The Mid-Face Lift -- Small area, dramatic change!

The saying “time takes its toll” rings true when it comes to the signs of aging on our face. As we age, skin becomes thinner and that once youthful look slowly dissipates. For many middle-aged men and women in Northern Virginia, early signs of aging in the “mid-face” sneaks up. When you see yourself in the mirror, you may notice sagging cheeks and less fullness in the areas from the lower corners of your eyes to the upper lip of your mouth. The mid-face lift procedure addresses all of these areas that show the signs of aging.

Today, there is an ever-growing number of both surgical and nonsurgical options to explore when it comes to facial rejuvenation in Northern Virginia. There are many noninvasive treatments like BOTOX or dermal fillers that can temporarily enhance the middle of the face by adding fullness to the cheeks or fill in fine lines along the upper lip. However, if you are looking for more long-term results, then a mid-face lift may be the solution. The plastic surgeons of Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Reston, VA, have decades of experience specializing in cosmetic surgery procedures, including the mid-face lift. If you are unhappy with drooping in the middle part of your face, then this procedure may be the answer for you.

What is a mid-face lift?

A mid-face lift focuses explicitly on the middle portion of the face. Subtle in appearance, this procedure restores a youthful appearance to the face from the lower eyelid to the upper lip. This facelift aids in the assistance of smoothing out laugh lines and drooping jowls while improving the contour of the cheeks and puffiness under the eyes. This surgery is typically conducted on middle-aged men and women who are not yet ready for a full facelift. Some patients opt to add in the mid-face lift along with a regular facelift to address the middle of the face, which is not usually included in the traditional facelift surgery. Similar to any facelift surgery, it can be combined with a nonsurgical procedure, such as fillers, to help compliment the results.

How is it performed? For Northern Virginia patients, this revolutionary facelift creates a more youthful appearance. Visually subtle and natural, the surgical procedure focuses on moving the midportion of the face to a long-term higher position. The mid-face lift is performed through a lower eyelid incision. This cut enables the plastic surgeon to “lift” the entire cheek and put stitches on the inside and attach them to the bone around the eyelid socket area. Sutures are then used to close the incisions just below the lower eyelashes. The results yield a refreshed and rejuvenated profile from the lower eyes, through the cheeks, nose, and top of the lip. It is not uncommon for excess lower eyelid skin to also be removed during the procedure.

Candidacy The mid-face lift is a highly individualized procedure. During your consultation, a plastic surgeon from Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery, will assess your overall health through lab work, medical evaluation, and a discussion about current medications and supplements that you are taking. Potential candidates include individuals who are in good general health, do not use tobacco products, and do not have any medical conditions that could impair healing or be a risk for surgery. Your surgeon will also make note of the areas on your face that need to be lifted. As always, it is essential to have realistic goals for the outcome of the surgery. Your doctor will discuss all possible procedures, both invasive and noninvasive, to give you the best results.

Recovery Before undergoing a mid-face lift, it is a good idea to anticipate recovery taking approximately ten days. Typically, most patients resume work and other normal activities about one week post-surgery. There is usually minimal bruising and swelling associated with the procedure. It is recommended to use an ice pack for the first 24-48 hours to help control swelling and ease discomfort. The cheek tissues will relax over the first couple of months as the swelling subsides. As with any surgery, it is best to follow your plastic surgeon's post-care instructions.

Results Whether you pair the mid-face lift with a traditional facelift or just have a mid-face lift by itself, the results can yield a more youthful appearance. However, it is imperative that you be patient with yourself. Recovery and swelling reduction require time. Some areas, like the cheeks, may appear to be high in position at first, or overcorrected. But over time, your muscles will settle into their new location. A mid-face lift can make you look and feel great. Its unique ability to take years off your face and give you restored confidence makes it a very popular surgery. The plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Reston, VA are leading experts in the Northern Virginia area for mid-face lift surgery. Attention to detail and achieving patients' goals are of utmost concern for the entire staff. If you are noticing signs of aging and are interested in the mid-face lift, we encourage you to call our office today to set up a consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons.