Key Information
What is a cheek lift or midface lift?
A cheek lift, also known as a midface lift, is a specialised surgical procedure that lifts and rejuvenates the central part of the face. As we age, the soft tissues in this area tend to lose volume and sag, particularly between the lower eyelids and upper lip. This can result in hollowed cheeks, deep nasolabial folds, and a tired or sunken appearance. In addition to this, cheek descent often causes eye bags to look worse as the natural continuum between the eyelid and cheek is disrupted. A midface lift is most commonly performed as an adjunt to eyelid surgery.
The midface lift corrects these issues by lifting and repositioning the tissues in the cheek area. The surgeon elevates the cheeks along a vertical direction, blending the eyelid and cheek as well as restoring lost volume and creating a smoother, youthful contour. The main goal of the surgery is to enhance the natural shape of the cheeks, bringing balance and harmony back to the midface region. A midface lift helps patients achieve a rejuvenated and refreshed look without altering their natural facial expressions by targeting sagging cheeks and correcting deep creases.
Is a midface lift different from a facelift?
A midface lift and a facelift are distinct procedures. Although both aim to rejuvenate the face and reduce signs of ageing, the main difference lies in their target areas and the concerns they address.
A midface lift focuses on lifting the cheek area in an upward direction, improving the contours in the upper part of the cheek. This treatment is particularly effective for addressing sagging cheeks and sometimes deepening nasolabial folds. The midface cheek lift is ideal for those who want to enhance their midface area without undergoing a more extensive procedure. This procedure is usually performed with blepharoplasty surgery through the same incision as the eyelid procedure.
In contrast, a full facelift targets the lower part of the face and neck. It is designed to tighten sagging skin around the jawline, reduce jowls, and smooth out wrinkles. While a facelift may also improve the midface to some extent, it is generally more focused on the lower facial areas. A full facelift requires incisions around the ears and is a bigger procedure.
For patients with concerns about drooping cheeks or lines around the mouth, the midface or cheek lift offers a specialised solution with less downtime than a traditional facelift. If you’re looking for a more targeted approach, a cheek lift treatment may be the right option, whereas if you are more concerned about jowls and loose neck tissue, a facelift provides more comprehensive results.
Can I combine a cheek lift with other procedures?
A cheek lift is usually combined with blepharoplasty surgery to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Many patients choose to enhance their results by addressing multiple areas of concern at once. Combining a midface cheek lift with blepharoplasty treatments can provide more balanced, harmonious improvement and optimise the face’s overall appearance.
How does a midface lift work?
A midface lift is a surgical procedure designed to address sagging in the midface region, particularly between the lower eyelids and upper lip. Over time, the natural ageing process causes a loss of elasticity and volume in this area, leading to sagging cheeks, hollow areas under the eyes, and deepening of the nasolabial folds (the lines running from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth).
The midface lift works by repositioning the sagging tissues and restoring lost volume to the cheeks. During the procedure, the surgeon lifts and repositions the malar fat pad (a section of fat on the cheekbone) and soft tissues, which have shifted downward with age. Lifting these tissues back to their original position helps create a smoother, more defined contour in the midface.
The cheeks, nasolabial folds, and the area under the eyes are targeted areas. The midface lift restores facial symmetry, enhances cheek volume, and creates a refreshed appearance by focusing on these areas. This procedure is particularly effective for individuals who want to rejuvenate their facial appearance without undergoing a complete facelift.
What are the benefits of cheek lift treatment?
A cheek lift, or midface lift, offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance your overall facial appearance and boost your confidence:
Restores a youthful appearanceÂ
A cheek lift lifts sagging cheeks and repositions facial tissues, helping to restore the natural fullness and contours that diminish with age.
Enhances facial symmetryÂ
The procedure corrects drooping in the midface, creating a better balance between the cheeks, eyes, and lower face, improving overall facial harmony.
