Midface Lift in Cincinnati, OH (Cheek Lift)
Facelifts are not a one-size fits all procedure. Depending on the individual, different types of facelifts may be preferable for those who are showing early stages of aging. A midface lift, also known as a cheek lift, is designed to contour the areas beneath the eyes and above the mouth.
Midface Lift vs. Full Facelift
A full facelift in our practice addresses the midface and lower face, including the jowls and neck. This is a more involved procedure that targets the looseness (loss of elasticity) in the face. Deep lines and loose skin can be eliminated with full facelifts, but recovery time is typically longer than a midface lift performed by itself.
By contrast, cheek lifts (midface lifts) are primarily focused on the middle third of the face. This procedure uses shorter incisions and is considered safe for both men and women. By concentrating on the middle of the face, cheek lifts improve a sunken or sagging appearance.
Midface lifts are common procedures that help create a youthful appearance. Adults of any age may qualify for cosmetic procedures, but typically those who are in early middle age opt for mid-face treatment. This can be done as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with another procedure. We typically only use IV Sedation during the surgery at our office.
Midface Lift Benefits: Men vs. Women
Midface lifts are popular for both men and women, but their benefits may differ. For both genders, a cheek lift can reduce signs of aging to create a more youthful appearance. Issues regarding self esteem and confidence are concerns that are frequently addressed by both during an initial consultation.
Cheek lift in Men
Loose skin can change the way the male facial structure appears. As aging process progresses, skin under the cheeks lose elasticity and can create a sagging appearance. This frequently affects how the jaw line is defined as well as the area around the eyes. Since midface lifts require fewer incisions, some men prefer this type of procedure.
The procedure itself does not cause unnecessary scarring and is frequently masked by natural hair growth. Since small incisions can be made in the temporal hair and hairline, men have the ability to mask any potential incision lines with hair. Midface lifts heal quickly and can be placed behind the hairline for invisibility.
Cheek lift in Women
Women seek cheek lifts for similar reasons. While many women are concerned about loose skin, wrinkles are another common reason for the procedure. Unlike anti-aging creams, midface lifts can eliminate wrinkles and fine lines. Wrinkles that are common around the eyes, mouth, and nose are smoothed from small incisions that heal in a short amount of time. For a softer smile, many women opt for this minimally invasive form of surgery.
The results of a midface lift can dramatically reduce signs of aging. Facial structure is more defined and cheekbones are often highlighted for a youthful and slimming effect. Cheek lifts affect more than just the cheeks and can help decrease jowls.
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Prime Candidates for Cheek Lifts
Aging is a process that can occur on its own timeline. While many people experience wrinkles and loose skin during middle age, others may experience a loss of facial volume earlier than expected. Regardless if an adult is in their sixties or thirties, aging takes many forms.
Cheek lifts are beneficial for individuals with some loose skin along the jaw as well as hollowed eyes. Candidates are typically healthy individuals who do not have conditions that may interfere with the healing process. Patients that have prominent skin folds and fine lines will clearly see the results of this procedure.
There are several factors that play a key role in aging. Exposure to sun, diet, and smoking can all cause premature aging. Genetics is another common factor to consider. Certain autoimmune diseases or even stress may play a significant role in how fast wrinkles develop. To qualify for a midface lift, an initial consultation is necessary to review medical history.
What to expect from a midface lift
A cheek lift requires minimal incisions placed in and around the temporal hair/scalp. Because of this technique, recovery time is typically shorter than traditional facelift procedures.
The procedure is usually performed using IV Sedation. An incision is made near the temples and extended to the cheek. By loosening the skin tissue, redraping/tightening can be achieved through the desired cheek height. At the end of the procedure, fillers can be injected depending on the patient’s preference.
The procedure can be done in one day and the recovery time is approximately two weeks. Temporary swelling or bruising may be apparent after the procedure. Incisions are not noticeable after healing and physical activity can be resumed after a few weeks.
An initial consultation is required before the procedure. During this time patients can ask questions about the procedure and healing time. Candidates typically discuss their medical history as well as environmental circumstances that can impact the recovery.
