facelift/cheek lift procedure helps restoring the volume loss around the cheeks and
lower eyelid.
– The mid facelift treatment is less invasive compared to a full facelift surgery and the recovery
time is shorter.
What to Expect: Before, During and After Mid Facelift Surgery:
– Getting prepared for surgery: Just like any other surgery, the patient needs to be medically
prepared like having lifestyle adjustments such as stopping smoking and alcohol consumption
also stopping medications that has a blood thinning effect.
– The procedure itself: The mid facelift surgery is performed under general anesthesia and the
incisions are generally applied to temples or the lower eyelid area.
– The recovery process: Typically, 10-15 days after the procedure, the patient can go back to
their daily routine. The swelling and bruising will start to wear off from day 10. But the results to
settle will start from the first month and will gradually continue.
Mid Facelift Surgery Techniques
There are different techniques that can be performed for the mid facelift surgery. Different
techniques are performed on different patient cases because each face is unique and each face’s
needs are different.
1-The Endoscopic Mid Facelift: The endoscope device is used during the lifting procedure. The
endoscope device helps us to have a precise vision of the operation area. The endoscope device
also provides us to create a smaller incision line which accelerates the healing process. Because
when the incision line is bigger, the healing is slower. Through the endoscope device we get to
reach the deeper tissues of the face such as, under the SMAS. Of course, that increases the risk
of the treatment, however the results are longer lasting and more successful. If you are
proceeding with an European board certified facial plastic surgeon, then the risks also decrease.
This treatment addresses the nasolabial folds, lower eyelids and loose cheeks.
2-Mid Facelift through Lower Eyelid Incision: This method is rarely preferred due to the specific
anatomy of a patient. The incision is made through the inner part of the lower eye and it involves
lifting of the lower cheek and repositioning it to a more upper level of the face. This treatment
helps ending up with a smoother and a more defined facial appearance.
3-The Mid Facelift combined with Temple Lift: Dr. Metin Kerem generally prefers to combine the
mid facelift with temple lift, the reason for that is, when the mid face is lifted, the brows will create
the illusion of being droopy. That is why, while lifting the cheeks, it also creates a nice glow to lift
the brows simultaneously. Otherwise, the skin under the brows can overlap with lifted cheeks,
creating a pile of skin. This treatment is also performed endoscopically. The incisions are made on
the temples and through the endoscope device, we get to reach the deeper planes of the face to
lift the brows and the cheeks. This procedure helps erasing visible aging signs like nasolabial folds
and droopy cheeks and/or droopy brows.
Mid Facelift Surgery Preparation and Expectations:
Patients who plan to have a mid facelift sugery should follow specific guidelines given to them
such as avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption as well as stopping to take certain
medications like blood thinners etc. The mid facelift surgery is performed under general
anesthesia. Although it can differ, generally the incisions are made around the temples. This
treatments allows us to reach the deeper planes of the face where we get to reposition and lift the
cheeks (and temples in most cases).
Mid Facelift Surgery Recovery and Results:
In the acute healing stage of the healing, the patient should expect swelling and bruising. In the
first few days, the patient is not allowed to take a shower and keep head elevated most times.
The patient should carefully follow the given instructions by their surgeon like when to take their
prescribed medications. The bruising will wear off around 10 days after the surgery but the
swelling of the cheeks will continue up to 1 month post surgery. The face will settle from the first
to the third month post surgery as the swelling will gradually decrease. The patient can return to
their daily activities 10 days after the procedure and around after 1 month post surgery, they can
start physical activities slowly. The results will last around 10 to 15 years depending on the skin
quality of the patient.
Mid Facelift Surgery Candidates and Safety:
A good candidate for a mid facelift surgery is someone who has droopy cheeks and overal facial
deflation, especially around the nasolabial folds, or lower eyelids. If you suffer from deflation on
these areas, this treatment might be good for you. It is recommended to have a detailed
consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon.
Any kind of surgery which involves anesthesia have risks, however working with a board certified
facial plastic surgeon will minimize the risks. It would be best for the patient to do an extensive
research on the surgeon and the hospital they work with.
