Though the traditional face lift is considered to be one of the more conventional cosmetic surgery procedures and is performed in significant quantities every year, this technique is slowly being phased out, or redefined, depending on your point of view. A common complaint about face lifts is that they tend to produce unnatural, even hideous results, as the tightly stretched skin gives the patient a perpetually wind-swept look. Another problem of face lifts is that there are many patients who only suffer from partial sagging or deterioration, concentrated in the eyelid, cheek and nose areas, which the traditional face lift does not substantially improve. Having noted these concerns, cosmetic surgeons have in the last ten years developed a technique that focused on these troublesome areas, was generally less invasive, and produced natural looking results. This procedure is now popularly known as a mid face lift.

A mid face lift focuses on the triangular area around the nose, the eyes and the corners of the mouth, which is the portion of the face that conveys emotion, and thus, the area the attracts the most immediate attention. Indeed, sagging and drooping in this facial region is much more apparent, and aggravates the look of skin in other parts of the face, such as below the mouth and the chin, that has also lost elasticity.

The technique is performed by making tiny but deep incisions in the muscle tissue of the face, through which the doctor will insert various instruments to adjust and tighten the fat and muscle beneath the skin. The middle of the face will be pulled upwards, which creates a softer, more youthful appearance that does not look artificial, since not all of the face will be tightly pressed against the skull. Cheek fat is raised again into the cheek bones, improving the patient’s profile. An endoscopic tool may also be used for added precision, with permanent sutures strategically placed to achieve the intended effect. The process itself can be performed in a little over one hour, and can be done independently or combined with other face lift procedures.

Some surgeons will make incisions under the eyelashes, using stitches to latch facial muscles onto the bone surrounding the eyelid socket. Others will use endoscopic incisions in the temple region, behind the patient’s hairline, as access points to lift skin and facial muscles in any direction.

The typical recovery time for a mid face lift is about one week, though this may be cut even shorter if endoscopic methods were utilized. During or after this period, the patient may experience discomfort, bruising and swelling, which may last anywhere between seven to twelve days. The swelling may be reduced by the use of ice packs within the first 48 hours after the procedure, and the pain can be controlled with standard medication. Any sutures that need to be removed will be taken out within seven to ten days. Patients can return to work within a week from the procedure, but should refrain from strenuous physical activity for about six weeks.

Side effects associated with a mid face lift procedure are rare, and include nerve damage and numbness in the treated region, which is normally temporary and either goes away over time or can be corrected with a follow-up operation. In remote instances, however, the numbness may be permanent.

The primary benefit of the mid face lift is that it achieves a more subtle, focused enhancement of the facial area than that of a traditional facelift. Its effects also last longer than those of injectible filler products. Since the procedure is less invasive, the recovery period is also shorter, and causes less trauma to the body.