What Is Midface Lift?

As we age, gravity and fat deflation rob us of facial fullness. One area in which these effects can be seen is the midface area. The midface is the area from the lower eyelids to the nasolabial folds, which are the lines from the nose to the corner of the mouth. Over time, the midface area descends and loses volume (flattens). This can make us appear more tired or older than we are.

Round facial contours and midface/cheek projection is the mark of youth and beauty. A midface lift can beautifully restore the youthful contour and three-dimensional projection to the midface area that so many patients desire. Fat may also be transferred to the face during a midface lift to maximize contour and projection. There are several techniques for midface lifting, which technique is best for you is based on a variety of factors including your current facial structure, previous facial surgeries (if applicable), and your aesthetic goals.

Your surgeon will explain in detail which options are best for you and why. If you are considering facial enhancement, a midface lift may be an excellent option for you.

When choosing a surgeon to perform a midface lift, look for a cosmetic and reconstructive specialist who limits her practice to facial procedures. A specialist will have the experience, expertise and knowledge of the anatomy of the midface including all surrounding areas, as well as special training in aesthetics and ultra smooth wound closures for scar minimization. A reconstructive and cosmetic specialist will also take extra time to address the minute aesthetic details for a natural, non-surgical result.

Note: A Midface Lift does not address the eyelids or a sagging eyebrow or forehead area. For information about these areas please see BLEPHAROPLASTY and EYEBROW and FOREHEAD LIFTING.

As a board-certified, fellowship trained oculoplastic surgeon with extensive training and experience, Dr. Selena Fu customizes each treatment to reflect each patient’s unique anatomy, skin condition, aesthetic concerns and lifestyle — an approach that consistently delivers excellent results for her patients.

Call for a personal consultation today, Dr. Fu will discuss the surgical and non-surgical options that will provide your best possible outcome.

What to Expect from Midface Lift Surgery

A midface lift, also known as a cheek lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to lift and reposition the soft tissues of the cheeks, restoring volume, contour, and a youthful appearance to the middle part of the face. This procedure targets sagging cheeks, deep nasolabial folds (smile lines), and hollowed under-eye areas, providing a more youthful and natural look.

Before the Surgery

1. Consultation & Pre-Surgical Planning

Your plastic surgeon will assess your facial structure, skin elasticity, and volume loss.
Discuss your aesthetic goals and whether a midface lift alone or combined procedures (e.g., facelift, eyelid surgery, or fat grafting) would be best.
You may also discuss minimally invasive alternatives such as fillers or fat transfer.

2. Pre-Surgery Preparations

Stop smoking and alcohol at least 2-4 weeks before surgery to improve healing.
Avoid blood-thinning medications (aspirin, ibuprofen) for at least one week.
Arrange for transportation home after surgery, as swelling and bruising may temporarily affect vision and mobility.

During the Surgery

1. Anesthesia

Typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

2. Procedure Duration

Takes 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the technique and whether additional procedures are performed.

3. Surgical Techniques

Endoscopic Midface Lift – Minimally invasive, using small incisions hidden in the hairline or inside the mouth.
Traditional Midface Lift – Incisions are made along the lower eyelid or hairline, allowing deeper tissue repositioning for significant lifting.
SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) Lift – Lifts both skin and underlying facial muscles, providing longer-lasting results.

Recovery Process

1. First 24-48 Hours

Swelling and bruising are most noticeable.
Mild discomfort, tightness, or numbness in the cheeks and lower eyelids.
Use cold compresses to reduce swelling.
Sleep with your head elevated to minimize swelling and bruising.

2. First Week

Sutures or dissolvable stitches are removed or dissolve on their own in 5-7 days.
Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting.
Minor bruising and swelling persist but start improving.

3. Weeks 2-4

Swelling gradually decreases, and results start to become more visible.
Facial tightness and numbness may still be present but will improve over time.
Most patients resume normal daily activities after two weeks.

4. 3-6 Months (Final Results)

The midface fully settles, and scars (if any) fade significantly.
Final cheek contour and youthful volume restoration become more apparent.

Possible Risks & Complications

While a midface lift is generally safe, potential risks include:

Temporary numbness or tightness in the cheeks and lower eyelids.
Mild asymmetry (usually correctable with minor adjustments).
Scarring (minimal with endoscopic techniques).
Bruising and swelling (temporary, resolves over time).
Infection or bleeding (rare but possible).

Long-Term Results & Maintenance

Results typically last 10-15 years, depending on aging, genetics, and lifestyle.
Maintaining results with proper skincare, sun protection, and non-surgical treatments (e.g., fillers, Botox, or laser resurfacing) can help prolong the youthful appearance.

When to Contact Your Doctor

Seek medical attention if you experience:

Severe pain or excessive swelling beyond expected levels.
Signs of infection (redness, pus, fever).
Uneven healing or unexpected asymmetry.

