What Is a Midface Lift?
A midface lift targets the central area of the face between the lower eyelids and upper lip. As we age, the soft tissues of the cheeks can gradually descend, contributing to flatter or sagging cheeks, hollowness beneath the eyes and a more pronounced separation between the lower eyelid and cheek.
Rather than simply adding volume, a midface lift repositions these descended tissues to a higher, more youthful position. This can restore cheek contour, soften the appearance of under-eye hollows and create a smoother transition between the eyelids and cheeks.
A midface lift differs from a traditional facelift primarily in the area it targets. While a midface lift focuses on the cheeks and central face, a traditional facelift generally addresses ageing in the lower face and jawline, including jowls and loose skin. The appropriate procedure therefore depends on where facial ageing is most noticeable.
Who Is Suitable for a Midface Lift?
A midface lift may suit patients with descended cheek tissue, under-eye hollowness, or a pronounced separation between the lower eyelid and cheek. It may also be considered when cheek descent makes lower eyelid bags appear more prominent.
In selected cases, the procedure can be used to address problems following previous surgery, facial trauma or facial nerve dysfunction. Suitable candidates should be in good general health and have realistic expectations about the outcome.
What Are the Benefits of a Midface Lift?
By repositioning rather than simply adding volume to the cheek tissues, a midface lift can structurally rejuvenate the central face. Potential benefits include:
- Restoring a higher, more youthful cheek position
- Improving cheek shape and contour
- Creating a smoother transition between the lower eyelid and cheek
- Improving balance across the central face
- Complementing the results of lower blepharoplasty
- Providing long-lasting structural improvement
- Achieving natural-looking rejuvenation without changing facial expression
How Is a Midface Lift Performed?
A midface lift is frequently performed alongside lower blepharoplasty. When appropriate, the surgeon can use the same lower eyelid incision to access deeper midface structures, avoiding the need for an additional facial incision.
During surgery, the surgeon carefully releases the tissues and supporting structures responsible for the descended cheek position. The cheek tissues are then elevated and repositioned higher on the facial skeleton, then secured in their new position. This restores support through the midface and improves the transition between the cheek and lower eyelid.
In selected patients, a midface lift can also be performed as a standalone procedure using an alternative surgical approach. The type of anaesthesia or sedation used depends on the procedure being performed, whether it is combined with other surgery, and the individual patient’s needs.
Can a Midface Lift Be Combined with Blepharoplasty?
Yes. Midface lifting is frequently combined with lower blepharoplasty because ageing around the lower eyelids and cheeks often occurs together.
Blepharoplasty can address concerns such as lower eyelid bags and excess tissue, while a midface lift repositions the descended cheek tissues beneath them. Treating both areas together can create a smoother transition from the lower eyelid into the cheek and provide more balanced rejuvenation than treating either area in isolation.
Where appropriate, the midface can be accessed through the same lower eyelid incision used for blepharoplasty, allowing both procedures to form part of a single surgical plan.
Midface Lift Recovery
Swelling and bruising are expected initially, and many patients can return to light everyday activities within approximately 7–10 days. The cheeks may temporarily appear slightly higher than expected before settling into a more natural position.
Avoid strenuous exercise during early healing, with recovery guidance tailored to the procedure performed.
Midface Lift Results
Results become more visible as swelling subsides, revealing a higher cheek position, smoother midface contours and an improved transition between the lower eyelids and cheeks.
The structural improvement can be long-lasting, although the face will continue to change naturally with age.
The Ezra Clinic Approach to Midface Lift Surgery
Midface surgery requires a detailed understanding of the relationship between the lower eyelids, cheeks and surrounding facial structures. At The Ezra Clinic, our specialist oculoplastic expertise allows us to assess whether changes in this area are primarily caused by eyelid ageing, cheek descent, volume loss or a combination of factors.
Where appropriate, we can incorporate midface lifting into lower blepharoplasty to address the eyelid and cheek as a connected anatomical area. Our approach focuses on carefully restoring the natural position and contour of the midface rather than creating an obviously lifted or overcorrected appearance. Every procedure is planned around the patient’s individual anatomy, concerns and desired outcome. Book a consultation to discuss whether a midface lift may be appropriate for you.
FAQ
How much does a midface lift cost?
The cost depends on your individual surgical plan and whether the midface lift is performed alone or alongside another procedure. You will receive a personalised quotation following your consultation.
Is midface lift surgery painful?
The procedure is performed under appropriate anaesthesia or sedation to minimise discomfort. Mild soreness, swelling or tightness may occur during recovery and can usually be managed with appropriate pain relief.
Will I have scars after a midface lift?
Incisions are positioned as discreetly as possible. When combined with lower blepharoplasty, the midface may be accessed through the same lower eyelid incision, while alternative approaches may require an incision elsewhere.
How long does a midface lift last?
A midface lift can provide long-lasting structural improvement by repositioning descended cheek tissues. However, natural facial ageing continues following surgery, so results will gradually change over time.
When can I return to normal activities?
Many patients return to light everyday activities within approximately 7–10 days. Avoid strenuous exercise for longer, according to your surgeon’s individual advice.
What are the risks of midface lift surgery?
Potential risks include bleeding, infection, swelling, scarring, asymmetry, numbness and changes to the position of the eyelid or cheek. Your surgeon will discuss your individual risks before surgery.
Is a midface lift the same as a facelift?
No. A midface lift primarily targets the cheeks and central face, while a traditional facelift generally focuses more on the lower face, jawline and neck.
Contact us
If you are interested in any of the treatments we offer, or require any clarifications, we would love to hear from you. We deal with all issues relating to the Harley Street and Moorfields practices. You can reach us by phone, by email or by filling out the contact form below.