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A Youthful Appearance After Aging
Both men and women begin the aging process at birth. When signs of aging occur in middle age, this frequently causes some level of distress. While midface lifts cannot eliminate the aging process, it can provide comfort to those who are concerned about fine lines and loose skin.
Aging has the ability to reshape the face in a matter of years. By using a midface lift to tighten skin and reduce or eliminate jowls, long recovery times and full-face procedures are not necessary. Full results can be seen after just a few months.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Midface lift
The cost of a midface lift depends on multiple factors. If an individual is the right candidate for the procedure, their face will be assessed in an initial appointment. Cost is usually proportional to the amount of facial tissue and lower eyelid fat pads found in the patient. A personalized quote is necessary to understand how much a cheek lift will cost.
A midface lift can last approximately 10-15 years. At this point, signs of aging will become increasingly noticeable. A new midface lift may not be necessary, however. Many individuals opt for minimal treatment to address specific issues after their midface lift is no longer as effective.
To prolong the effects of a midface lift, external factors can be taken into account. Wearing sunscreen, abstaining from smoking, and eating a healthy diet will extend a youthful appearance.
A midface lift uses fewer incisions than a traditional facelift. This is done to minimize risk when operating, but it also provides minimal scarring. During a midface lift, the procedure helps improve jowls by shifting the volume and structure of the face. By using an endoscope, the procedure involves making tiny incisions along the inside of the mouth and behind the hairline.
All incisions will create some amount of scarring, but whether it is noticeable depends on the procedure and the patient. Genetics can play a role in scarring. Most individuals will know whether they are prone to scarring before their initial consultation. Scarring that is caused by genetics can be apparent from adolescence. Acne scarring that has persisted for more than a year may indicate some level of scarring susceptibility.
Because these incisions are small, they are able to be hidden behind the hairline or inside the mouth. Discrete positioning of these incisions is done by trained surgeons. Incisions are designed to reduce the appearance of aging while staying largely invisible to the naked eye. A dentist is likely to be the only person that notices scarring on the inside of the upper lip. Once a full recovery is made, these incisions are not noticeable.
Healthy adults who show signs of unwanted aging can receive a midface lift at almost any age. For older adults, physical health may be monitored. Heart rate and blood clotting issues are medical concerns that should be assessed for the safety of the patient. To determine if an individual is a good candidate for the procedure, medical history and examination can help spot potential difficulties.
Typically midface lifts are performed when the patient is already in midlife, but they can be done earlier. Patients are usually above the age of 35 and show a noticeable loss of volume or elasticity in the skin. A midface lift is a minimally invasive procedure that many candidates find attractive for its safety and accuracy.
Patients may experience some minor discomfort after the fat transfer procedure, though this tends to resolve quickly. Some minor irritation, redness, bruising and swelling may also occur but these side effects usually fade within a few hours. In general, the recovery is relatively minor.
While the incisions made for the percutaneous midface lift will result in scars, they are hidden within the hairline at the temples.
There is usually minimal discomfort or pain associated with the percutaneous midface lift.
The procedure has little downtime or recovery. Swelling and bruising may occur to some degree, but these side effects are quick to dissipate. Pain and discomfort are typically minimal.
If you live in the states of Ohio or Kentucky, Cincinnati Facial Plastic Surgery offers midface lift among its services. For a full list of services, please visit our Locations page.
Why choose Dr. Donath — Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
- Graduated summa cum laude from Ohio University where he was a scholarship recipient and was inducted into the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa national honor society.
- He then completed medical school at the University of Cincinnati, widely recognized as one of the top medical centers in the country, where he was President of the school’s American Medical Student Association.
- Completing a rigorous five-year residency training program in all aspects of Head and Neck Surgery at St. Louis University.
- He additionally spent time studying at Harvard Medical School with the Director of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.
- Has been nominated as a Top Doctor in Cincinnati Magazine and by Castle Connolly for many consecutive years.
- Is a national trainer of other physicians for both Galderma and Allergan, and is a frequent guest on multiple media outlets to present the public with the most recent facial aesthetic techniques.
