Early signs of aging in the midface become apparent as the years go by. The pull of gravity combined with decreased skin elasticity causes the cheek pads to fall. This results in blunting or flattening of the cheek contour and an accentuation of the creases or folds between the nose and corners of the mouth – the nasolabial folds. Crow’s feet appear at the corners of the eyes and the lateral eyebrows begin to droop. Frequently, this may occur earlier than aging of the lower face and neck.
The Midface/Cheek Lift surgery is designed to reestablish the normal cheek volume and contour, and to soften or eliminate the nasolabial folds. Added benefits include the softening of the crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes and elevation of the lateral aspect of the brows. The improvements will last 5-15 years depending on your heredity, lifestyle, etc. |
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However, you will look much better at any given age than you would have without the operation. So, in essence, the changes are permanent!
Although the results of full face/neck lift surgery are consistently satisfying, this may often be a more complex procedure than necessary to address specific concerns involving the cheeks and nasolabial folds of the mid-face. This Midface Lift technique has been tailored to a slightly younger population of patients who may not require or be ready for a full face/neck lift for years to come.
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Procedure Information
Dr. Macdonald most commonly performs midface lifts under monitored Intravenous (IV) Sedation, also referred to as “Twilight Sleep Anesthesia”, at an outpatient surgery center in San Francisco. The patient benefits of this method v. general anesthesia are further described in the section entitled Patient Care Philosophy. The patient experiences no pain during the surgery and often remembers very little from the time the IV is started. Midface/Cheek lift surgery usually takes 1-2 hours.
The "48-Hour" Facelift (Midface Lift) is performed through small incisions that are less than 2 inches long above the hairline of the temple. An additional small incision inside the mouth, adjacent to the gumline of the upper canine teeth, may also be used. Elevation of the midface/cheek area is achieved with the help of an endoscope for improved visualization. Threadlike sutures or occasionally sturdier fixation devices are used to suspend the soft tissue in this area back to its normal, more youthful position. After the operation, a light pressure dressing may be applied.
Recovery Information
Generally, there is minimal discomfort after a midface lift operation, but Dr. Macdonald prescribes pain medication in case it is needed. The light pressure dressing is to be worn continuously the first 2 days following surgery, then at nighttime only for the next 1-2 weeks. All sutures are usually removed within 5-7 days of surgery.
Since the small scars are so well hidden above the hairline and inside the mouth, and there is minimal post-operative bruising, many patients go back to work in 5-7 days. A full recovery can be expected in 1-2 weeks. The face will feel tight for several weeks after surgery. This will slowly resolve.
View MidFace/ Cheek Lift Surgery (48-Hour Facelift) Before & After Photos
Please call or contact us online at any time to further discuss your midface/cheek lift surgery options and questions. Or, visit our cosmetic surgery offices located in San Francisco, California (CA) in the Union Square district. Our offices are conveniently located for easy accessibility from the entire San Francisco Bay area.
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