The midface is the central region of the face extending from the lower eyelids to the cheeks.
With ageing, changes in skin quality, facial fat compartments and supporting tissues may contribute
to a flatter cheek appearance, a more noticeable eyelid-cheek junction and deeper folds around the nose and mouth.
A mid facelift is a surgical procedure designed to reposition selected tissues of this central facial region.
Unlike a traditional facelift, which usually addresses broader areas of the lower face, jawline and sometimes the neck,
a mid facelift is primarily focused on the cheeks and the relationship between the lower eyelid and midface.
The appropriate procedure depends on the patient’s anatomy, ageing pattern and individual goals.
The midface includes the cheek area beneath the eyes and around the cheekbones. Several layers of skin, fat, muscles,
ligaments and deeper supporting structures contribute to the shape and position of this region.
As the face changes with age, some patients may notice loss of cheek projection, downward movement of soft tissues,
a more visible groove between the lower eyelid and cheek or increased prominence of the nasolabial folds.
These changes do not occur in exactly the same way in every patient, which is why facial rejuvenation surgery
should be planned individually.
A mid facelift is generally intended to improve age-related changes affecting the central cheek region.
Depending on the patient’s anatomy and the surgical technique selected, the procedure may help reposition
descended cheek tissues and improve the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek.
It is important to understand that a mid facelift is not designed to correct every sign of facial ageing.
For example, significant jowling, marked skin laxity along the jawline or ageing of the neck may require a broader
facelift procedure or another surgical approach.
Suitability is determined during an individual medical and facial assessment rather than by age alone.
A patient may be considered for a midface lifting procedure when the main concern is concentrated around the cheeks,
lower eyelid-cheek junction or central face rather than the entire lower face and neck.
General health, medical history, previous facial procedures, smoking status, skin characteristics,
facial anatomy and expectations all need to be considered before surgery.
Not every person experiencing midface ageing requires surgery, and non-surgical treatments may be more appropriate
for some patients.
There is no single technique used for every mid facelift. Surgical approaches may vary according to the tissues
that need to be repositioned and whether the procedure is performed alone or together with another facial procedure.
Different approaches can involve carefully placed incisions in areas such as the temporal region or lower eyelid,
depending on the surgical plan. The underlying midface tissues can then be mobilised and repositioned to restore
a more balanced relationship between the cheek and surrounding facial structures.
For some patients, a midface procedure may also form part of a broader
endoscopic facelift
or facial rejuvenation strategy. The surgical method should therefore be chosen after examining the entire face
rather than treating one area in isolation.
The main difference is the anatomical area being treated. A mid facelift primarily focuses on the central face,
particularly the cheek region. A full facelift generally addresses more extensive ageing involving the lower face,
jawline and, depending on the procedure, adjacent facial and neck tissues.
A patient whose primary concern is cheek descent may not necessarily require the same procedure as someone with
significant jowling or lower-face laxity. Conversely, performing only a mid facelift may not adequately address
ageing that extends to the jawline and neck.
For this reason, patients considering facial rejuvenation should be assessed according to their individual ageing
pattern rather than choosing a procedure solely by its name.
Mid facelift surgery and lower eyelid surgery can influence neighbouring anatomical areas, but they are not the same procedure.
Lower blepharoplasty primarily addresses concerns of the lower eyelid, which may include excess skin,
prominent fat or other structural changes depending on the patient.
A mid facelift focuses more directly on the position of the cheek and midfacial tissues.
In selected patients, lower eyelid and midface concerns may coexist, and a surgeon may evaluate whether one procedure,
a combination of procedures or another approach is more appropriate.
Patients whose concerns are mainly around the eyelids can also read about
blepharoplasty and eyelid surgery in Istanbul.
Recovery varies according to the surgical technique, whether additional procedures are performed and the patient’s
individual healing response. Swelling, bruising, tightness and temporary changes in sensation can occur during the
early healing period.
Many patients experience their most noticeable swelling during the early stages of recovery, followed by gradual
improvement over the following weeks. The appearance of the cheeks can continue to settle as swelling resolves.
Patients should follow their surgeon’s instructions regarding wound care, sleeping position, activity,
medication and follow-up appointments.
A personalised recovery estimate should be provided after the planned procedure is determined.
Patients travelling internationally should also discuss the appropriate timing of their return flight with their surgeon.
As with other surgical facial rejuvenation procedures, a mid facelift involves potential risks.
These may include bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation, prolonged swelling, altered skin sensation,
unfavourable scarring, asymmetry, wound-healing problems and complications related to anaesthesia.
Injury affecting facial nerve function is uncommon but is also among the recognised risks of facial lifting surgery.
The exact risk profile varies between patients and depends on medical history, anatomy, surgical technique
and whether other operations are performed at the same time. A detailed consultation is therefore necessary
before deciding to proceed with surgery.
A mid facelift does not stop the natural ageing process. Surgery may reposition facial tissues,
but the face continues to change over time because of ageing, genetics, skin quality, lifestyle,
sun exposure and changes in body weight.
For this reason, it is not appropriate to guarantee that a particular result will last for a specific number of years.
The durability and appearance of the result vary from patient to patient.
Dr. Metin Kerem evaluates the face as a whole when planning facial rejuvenation surgery.
Assessment includes the position of the cheeks, lower eyelids, jawline, facial proportions,
skin characteristics and the patient’s individual concerns.
Depending on these findings, a mid facelift may be considered alone or as part of a broader surgical plan.
Patients interested in the procedure can learn more on the
Midface Lift Surgery in Istanbul
procedure page.
International patients can begin the assessment process by sharing their concerns and appropriate photographs
for an initial evaluation. A final treatment recommendation can only be made following an appropriate medical assessment.
Book an Online Consultation with Dr. Metin Kerem
to discuss whether a midface lift or another facial rejuvenation approach may be suitable for you.
No. A mid facelift is primarily focused on the central cheek region, while a full facelift generally addresses
a broader area including the lower face and jawline. The most appropriate procedure depends on the patient’s anatomy
and ageing pattern.
Repositioning midface tissues may improve the relationship between the cheek and lower eyelid in suitable patients.
However, concerns caused primarily by lower eyelid skin or fat may require blepharoplasty or another treatment.
In selected patients, midface surgery may be performed together with eyelid surgery or another facial rejuvenation procedure.
Whether combined surgery is appropriate depends on the patient’s health, anatomy and treatment plan.
There is no single ideal age. Surgical suitability is based more on facial anatomy, the pattern of ageing,
general health and the patient’s concerns than on chronological age alone.
No. Facial ageing continues after surgery. The aim of surgery is to reposition selected tissues,
not to stop the biological ageing process.
A consultation and facial assessment are required to determine whether a mid facelift,
a different type of facelift or a non-surgical option is more appropriate for your individual concerns.
