What is a Midface Lift (Cheek Lift)?
The midface or cheek area is a common area revealing the early signs of facial aging. Deeper smile lines (nasolabial folds), lower eyelid bags, flattening of the cheek area and hollowing of the lower face are all signs of the aging midface. Factors that can affect this are gravity, genetics, smoking and sun damage. The midface area can be rejuvenated through multiple techniques including non-invasive, minimally invasive and open procedures. A midface lift can be harmonized with other facial procedures to deliver a natural and youthful result.
Cheek Lift Options
Dr. Trussler offers numerous midface procedures for both men and women of all ages. A consultation in his Austin, Texas office will enable patient’s to discuss their goals and learn what their options for midface rejuvenation are. Midface aging can be present as early as the twenties, especially if things such as eyelid bags run in the family. Younger patients may be more interested in non-invasive midface procedures such as volumetric fillers like Juvederm®, Voluma®, or Radiesse®. Learn more about injectables here.
Older patients may prefer a longer lasting midface lift such as an endoscopic midface lift which is performed through the hairline or an open cheek lift performed through a lower eyelid incision.
Which Cheek Lift Options is Best for Me?
Midface lifts are ideal for reducing puffiness under the eyes, improving the contour of the upper cheeks, and correcting nasolabial folds. The degree of lower eyelid aging, the presence of lower eyelid bags, and the extent of cheek descent all factor in to the choice of midface procedure. Midface lifts are often performed in conjunction with lower-eyelid blepharoplasty to rejuvenate the area around the eyes and lift the cheeks. Non-invasive midface procedures are typically in-office procedures with minimal recovery, though they are not permanent and the results may last for over one year. Midface procedures are ideally performed on healthy patients with defined and realistic goals that can be met with the recommended technique.
Patient Testimonial
“Dr. Trussler is great at what he does! He is polite and so are the ladies in his office. After breastfeeding 3 children my breast needed work. I did some research and had consults with 5 highly rated plastic surgeons in Austin including Dr. Trussler. After my consult with him I knew he was the surgeon for me. I got my breast lift and implant done with him in 2016 and I am loving my results. My confidence level has sky rocketed. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. Thank you Dr. Trussler and all of your staff.”
Midface Lift Expectations
A midface lift restores youthful shape to the mid-face region by elevating the cheeks and smoothing lower eyelid lines. Each midface procedure performed by Dr. Trussler can achieve a natural rejuvenated look without the need to undergo a full facelift.
Midface Lift Procedure
The midface lift procedure takes about 2 to 3 hours and is usually performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation in the operating room. Non-invasive midface procedures such as volumetric fillers can be performed in the office under local anesthesia. A midface lift begins with incisions placed in the lash line of the lower eyelid. Access to the undersurface of the cheek allows the midface soft tissue to be elevated and supported as one unit, with the lower eyelid skin and muscle are tightened through the same incision. The cheek is secured in a higher position with internal sutures. The incisions are closed with absorbable sutures.
Where Are Incisions Places During A Cheek Lift?
The endoscopic midface lift is performed through a hairline incision just above the ear. The cheek is accessed and elevated with the use of a small camera and longer instruments with the advantage of limiting the need for a lower eyelid incision. Internal stitches are used to secure the cheek in a higher, more youthful position. Lower eyelid procedures are performed from either the front or back of the lower eyelid in conjunction with the endoscopic procedure.
Recovery After Midface Lift Surgery
After a midface and endoscopic midface lift, patients will usually need about a week to two weeks off from work and other regular activities. There will likely be mild bruising and swelling for the first few days, which can be relieved with cold compresses to the face as well as an elevation of the head. Any operation around the eye can lead to swelling and irritation. This is alleviated with gel ice masks and hydrating eye drops for the first week after the operation. Dr. Trussler will provide you with his full post-operative instructions for a midface lift during the initial consultation. Any stitches will be removed in the first week. Sometimes eyelid exercises will be recommended by Dr. Trussler after this operation to help alleviate swelling and scarring.
Results After Midface Lift Surgery
Results from a midface lift are immediate though fully appreciated after about 3 weeks once swelling and bruising have subsided. Non-invasive midface procedures do have immediate results but can carry the potential for prolonged swelling and bruising. Dr. Trussler does recommend similar cold compresses and ice packs for these procedures as well.
*Disclaimer: Results and patient experience may vary
Publication
- Trussler AP, Byrd HS. Management of the Midface During Facial Rejuvenation. Semin Plast Surg. 2009 Nov; 23(4): 274-282.
- Trussler AP, Schaub TA, Byrd HS. Endoscopic Management of the Difficult Lower Eyelid: A Review of 300 Cases. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2012 Sep;130(3): 690-699.
Whether you have a question or would like to setup a midface or cheek lift consultation, Dr. Trussler and his staff in Austin, Texas are here to help. Please fill out our contact form, or call our Austin office at 512-450-1077 to schedule an appointment. Start your journey to not only looking, but feeling better today!