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Lift and Tighten the Cheeks and Midface

A midface lift, also known as a cheek lift, is a surgical procedure that elevates and repositions the soft tissues of the midface, particularly in the area between the lower eyelids and upper lip. This procedure focuses on restoring volume and support to sagging cheeks, reducing the appearance of deep nasolabial folds, and minimizing hollows under the eyes. Unlike a full facelift, the midface lift specifically targets the central portion of the face, providing a more youthful, refreshed look without affecting the neck or jawline.

What a Midface Lift Can Do for You

A midface lift can dramatically improve the appearance of your face by lifting sagging skin and restoring youthful contours. By targeting the specific midface areas, it enhances your overall facial harmony, helping you look more refreshed and rejuvenated without looking overdone. Key improvements include:

  • Lifting sagging cheeks
  • Reducing deep nasolabial folds
  • Smoothing hollows beneath the eyes
  • Enhancing midface volume and support
  • Softening the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek
  • Improving the appearance of early jowling
  • Restoring balance to the midface and lower face
  • Creating a more youthful, rested facial expression

Am I a Good Candidate for a Midface Lift?

You may be a good candidate for a midface lift if you are experiencing sagging cheeks, deep nasolabial folds, or hollows beneath your eyes but don’t need a full facelift. The ideal candidates are typically in their 40s to 50s with mild to moderate skin laxity in the midface. A midface lift is also suitable if you want to restore lost volume in the cheeks for a more youthful appearance.

You should be in good overall health and free from conditions that could impair healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes or bleeding disorders. Dr. Stein will conduct a thorough evaluation and review your medical history to determine if a midface lift is right for you.

BEFORE & AFTER

Facelift

*Individual results may vary.

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What Happens During the Midface Lift?

The midface lift typically takes 2 to 3 hours and is performed under general anesthesia for your comfort. Dr. Stein begins by making small, well-concealed incisions. These are usually placed either just below the lower lash line or hidden within the hairline at the temples, depending on the technique suited to your facial anatomy. Through these incisions, Dr. Stein accesses the deeper layers of the face, including the underlying fat pads and muscle structures.

Using specialized instruments, he gently elevates the malar fat pad—the key structure responsible for midface volume—back to its youthful position. Sutures are strategically placed to secure the lifted tissues in place, ensuring lasting results. If needed, excess fat may be carefully redistributed or removed to smooth out hollows beneath the eyes and improve facial contours. Once the repositioning is complete, the incisions are closed to minimize visible scarring.

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    Your Consultation With Dr. Stein

    During your consultation with Dr. Stein, you’ll discuss your specific concerns and aesthetic goals. He will carefully examine your facial structure, focusing on the midface area to assess sagging, volume loss, and skin elasticity. Dr. Stein will review your medical history, ensuring there are no contraindications for surgery, and explain the procedure in detail, including recovery expectations and potential outcomes. He will also show you before-and-after photos of previous patients to help set realistic expectations.

    What Can I Expect From Recovery?

    After your midface lift, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, particularly around the cheeks and eyes. These typically peak within the first 48-72 hours and subside over the next 1-2 weeks. Dr. Stein may recommend cold compresses and pain medications to manage discomfort. You should plan to take at least 7-10 days off work to allow for healing.

    During the first week, you’ll need to keep your head elevated and avoid any strenuous activities. Most swelling should resolve within 2-3 weeks, though subtle swelling may persist for a few months. By 4-6 weeks, you can resume normal activities, including exercise, as your midface continues to heal and reveal its rejuvenated contours.

    Complementary Procedures

    To enhance your midface lift results, you may consider combining it with complementary procedures like eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to address sagging or puffy eyelids, a brow lift to smooth forehead lines, or laser skin resurfacing for improved skin texture. Dr. Stein can help you determine the best combination for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

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    Consultation With Dr. Stein

    Dr. Stein is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in midface lift procedures, specializing in achieving natural-looking results tailored to your unique facial structure. During your consultation, he will assess your needs and develop a personalized treatment plan. After surgery, Dr. Stein provides his personal number to every patient, ensuring you can access him for any questions or concerns during recovery. To take the next step toward a more youthful appearance, schedule your midface lift consultation with Dr. Stein today.

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