Summary of Expectations

Phase	What to Expect
Before Surgery	Consultation, anesthesia plan, pre-surgery precautions
During Surgery	Midface lift technique chosen, 1.5-3 hour procedure
First 48 Hours	Swelling, bruising, mild tightness or numbness
First Week	Stitches removed, return to light activities
2-4 Weeks	Swelling fades, cheek position stabilizes
3-6 Months	Final results, scars fade

A midface lift is an excellent way to restore youthful volume, contour the cheeks, and reduce deep facial wrinkles. If you’re considering this procedure, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the best approach for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Midface Lift Surgery

1. What is a midface lift?

A midface lift, also known as a cheek lift, is a surgical procedure that lifts and repositions sagging cheeks, smooths nasolabial folds (smile lines), and restores youthful volume to the middle of the face.

2. What are the benefits of a midface lift?

✔ Lifts sagging cheeks for a youthful contour.
✔ Smooths deep nasolabial folds (smile lines).
✔ Reduces hollow under-eye areas.
✔ Provides a natural and refreshed look.
✔ Can be combined with other facial procedures for full rejuvenation.

3. Who is a good candidate for a midface lift?

You may be a good candidate if you:

Have sagging cheeks or loss of volume in the midface.
Notice deep smile lines (nasolabial folds).
Have under-eye hollowness or puffiness.
Are in good health and have realistic expectations.

4. How is a midface lift different from a traditional facelift?

A midface lift focuses on the cheeks and lower eyelids, while a facelift lifts the lower face and jawline.
A midface lift restores volume and contour, whereas a facelift tightens sagging skin around the jaw and neck.

5. What are the different types of midface lifts?

Endoscopic Midface Lift – Minimally invasive, small incisions hidden in the hairline.
Traditional Midface Lift – Involves incisions along the lower eyelid or hairline, allowing deeper tissue repositioning.
SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) Lift – Lifts both skin and facial muscles for longer-lasting results.

6. Will I have visible scars after a midface lift?

Endoscopic techniques leave minimal scars hidden in the scalp.
If incisions are made near the lower eyelid or hairline, scars are well-hidden and fade over time.

7. How long does the procedure take?

A midface lift typically lasts 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the technique and whether it is combined with other procedures.

8. What type of anesthesia is used?

Usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the surgery.

9. What is the recovery time for a midface lift?

Recovery Phase	What to Expect
First 48 hours	Swelling, bruising, mild discomfort, use cold compresses.
First week	Sutures removed in 5-7 days, avoid strenuous activities.
2-4 weeks	Swelling reduces, results become more visible.
3-6 months	Full healing, scars fade, and final results appear.

10. Does a midface lift make my face look pulled or unnatural?

No, when done correctly, a midface lift restores natural volume and contour rather than pulling the skin tightly. A skilled surgeon ensures a soft, youthful result.

11. Can a midface lift be combined with other procedures?

Yes! Many patients combine it with:

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) – For under-eye bags or sagging upper eyelids.
Facelift – For lower face and jawline tightening.
Fat grafting or fillers – To enhance volume in the cheeks and lips.

12. When can I return to normal activities?

Work: 7-10 days after surgery.
Strenuous exercise: Avoid for 3-4 weeks.
Makeup application: After 2 weeks.

13. How long do the results of a midface lift last?

Results typically last 10-15 years.
Aging continues, but proper skincare, sun protection, and non-surgical treatments help maintain results.

14. What are the risks of a midface lift?

Although rare, risks include:

Temporary swelling, bruising, or numbness.
Asymmetry (usually correctable).
Scarring (minimal with endoscopic techniques).
Infection or bleeding (rare but possible).

15. How does a midface lift compare to fillers?

Feature	Midface Lift	Fillers
Effectiveness	Long-lasting (10-15 years)	Temporary (6-18 months)
Procedure Type	Surgical	Non-surgical
Downtime	1-2 weeks	None
Cost	Higher	Lower

A midface lift provides long-term results, while fillers offer a temporary, non-surgical option for adding volume.

16. Will a midface lift affect my smile?

Some temporary tightness around the mouth and cheeks is normal, but it improves as swelling decreases.
A skilled surgeon ensures natural facial movement is preserved.

17. Will my results look natural?

Yes, when performed by an experienced surgeon, a midface lift enhances your natural facial contours rather than creating an unnatural pulled look.

18. How much does a midface lift cost?

The cost ranges from $6,000 – $12,000, depending on the surgeon’s expertise, location, and whether additional procedures are performed.

19. How do I prepare for a midface lift?

Stop smoking and alcohol at least 2-4 weeks before surgery.
Avoid blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen) 1 week before surgery.
Arrange for transportation home after the procedure.

20. How do I schedule a consultation?

If you’re considering a midface lift, schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss the best approach for your goals.

A midface lift is a powerful way to restore youthful volume, lift sagging cheeks, and reduce deep facial wrinkles, providing long-lasting, natural results!