Restoring the continuum between the eyelid and cheek
One of the most noticeable signs of ageing is the deepening of the lines running around the lower eyelids, with a lower cheek position accentuating this. A cheek lift smooths these folds, and raises the cheek to blend with the eyelid thereby softening the appearance of wrinkles and creases.
Boosts self-confidenceÂ
Many patients experience increased confidence after the procedure, as their facial appearance aligns more closely with how they feel—vibrant and youthful.
Minimally invasive with long-lasting resultsÂ
Cheek lifts often use minimally invasive techniques, resulting in quicker recovery and natural-looking, long-lasting results. There is little additional downtime when performing this procedure as an addition to lower lid blepharoplasty.
Why undergo a midface lift?
A midface lift is an excellent solution for addressing the early signs of ageing that impact the central area of the face. Over time, gravity causes the cheeks to sag, resulting in a loss of volume and deeper nasolabial folds. This can also create a disconnect between the lower eyelids and cheeks, leading to a tired, older appearance.
Unlike traditional facelifts, which focus on the lower face, a midface lift specifically targets the cheek and lower eyelid region. It lifts the malar fat pad to restore fullness and smooth the transition between these areas.
In addition to aesthetic improvements, a midface lift can correct issues such as lower eyelid retraction, which may result from previous surgeries or facial nerve damage. It is a versatile procedure that rejuvenates the face without altering its natural expressions.
While midface lifts effectively restore volume and improve facial contours, they do not address wrinkles, crow’s feet, or fine lines, which may require complementary treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections or laser therapy.
Who is an ideal candidate for the treatment?
The midface lift is an ideal option for individuals experiencing early signs of ageing, particularly in the central area of the face. Candidates usually include those with:
- Sagging cheeks: a loss of volume in the cheeks leads to a hollow or sunken appearance.
- Bags in lower eyelid: the descent of the cheeks makes lower eyelid bags appear more tired by creating a disconnect between the eyelids and cheeks.
- Sagging below the cheeks: a heavy or drooping appearance in the midface region.
- Hollowness under the eyes: a sunken look or loss of volume beneath the lower eyelids.
- Detached eye-cheek junction: A noticeable separation between the lower eyelid and cheek contributes to a tired appearance.
- Desire for a fresher look.
- Corrective surgery: sometimes midface lifting is performed for those seeking corrective surgery after complications from a previous blepharoplasty, trauma, or facial nerve palsy.
Ideal candidates are usually in good overall health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes. For those seeking to address sagging in the cheeks and smooth out deep facial folds, a midface cheek lift can offer long-lasting, natural-looking results.
How is a midface lift procedure performed?
A midface lift is a precise procedure that can be performed using different techniques, depending on the patient’s needs. The primary goal of the surgery is to lift and reposition the sagging tissues in the cheek area, particularly the malar fat pad, which tends to descend with age.
The procedure is usually performed with blepharoplasty. The surgeon uses the same small incisions around the lower eyelid, allowing access to the deeper midface structures. The retaining ligaments are carefully released, and the cheek tissues are lifted and resuspended higher on the facial skeleton. The lifted tissues are then secured with sutures to ensure long-lasting results. Alternatively, the procedure can sometimes be performed as a standalone procedure using incisions along the hairline.
The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, ensuring the patient remains comfortable and pain-free throughout the surgery. To achieve a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation, a midface lift can be performed independently or combined with other procedures, such as a brow lift or blepharoplasty. It is often integrated into a “blepharoplasty plus” procedure to enhance the transition between the eyelid and cheek, offering optimal aesthetic results. The additional downtime and risk to the blepharoplasty by adding a midface lift is very small.
Before the procedure – how do I prepare for a cheek lift?
Proper preparation is essential to ensure the best results from your cheek or midface lift and a smooth recovery process. Before the procedure, our specialists will provide specific instructions tailored to your medical history and needs. However, there are a few general steps that all patients should follow:
Medical evaluation
Our specialists will conduct a thorough medical assessment, including blood tests and other routine examinations. You’ll also discuss your goals for the procedure and confirm whether a cheek lift is the best option for you.
