A midface lift, also known as a cheek lift, is a popular type of facelift that can add heft and volume to the center of the face. Its efficacy at restoring lost youthfulness has lent it a positive reputation. When performed by a professional, a facelift appears balanced and proportional to the patient’s face. To ensure these results, you must carefully select the physician who will perform your procedure. If you are interested in receiving a midface lift, take a look at this overview of the procedure and tips on avoiding a midface lift that looks stretched. It may help you determine whether or not you should seek the services of an eye and face surgeon.
Midface Lift Basics
A midface lift helps tighten sagging cheeks and can smooth some of the face’s fine lines and wrinkles. While the procedure provides these modifications, it does not offer patients the same total aesthetic revision that a full facelift can.
During a midface lift, a surgeon makes two small incisions near the patient’s hairline and tightens the muscles and fat pads beneath the skin. A midface lift is an excellent option for individuals who want a more youthful-looking appearance and to accent their cheekbones.
Elements of a Midface Lift
A midface lift can deliver several benefits. The most commonly reported advantages include the:
- Removal of excess, sagging skin
- Lifting and tightening of the skin of the face
- Plumping of the area surrounding the eyes
- Smoothing of creases and wrinkles
A midface lift targets the area between the upper corners of the mouth and the corners of the eyes. As the name suggests, the most noticeable difference is in the cheeks. When the procedure is done correctly, the midface lift does not look stretched.
Midface Lift vs. Full Facelift
There are some noteworthy differences between the results of a midface lift and a full facelift. In general, a full facelift is a more invasive and intense procedure than a partial facelift. Patients who desire this type of work require more intense vetting than those looking for a midface lift.
If you desire alterations to more than the middle of your face, a full facelift might be your best option for receiving the exact results that you are looking for. Additionally, depending on the nature of the results that you seek, something other than a midface lift will likely serve your needs. You can discuss with your physician whether or not one of these other procedures would ultimately be of greater benefit to you.
One benefit of receiving a full facelift is that the recovery periods for a full facelift and a partial facelift are the same. Regardless of which surgery you opt for, you should plan for about two to three months to see the full scope of your results. This element of the surgeries might sway some patients towards receiving a full facelift.
Risk and Side-Effects
There are some risks associated with receiving a midface lift, many of which are standard to all major plastic surgery procedures. Some of the risks to look out for and anticipate include:
- Extended periods of swelling
- Bruising
- Reactions to anesthesia
- Pain
- Infection
- Scarring
Keep your doctor’s phone number on hand in case you begin to experience any of these symptoms. These symptoms can indicate a fault with your procedure or an underlying condition.
Recovering from a Midface Lift
Full recovery from a midface lift can take several months. That said, most individuals will be fully recovered within two to three months. In general, you should attempt to refrain from strenuous physical activity for approximately three weeks following your procedure.
In addition, you will have to return to your doctor about a week after your surgery to have your stitches removed. At this point, you should be able to understand how the procedure has impacted you and tell if anything is amiss.
The Best Oculoplastic Surgeon in Denver
Dr. Michael McCracken is one of the most trusted physicians in Denver and is considered a midface lift surgery specialist of choice. Contact Dr. McCracken today to discuss if this procedure is right for you.
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