Combination of Mid Facelift Surgery with Other Procedures:
The mid facelift surgery is generally a part of a combined procedure. Dr. Metin Kerem typically
prefers to combine the mid facelift surgery with a temple lift. The reason is that when the mid part
of the face is lifted, the eye area and the tail of the brow can create a bulge on that tightened area.
That is why generally, the temple and the mid face are lifted simultaneously. Of course, more
areas can be involved depending on the need of the patient. This will help creating a harmonious
apperance for the face and will address a total approach to the signs of aging. There are different
surgical combinations which can be added to the mid facelift surgery and here is a list:
1- The Mid Facelift + The Temple Lift
2- The Mid Facelift + The Temple Lift + Brow Lift
3- The Mid Facelift + The Temple Lift + Upper Blepharoplasty
4- The Mid Facelift + The Temple Lift + Brow Lift + Upper Blepharoplasty
5- The Mid Facelift + The Temple Lift + Mini Neck Lift
6- The Mid Facelift + Mini Neck Lift
7- The Mid Facelift + The Temple Lift + Rhinoplasty
The most popular combination that we perform is: The mid facelift + temple + brow lift trio. The
reason is that this combined procedures help lifting the upper third of the face fully. As mentioned
above, once the mid face is lifted, the brow&forehead area sagginess stands out and we have to
think that upper part of the face as a whole because all elements of the face should be in harmony
with eachother. The brow lift helps lifting the whole brow area, not just the tales. Sometimes, if the
upper eyelid has excess skin, it can also be added in order to complement the full upper face.
This way, the tired look around the eyes and the sagginess of the cheeks and deflated lower
eyelid issues comes to an end.
These combinations will help bringing back the volume loss and will help the rejuvenation of the
face. The utmost goal here is to reach a fresh natural looking harmonized face. You should
discuss with your surgeon about which treatment would fit you the best.
How to Prepare for Mid Facelift Surgery:
Medical Evaluation&Tests: First, you will discuss with your surgeon your needs and desires. After
agreeing on a plan, you will need to go through some standard tests to see if you are eligible to
have a surgery.
Managing Medication: You might need to stop taking specific medications such as aspirin etc. or
other tablets containing acetyl salycilic acid or other anticoagulants, herbal supplements and
vitamins such as vitamin E.
Smoking: You should stop smoking as early as possible, as it can jeopardize the healing process.
You shouldn’t smoke at least 1 week before the surgery.
Arranging Post Surgery Care: You might need to have someone assist you during the first few
days. It is recommended to have support during the acute stage.
Understanding What to Expect during Recovery: It is important to prepare yourself for the
recovery process and be informed about the swelling and bruising post surgery. Also, never forget
to follow your surgeon’s instructions. During your home/hotel recovery, surround yourself with
icepacks, comfortable clothes and medication within easy reach.
The Surgical Steps for the Mid Facelift Operation:
The mid facelift surgery, in other words cheek lift, is a rejuvenation treatment which corrects
deformities around the under eyes and cheeks. Here are the steps to having a mid facelift surgery.
Consultation&Pre-Surgical Preparations: The procedure starts with consulting a board certified
facial plastic surgeon. It is important to discuss your desires openly so that the surgeon can
inform you about exactly what can be done and what not. After your consultation, if you are a
good candidate for the procedure, you will go through series of health tests. It is important to be
careful with your medication regimen. For example, if you are using Vitamin E or Aspirin or any
other blood thinning medication, you should stop. Also, starting a healthy diet without smoking
and drinking as early as possible is crucial. As, smoking and drinking can jeopardize the healing
process. The patient will stop eating and drinking water 6 hours before the surgery.
Anesthesia and Incision: The mid facelift surgery is performed under general anesthesia and the
incision is generally made from temples and the forehead ( the incisions are hidden in the hairline).
Surgical Steps: The muscles and tissues are dissected, after this the facial muscle which is
responsible of the sagging is repositioned and fixed to a higher position. This way, the cheeks
look more plump and overall facial look is refreshed. Then, the procedure is finished with incisions
being closed.