Medication adjustments
If you take any medications, especially blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs, your surgeon may advise you to stop or adjust them in the days before surgery. This helps reduce the risk of bleeding and bruising during and after the procedure.
Smoking and alcohol
It is recommended to avoid smoking and alcohol consumption for several weeks before surgery, as these can impair healing and increase the risk of complications.
Healthy lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated will help prepare your body for surgery and support healing.
Plan your recovery
Make arrangements for someone to drive you home after surgery and assist you during the initial recovery period. You must have everything you need at home, such as comfortable clothing, prescribed medications, and any necessary aftercare products.
Aftercare – what is the recovery process like for midface lifting?
The recovery process following a midface lift is generally quicker compared to traditional facelift procedures, with most patients returning to normal activities within 7-10 days. If the procedure is being performed with blepharoplasty, it will not add signficiant downtime to the eyelid operation. Here’s what to expect and how to care for yourself during the recovery period:
Rest and downtime
Resting for the first week after surgery is recommended, during which time swelling and bruising are common. Most patients can return to normal, non-strenuous activities after about a week, though it may take 2-3 weeks for the face to settle into its new, natural contours fully.
Swelling and bruising
Bruising and inflammation will likely be most noticeable during the first few days, but these symptoms should start to subside within a week. Using ice packs on the affected areas for the first 48 hours helps minimise swelling. Be sure to avoid aspirin or ibuprofen, as these can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.
Overcorrection phase
Immediately after the procedure, the cheek and lower eyelid areas may appear “overcorrected” or slightly higher than expected. This is a normal part of the healing process and should resolve within 2-3 weeks as the tissues settle into their natural position.
Pain management
Most patients experience only minimal discomfort after a cheek lift. Your surgeon will prescribe pain relief medication if necessary, but the discomfort is usually mild and easily managed. It is unusual to need anything beyond paracetamol for pain relief.
Day surgery and aftercare
Since a midface lift is usually performed as a day case, you won’t need to stay overnight in the hospital. However, because the procedure is generally performed under sedation, you must arrange for someone to drive you home.
FAQ
Is midface lift surgery painful?
You will not feel pain during a midface or cheek lift, as the procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. This ensures you are comfortable throughout the surgery. After the procedure, some mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising are normal, but this can be managed with prescribed pain medications. Most patients report minimal pain, and it subsides within a few days. Our specialists at The Ezra Clinic will provide guidance on managing any post-surgery discomfort to ensure a smooth recovery.
Will I have scars after a midface lift?
The midface lift is performed using minimally invasive techniques. Small incisions are usually placed around the lower eyelid (the same incisions as the blepharoplasty procedure) or along the hairline. These incisions are designed to be discreet and heal well over time. While some scarring is inevitable with surgery, the scars from a cheek lift are usually minimal and become less noticeable as they heal.
When can I go back to my regular activities after the treatment?
Most patients can return to light daily activities within 7-10 days after a midface lift. However, avoiding strenuous activities, including exercise, for about 2-4 weeks is essential to allow the facial tissues to heal correctly. Swelling and bruising should subside within 2 weeks. By this time, you can gradually resume your routine.
How common is a cheek lift?
The cheek lift is commonly performed with lower eyelid blepharoplasty, particularly for individuals looking to address signs of ageing in the midface area. Many people choose this surgery to rejuvenate sagging cheeks, deep nasolabial folds, and the area under the eyes, offering a more youthful and refreshed appearance. It is frequently performed as a standalone procedure or in combination with other treatments, such as blepharoplasty.
What are the risks or complications of a cheek lift?
Like any surgical procedure, a cheek lift carries some risks, though they are generally rare when performed by an experienced surgeon. Potential complications include infection, scarring, bleeding, swelling, and temporary numbness in the treated areas. In some cases, there may be asymmetry or overcorrection, but these are usually resolved as the tissues settle during the healing process. Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions can help minimise these risks and ensure a successful recovery.