The Mid-Facelift
The mid-facelift, also known as the cheek lift or vertical facelift is a surgical procedure that can soften smile lines and tighten sagging cheeks. It targets the cheeks and the under-eye area and it involves the Plastic Surgeon making two small incisions by the hairline, tightening the muscles, and manipulating the fat pads under the cheeks giving an individual a younger more rejuvenated appearance.
The mid-facelift can be a good option for individuals who desire prominent cheekbones, brighter eyes, and a more youthful-looking appearance but do not want their jawline and forehead worked on.
The mid-facelift addresses issues such as:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Loss of facial volume
- Bags under the eyes
- Facial skin laxity
How a Mid-Facelift works
As we age, our skin starts to lose its ability to produce collagen –the material that is responsible for making the skin firm, strengthening it, and giving it its elasticity. The loss of collagen makes the skin unable to snap back into place resulting in loose and sagging skin.
Accompanying the skin in the aging process are the structures underneath it, such as the muscles, fat, ligaments, and bones.
The mid-facelift works by tightening the muscles underneath the skin, elevating the fat pad in the cheeks (known as the malar fat pad), and repositioning the fat under the eyes for a less hollow look, resulting in a refreshed, rejuvenated face.
A Good Candidate for the Mid-Facelift
A good candidate for the mid-facelift is an individual who is middle-aged with sagging cheeks and heaviness or hollowness beneath the eyes. He/she should also be generally healthy and not have any medical conditions that can impair healing. The ideal candidate should also have realistic expectations regarding the procedure.
However, the mid-facelift is not recommended for individuals with more prominent signs of aging and loose neck skin. They would better benefit from the traditional facelift approach.
The Procedure for a Mid-Facelift
The mid-facelift procedure is done under general anesthesia in a hospital setting as an outpatient procedure.
Once the individual has been anesthetized, the Plastic surgeon will make an incision in the hairline and behind the ear to access the drooping facial muscles. He/she will then dissect the skin from the muscles in the cheek and forehead area. The muscles are repositioned upwards, closer to the sides of the rim of the eye bone and the temples.
This will:
- Remove excess sagging skin
- Lift and tighten the facial skin
- Plump the area around the eyes
- Help smooth out wrinkles and creases
What to expect
Following the mid-facelift procedure, the face will be swollen, bruised, and wrapped in a postoperative garment which should be worn for a week. Pain medication will be prescribed for the discomfort. Jaw and neck movement should be limited in the first 2 weeks.
Most individuals feel ready to resume work and normal activities after about 2 weeks, but light exercises can be started after 3 weeks whereas, strenuous activities can be resumed after 6 weeks.
There are noticeable results immediately after surgery, but they improve as the swelling goes down with the final results becoming apparent after 2-4 months approximately.
The results are long-lasting but not permanent. They can last for about 7-15 years.
Know More
Would you like to understand what options are available for Facelift procedures in Dubai? Meet one of our experts at Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery for a personal consultation to develop a tailor-made plan for you. Contact us or Book an appointment, and our patient care coordinators will identify the most suitable expert for you.