Postoperative Care: After the surgery, the first night is spent at the hospital. The patient will start
to be bruised and will swell up. The face will be covered with bandages and plasters. 3 days after
the procedure, the patient can take a shower without wetting the face. First check up will be on
the 3rd post-op day and then the 1 week check up will follow.
Recovery Period: The bruising will start to subside from 10 days post surgery and the swelling will
start to decade from 14 days post surgery. But the swelling will actually start to settle from the
first month post surgery, and will continue around towards the 3rd month post op. The patient can
return to work from the second week after the treatment. The patients can start with easy
exercises from the 3rd post op week. It is not recommended to lift heavy things until 6 weeks post
op.
Results: The final results will start to show itself from the 3rd month on. The mid facelift surgery
results last around 10 to 15 years.
Recovery and Postoperative Care for Mid Facelift Surgery
Day 1: The patients generally don’t feel anything as they are just waking up from anesthesia. The
patient will have bandages around the face, might feel dizziness. The surgeon will come and
discharge the patient. It is important to keep the head elevated during the first week post surgery.
Days 2-3: The patient will start to swell up and bruising will start to appear. The patient should try
to rest as much as possible. On the 3rd post op day, the patient will have a check up in the clinic.
Days 4-6: The swelling will start to subside slowly. It is important to stay indoors as much as
possible. Please continue to obey your surgeon’s instructions. The bruising will be less and less
visible.
Days 7-14: The bruising will be subsided from day 10. The swelling will continue to persist. It will
take a longer time for the cheeks to settle in their places. Feelings such as tingling or numbness,
tightness around the face is expected.
Days 15-30: The patient can start doing light exercises. The swelling and the tightness will
continue to exist. The facial definition will start to show itself but cheeks will still look swelled.
Days 30-60: Once one month of healing is completed, the patient can return to their acitvity
routines such as jogging, yoga, swimming etc. The swelling and tightness feeling might continue
up to 2 months post surgery. But, the final results will start to take over exactly from the 3rd post
op month. Using sun screen is very crucial because it will help slowing down the aging process,
the patient should use sunscreen from the beginning of the healing process and should never
stop using it.
Risks and Complications of Mid Facelift Surgery
Every surgery has its own risks, although a mid facelift surgery is a safe procedure, the patients
need to understand and beware of the risks while preparing for this surgery. Here below are some
of the complications that can occur, although all are temporary.
Hematoma
Nerve Injury
Skin Loss
Infection and Bleeding
Facial Weakness or Asymmetry
Skin Irregularities and Discoloration
Hair Loss
There are solutions to reducing such these risks. If the patient stops smoking and/or drinking
before the surgery and take on a healthy lifestyle prior and post surgery, the healing will be faster
and the risks will be lower. Stopping blood thinning medications and some vitamin or herbal
supplements before surgery will decrease the risk of bleeding. The patient should strictly obey the
surgeon’s instructions throughout the whole acute stage of healing and should maintain an open
communication with the surgeon’s team.
Expected Results and Longevity of Mid Facelift Surgery
The mid facelift, sometimes referred to as a cheek lift or vertical facelift, is performed to erase
visible signs of aging such as nasolabial folds, saggy cheeks or deflated lower eyelids. The final
results after the surgery will start to show itself from the 3rd post op month on. The mid facelift
surgery results generally lasts around 10 years. One should note that the longevity of the results
can from patient to patient. Because the results are influenced by the patient’s skin quality,
lifestyle, sun exposure and how they age etc. The only way to extend these results is to take on a
healthy diet, doing spots and avoiding sun exposure.
The very acute healing stage is around 2 weeks, the bruising will wear off and the swelling will
start to decrease. However, it will be around 3 months for the facial contours and definition to
settle. It is important to stay off aggresive physical activities such as weight lifting.
