Typical Timing/Age

45-65 years old

Problem

Facial aging is multifactorial. Facial aging can be broken down into three basic problems: ptosis (falling or sagging of tissues), atrophy (decreased volume and loss of tissue) and decreased skin quality. A mid-facelift corrects – “ptosis” (falling or sagging of tissues) of the upper cheek and lower eyelid tissue. The addition of fat grafting to treat areas of volume loss and skin resurfacing to improve skin quality can dramatically improve the final result after a “midface lift.” The midface lift serves to move the upper cheek and lower eyelid tissues back into a higher and more aesthetically pleasing location thereby improving facial contour. Unlike a facelift, a midface lift will not treat the neck, jowls, lateral cheek or excess facial skin.

Procedure

The procedure is done through an incision on the lower eyelid millimeters below the eyelashes and incisions inside the mouth. Through these incisions, the tear trough is treated and the middle-upper cheek is elevated. The procedure takes approximately 3-4 hours. Some less severe “tear trough” or “orbital-malar” creases can be temporarily masked with dermal fillers.

Goal

To improve the appearance of the eyes and cheeks by effacing the orbital-malar sulcus, smoothing out the lower eyelid skin and elevating the upper cheek.

Facility

In many cases this can be done in the office, using local, oral and nitrous oxide sedation. If general anesthesia is used, it would be performed in an out-patient surgery center.

Anesthesia

In the office: Local, oral and/or nitrous oxide sedation. In a surgery center: General anesthesia.

Hospital stay

Patients do not require a night in the hospital.

Positioning

After a mid-face lift, you should sleep with your head elevated above your heart for a few days to help reduce the swelling.

Assistance

You will be able to walk around, feed and bathe yourself. Depending on your pain medication requirements, you may not be able to drive or care for others.

Walking

You are encouraged to walk around as much as possible to help reduce the risk of DVT and thromboembolism.

Showering

You may shower immediately following surgery.

Exercise

1 week for light exercise. 2 weeks for regular exercise.

Sex

Wait 1 week because you don’t want to increase your blood pressure during the early healing period.

Work

You may be bruised for 1-2 weeks. If you have a desk job you can return to work as soon as you are comfortable doing so. Most people take 1-2 weeks off of work.

Swelling

Usually subsides by 1 week.

Bruising

Usually subsides by 1-2 weeks.

Risks & Complications

Lower eyelid malposition, dry eyes, chemosis, asymmetry, bleeding, infection, prolonged swelling, numbness, need for revision, complications related to anesthesia.