Mid Facelift
Normal aging, gravity, sun exposure and stresses of daily life can be seen in our faces. In many cases, our cheeks drop with age. This is known as mid face laxity. This downward movement also includes gradual sagging of the cheek skin and hollowing where the eyelid and the cheek meet. Most people associate this with a “tired” look. When the cheeks drop, they push into our nasolabial fold (the line that runs down from the nose to the edges of the mouth). As is evident in young models, fullness in our cheeks is a sign of youth, while hollowness is a sign of aging. A mid face lift can make you look younger and fresher and it may enhance your self-confidence in the process. Although a mid facelift can't stop the aging process, it can “turn back the clock”.
A mid facelift can elevate the sagging fat and muscles of the cheeks to help return the natural, youthful fullness to the area below the eyes. It helps to fill the groove between the cheek and eyelids, which can be the source of dark circles. Also included in the mid facelift is a lower lid blepharoplasty (removal or transfer of fat in the lower eyelids). Correcting both of the areas at the same time will ensure a smooth appearance both under the eyes and continuing down through the cheek area. Surgery is done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia.
Endoscopic correction with the Endotine-ST device
Small incisions are made in the scalp above the ears (no hair shaved) and inside the mouth above each eye tooth. Using an endoscope for visualization, the mid face can be lifted and secured back onto the cheekbone using a device called an Endotine-ST. The Endotine-ST is absorbable and is usually absorbed within about one year of surgery. Bruising, swelling, numbness and facial motor weakness can / will occur post-operatively. Numbness and facial motor weakness can last up to two (2) years in some patients, but typically resolves within 6-8 months. Bruising and swelling usually resolve in 2-4 weeks. External sutures are absorbable and will usually fall out on their own after about one (1) week.
Endoscopic correction with the Endotine-B device
Small incisions are made at the outer corners of the eyes and in some cases underneath the lower lid lashes. In cases where an incision is made underneath the lower lid lashes, excess skin is usually excised as well. Using an endoscope for visualization, the mid face can be lifted and secured back onto the cheekbone using a device called an Endotine-B. The Endotine-B is absorbable and is usually absorbed within about one year of surgery. Bruising, swelling, numbness and facial motor weakness can / will occur post-operatively. Numbness and facial motor weakness can last up to two (2) years in some patients, but typically resolves within 6-8 months. Bruising and swelling usually resolve in 2-4 weeks. External sutures are absorbable and will usually fall out on their own after about one (1) week.
External correction
A small incision is made just below the lower lid eyelashes. Lower lid fat pads are then removed and the mid face tissue is elevated. A small segment of excess skin is then excised. The lateral canthus (outer portion of the eyelid) is purposely over-tightened during surgery to accommodate for tissue settling as you heal. Therefore, you will have an “upward slant” to the outer corner of the eyes for a few weeks post-operatively. Bruising, swelling and numbness will occur postoperatively. Numbness can last up to two (2) years in some patients, but typically resolves within 6-8 months. Sutures are absorbable and will usually fall out on their own after about one (1) week.