The patient should have an honest conversation about their desires and the surgeon should
explain properly about what the results can actually be like. The patients should know that yes
this procedure helps rewinding time but it doesn’t stop it. So, the patient should know what to
expect. Therefore, the patient should discuss their goals with the surgeon before proceeding.
How to Choose the Right Surgeon for the Mid Facelift Surgery?
It is important to make sure you are comfortable with your choice of surgeon. So, here below are
some keys points about how to choose the right surgeon:
1-Make sure to proceed with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and ask for their credentials.
2-Do your research on the surgeon you wish to proceed with and examine their experience.
3-Request before&after photos of the previous patients who had the procedure you are planning
to have.
4-Have a face to face consultation before proceeding. If you are abroad and coming straight to
surgery, you will have a consultation before the surgery but make sure to have an online video
consultation before flying over.
5-Search previous patient’s testimonials and read that surgeon’s reviews online.
6-Research the hospital you will be having your surgery in.
7-Make sure to go through the surgical plan and ask all your questions to fully understand the
process.
8-First impression about your surgeon is crucial, do not proceed with someone you don’t feel
comfortable with.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mid Facelift Surgery
What is a Mid Facelift?
– A mid facelift is a plastic surgery procedure designed to lift the mid-face area, improving the
appearance of nasolabial folds and saggy cheeks. It can generally be combined with a temple lift
to lift the upper face in one go.
How Do I Know if I Need a Mid Facelift or a Full Facelift?
– You should be discussing this with a board certified facial plastic surgeon who will be able to
guide you to the right treatment. But briefly, if you seem to have sagginess and jowling around the
lower face, a full facelift is the correct treatment, on the other hand, if you seem to have saggy
cheeks and deflated lower eyelids, a mid facelift might be right for you.
Where are the Mid Facelift Incisions?
– Incisions for a mid facelift are typically smaller and well-concealed, often placed behind the
ears in the hairline. For endoscopic mid facelifts, these incisions can be about half to one inch
long.
What Type of Anesthesia is Used in Mid Facelift Surgery?
– The mid facelift surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
How Long Does the Mid Facelift Procedure Take?
– A mid facelift usually takes about 2 hours.
Does the Mid Facelift Leave Scars?
– The incisions are made through the temples so they will be hidden in the hair.
Is the Mid Facelift Procedure Painful?
– Rather than pain, patients mostly feel tightness and swelling. In the first days, you might
experience headache and discomfort.
What is the Recovery Period for the Mid Facelift Surgery Like?
– In around 2 weeks, the patient can return to their daily lives. However, they will have facial
swelling which will start to settle from around 1 month post surgery. The final results will start to
be seen from the 3rd post op month.
When Can I Return to Work after Mid Facelift Surgery?
– 2 weeks post surgery, the patient can return to work, however, the facial swelling will continue.
When Can I Resume Exercise after Mid Facelift Surgery?
– The patient should start with easy exercises 3 weeks post surgery. However, the patient should
wait for around 2 months post op until cardio or weight lifting, running, swimming.
Are There Any Risks or Complications for Mid Facelift Surgery?
– Just like any kind of surgery, a mid facelift surgery has its own risks. We have mentioned the
risk and complications above, most common complications are edema and numbness which are
temporary and will subside in a few months.
Is the Mid Facelift Surgery Procedure Covered by Insurance?
– As mid facelift surgery is a cosmetic procedure, it will not be covered by insurance.
Scheduling for a Mid Facelift Surgery
The mid facelift surgery journey begins with research. When the patient is ready that they have
enough information and feel like this will be a solution to their problems, they should make a list of
the surgeons they like and narrow them down according to their research, such as their
credentials, experience, certifications etc.
Once they are ready to have a face to face consultation which they are likely to proceed with, they
should be ready to discuss their desires and should understand the treatment better. The surgeon
should inform the patient about what to expect realisticly and if this treatment is right for them or
not. Once both sides agree on the treatment plan, then the patient should proceed to schedule
the surgery date.
Deciding for a mid facelift surgery shouldn’t be taken lightly. Please contact us to get more
information about mid facelift surgery and see if you are eligible for this surgery or not.