What is a Mid Face Lift?

There are so many ways we can address the signs of aging today that we might forget the value of well-performed surgery. Over time, we’ve seen changes in how facelifts are

performed. One of the most common ways to rejuvenate the face now is with a mid-face lift. Here, we discuss what this technique does and how we maximize the outcome for our patients.

First, it is important to differentiate between common plastic surgery terms. A facelift is often misunderstood as a single procedure that lifts the entire face. In truth, any facelift procedure that is performed focuses on the lower two-thirds of the face. The upper third of the face can be lifted but is done so with different techniques. For example, the eyelids can be rejuvenated with blepharoplasty, known as an eyelid lift. The brows and forehead are lifted in a brow lift, sometimes referred to as a forehead lift or upper facelift.

A mid-face lift is a procedure in which the focal point extends from the corners of the mouth to the corners of the eyes. This minimally-invasive surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. Dr. Holds makes small incisions hidden in the hairline through which he lifts sagging tissue to sit higher on the cheekbones. This repositioning smooths the laugh lines that form around the nose and mouth, giving a refreshed look to the face.

While lifting is good, it is only one aspect of the mid-face lift that is considered. Doctors now know that facial aging is both a matter of tissue laxity and volume loss. The face holds a certain amount of fatty tissue in the cheek area to support a youthful heart shape. With age, fatty deposits deflate and sag lower on the face. Lifting restores some degree of curvature but not always enough. To enhance the shape of the face even more, we may augment the cheeks.

Volume replacement can be achieved during or shortly after the mid-face lift. This technique focuses on increasing the padding on the cheeks to restore rounded contours. One way we can replace volume is to introduce a dermal filler into the cheek area. Fillers like Juvéderm, Restylane, and Radiesse are all products that can be used in the mid-face. Alternatively, patients may choose to combine fat injections with their mid-face lift to achieve long-term results.

The shape of the face matters. To restore the heart-shape your face had during your youth, consult with an experienced specialist. Schedule a consultation in our St. Louis office at 314-567-3567.