What is Mid Face Lift?
Mid-Face Lift is a surgical procedure performed to correct the signs of aging in the central area of the face. Over time, deep lines, sagging, and volume loss can occur in this region of the face. The Mid-Face Lift involves lifting, repositioning, and tightening the skin and tissues around the cheeks and eyes, aiming to achieve a youthful and vibrant appearance.
Why Does the Mid-Face Sag?
- Aging leads to a loss of skin elasticity and decreased collagen production. This reduces the skin’s tightness and weakens supporting tissues, resulting in sagging in the mid-face area.
- Gravity causes facial tissues, including fat and muscles in the mid-face, to move downward, leading to sagging and hollowing in the cheeks.
- Constantly using the same facial expressions can weaken specific muscle groups, contributing to sagging in the mid-face area.
- Some people may be genetically predisposed to mid-face sagging. Structural features that may be inherited in family may cause sagging and signs of aging to appear early.
- Lifestyle choices such as smoking, irregular sleep, stress, unhealthy diet, and excessive sun exposure can also impact mid-face sagging by negatively affecting skin health and elasticity.
How Is a Mid-Face Lift Performed?
A Mid-Face Lift is typically performed under general anesthesia. Small incisions are made to access the cheeks and the area beneath the eyes. The surgery allows access to the subcutaneous tissues for skin lifting, repositioning of deep tissues, and reshaping. This results in a more youthful and refreshed appearance. The procedure generally lasts 3-4 hours, and patients are often discharged after one night in the hospital.
Mid-facelift surgery consists of several important steps. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and includes these steps:
- Incisions: The surgeon typically creates small incisions hidden within the hairline or beneath the lower eyelid to access the mid-face area.
- Lifting and Reshaping of Tissues: Facial muscles and connective tissues are positioned to create a more youthful appearance, excess skin is removed and the face is reshaped.
- Closing the Incisions: The incisions are carefully closed and the surgery is completed.
What Are the Techniques Used in Mid-Face Lift?
Mid-face lift can be performed with different techniques. The most common and modern among these techniques is “endoscopic mid-face lift”. In this method, the surgeon makes small incisions, typically 2-3 cm in length, hidden within the hairline, and work with an endoscope to perform the procedure less invasively. Here are some key techniques:
Endoscopic Mid-Face Lift: This technique involves creating small incisions with the help of a camera. The surgeon uses an endoscope to access internal structures, resulting in less visible scarring and faster recovery.
SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) Reshaping: This method aims to reposition deep facial tissues to achieve a youthful look In this way, longer-lasting results can be obtained. The surgery is performed through skin incisions made in front of the ear or temple area.
Who Are Suitable Candidates for a Mid-Face Lift?
A Mid-Face Lift is generally most suitable for individuals aged between 35 and 60. However, every individual’s situation is unique, so evaluation and recommendations from a plastic surgeon are crucial. Facelift surgery may be suitable for individuals who want to correct signs of aging and restore youthful fullness. People who experience the following conditions are potential candidates for a Mid-Face Lift:
Signs of Aging: Those with signs of aging, such as sagging, loosening, wrinkles, and lines, may consider a Mid-Face Lift. These symptoms are more common in individuals over 40 but can occur at any age.
Genetic Factors: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to mid-face sagging or signs of aging, making a Mid-Face Lift a consideration.
Loss of Facial Contours: Loss of facial fat over time can lead to reduced volume and sagging. Mid-Face Lift surgery can correct this problem by reshaping facial contours and restoring fullness.
Healthy Lifestyle: Candidates for a Mid-Face Lift should have overall good health. Not smoking, regular exercise, a healthy diet, and a healthy lifestyle are important factors.
How Is the Recovery Process After a Mid-Face Lift?
After a Mid-Face Lift, patients typically achieve a younger, more vibrant appearance. Sagging and deep lines diminish, cheeks appear more lifted, and facial features become more defined. Additionally, the overall volume and fullness of the face increase, providing a more youthful look.
The recovery process following a Mid-Face Lift can vary from person to person but generally involves the following stages:
- Immediate Post-Op: In the days immediately following the procedure, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort. It is common to stay in the hospital for a few days after the surgery. Regular check-ups with your surgeon will be scheduled to monitor your recovery and provide assistance as needed.
- First Week: Swelling and bruising are typically most pronounced during the first week. Some discomfort or pain may be present, but your surgeon can prescribe medications for pain control. Keeping your head elevated can help reduce swelling. If sutures need to be removed, this is usually done within a week.
- Following Few Weeks: Swelling and bruising usually diminish during the first few weeks. However, complete resolution may take several weeks to a few months. During this time, the tissues in your face heal and settle. Your surgeon may recommend gentle massages or cold compresses.
- First Few Months: The results of the Mid-Face Lift become more apparent over the first few months. Swelling and numbness in your face decrease. Your skin and tissues become tighter and appear more youthful. During this period, your surgeon will schedule regular check-ups to monitor your progress.
The entire recovery time following a Mid-Face Lift can vary from person to person. Typically, complete recovery takes from a few months to a year. During this time, the skin fully heals, swelling subsides, and the results become more pronounced.
To expedite the recovery process, following your surgeon’s instructions diligently is essential. This includes taking medications as prescribed, proper wound care, limiting activity, maintaining a healthy diet, and doing recommended exercises.
What Are the Advantages of a Mid-Face Lift?
Rejuvenating Effect: A Mid-Face Lift reduces the signs of aging, resulting in a more youthful and vibrant appearance. It lifts the cheeks and rejuvenates the eye area, giving a youthful look.
Natural Results: Mid-Face Lift outcomes appear highly natural when performed correctly. Facial expressions remain unchanged, and facial features become more defined.
Long-Lasting Effect Mid-Face Lift results are generally long-lasting and can endure many years. The rejuvenating effect achieved by this procedure can last for many years.
Easy Combinability: For more comprehensive results, a Mid-Face Lift can be combined with other aesthetic procedures, such as eyelid surgery or forehead lift.
Is a Mid-Face Lift Permanent?
Mid-Facelift results are generally long-lasting, but the effects of aging will persist over time. The permanence of the procedure depends on many factors, such as age, genetic, lifestyle and skin care. To achieve good results, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, sun protection and proper skin care.
Will There Be Any Scars After Mid-Face Lift?
The incisions made for Mid-Face Lift are generally placed within the hairline or in accordance with the natural facial lines. Therefore, scars are usually invisible or minimal. These scars disappear over time.
How Long Can the Rejuvenating Effects of a Mid-Face Lift Last?
The rejuvenating effects achieved with a Mid-Face Lift can be long-lasting, but this varies from person to person. Since the aging process will continue, signs of aging may reappear over time. Nevertheless, the results of a Mid-Face Lift typically endure for 5 to 10 years.
Can Problems Around the Eyes Be Corrected with a Mid-Face Lift?
Mid-Face Lift can also be effective in correcting problems around the eyes, as it targets sagging and signs of aging in the middle area of the face. However, additional procedures such as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may sometimes be necessary to correct more specific problems regarding the eye area.
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