Midface lift
As we age, our skin begins to lose its natural elasticity, becomes thinner and looser, and begins to sag. The passage of years and lifestyle will affect not only the skin, but also the muscles, ligaments, fat, and all other structures beneath it, and the first signs of aging will soon appear. Often, these are more evident in the middle area of the face, especially in the cheek and under-eye area, where the tissues sag and lose volume.[3]
A cosmetic surgery for the face may be the solution you are looking for when you want to erase the signs of time from your face and regain your youthful appearance. There are several types of facelifts, but if the problems that bother you are located in the middle area of the face, the midface lift might be the perfect solution.
What does midface lift mean?
When thinking about a facelift, many people tend to mistakenly assume that it treats all regions of the face. In fact, a traditional facelift only treats the lower two-thirds of the face. If interventions above the eyes are also needed, it is combined with a brow lift. Each type of facelift has its benefits.
The midface lift focuses on the middle area of the face, from the corner of the eyes to the corner of the mouth, especially on the cheeks. Unlike a standard facelift, it does not target the chin or forehead area. It is an excellent option for those who want a younger appearance, prominent cheekbones, and to smooth out laugh lines.[3][4]
01. What is the procedure for a midface lift?
The actual procedure and everything it involves, from preparation to recovery, may vary from patient to patient and depending on the techniques used. During the initial consultation, in which aspects such as your medical history, the drug treatments you are following, and your expectations will be discussed, the surgeon will explain in detail what you need to do to prepare and how the procedure will take place.
02. Pre-surgery preparation
In general, before such an intervention, certain tests and analyses will be performed to assess your health and prevent the occurrence of complications, you will be advised to discontinue the administration of certain medications (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) at least 2 weeks before the operation and to quit smoking at least 6 weeks before.[1]
03.Midface lift intervention
The procedure can be performed under general anesthesia or with intravenous sedation and local anesthesia. The surgeon will start by making small incisions, the location of which may vary depending on the technique used. He will then tighten the muscles and manipulate the fat pockets (malar bags) under the skin to:
- Help smooth out folds and wrinkles;
- Remove excess skin;
- Lift and tighten the skin of the face;
- Restore volume to the area around the eyes.[3]
It can also be associated with other types of lifting, such as that of the neck or eyebrows, or with a blepharoplasty.
04. Post-surgery recovery
After the intervention is completed, your face will be bandaged to reduce bruising and swelling. It is normal to have some numbness in the cheeks and ears; it may persist for a few weeks or months. To reduce swelling, it is advisable to sleep with your head higher than the rest of your body.
Most patients can resume their activities after approximately 2-3 weeks; during this time, however, it is recommended to avoid physical exertion of any kind (including lifting heavy objects), sauna, massage, and sexual intercourse.[1][3]
05. Who is the ideal candidate for a midface lift?
In order to be considered a good candidate for such a procedure, you must be in good health, not smoke, and have one or more of the following problems:
Prominent nasolabial folds;
Loss of skin elasticity and volume in the cheek area;
Expression wrinkles in the middle area of the face;
Your current appearance does not satisfy you.
It is also important to understand what results can be obtained as a result of this procedure, to have realistic expectations and to be willing to follow the surgeon’s instructions to contribute to the success of the operation.[2][5]
Why turn to Dr. Olimpiu Hârceagă?
As in many other cases, the success of such a procedure depends on the expertise and experience of the surgeon you will choose. Here are some reasons why you should turn to Dr. Olimpiu Hârceagă:
- He has double specialization in Plastic Surgery and Dermatology;
- He has completed 11 years of specialization, of which 3 abroad;
- He worked as a resident in the plastic surgery service of the John Radcliffe Hospital, part of Oxford University Hospitals, one of the three major plastic surgery services in the UK, and completed training courses in Belgium, at the UZ Brussel University Hospital, in Stuttgart, at Marrien Hospital, and in Munich Bogenhausen Klinikum;
- He is a perfectionist, characterized by attention to detail and for whom every half millimeter counts;
- He is always willing to answer all the questions of his patients and to help them choose the best solution to obtain the desired results;
- He uses the latest techniques available;
- He can perform a wide range of surgical and non-surgical procedures;
- You can benefit from a free video consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the operation last?
The intervention usually lasts approximately 2 hours, but its duration may vary from patient to patient, depending on the procedures with which it is associated.
When will the results be seen and how long will they last?
Full recovery after a facelift can take several months, but most people will see full results in 2 to 3 months. In general, these can be maintained for up to 10 years.[3]
What are the risks of the operation?
The midface lift procedure is generally considered safe. But, as with any surgical intervention, there are certain risks to consider. The list includes prolonged swelling, pain, complications from anesthesia, and visible scars.
Patients' Opinion
When the signs of the passage of time leave their mark on our face, surgical facelift, whether it is a standard facelift, mini facelift or, as in this case, midface lift, can help us regain our youthful appearance. Schedule a consultation to find out what procedure, surgical or non-surgical, suits you and what results you can obtain.
What are the costs of a midface lift?
2500 - 4000 €
Midface lift costs
The costs mentioned are estimates, and they may vary depending on the surgical technique chosen, the complexity of the case, as well as any additional procedures or investigations required.
A detailed final cost can only be established after a medical consultation, in which the patient’s clinical situation will be assessed and the individualized therapeutic plan will be established. These costs include: the surgeon’s and anesthesiologist’s fees, the period of hospitalization, all the medicines and materials needed during the surgery and during hospitalization. For a personalized estimate, we recommend scheduling a consultation.