A midface lift is a procedure that benefits patients who desire a full and defined contour to the area of the upper cheek in Virginia including McLean, Falls Church, Tysons, Arlington plus the Washington DC area. It is performed by Dr. Vartan Mardirossian at the Mardirossian Facial Aesthetics fully licensed surgical suite in McLean, VA.
What is a Midface Lift?
A midface lift is the repositioning of the fat and muscle of the upper cheek (situated right under the eyelid) in a higher, more attractive position. It is the combination of losing volume and the descent of tissues related to aging or massive weight loss that can deflate the cheeks and make them appear saggy.
In some individuals, this naturally occurring phenomenon can create a tired and sad appearance. It is important to evaluate the patient carefully to determine to what extent the natural youthful appearance can be achieved through augmenting the volume of the cheek versus lifting the soft tissue.
Am I a Candidate for a Midface Lift?
If you feel that your upper cheek is not upper anymore and gives you a tired and saggy look, then you are probably a candidate for a midface lift. Patients who have dry eyes and other eye problems should communicate this to our team before the procedure. Dr. Mardirossian will make sure to help you achieve your goals in respect to your eye health.
How is a Midface Lift Performed?
The midface lift procedure can be performed either by approaching the tissue to be lifted through the skin of the eyelid or through the wet inside surface of the eyelid. It can often be performed in combination with other procedures such as facelifts and neck lifts.
When skin access is used, the incision should be planned to allow the final closure to fall in the natural crease of the lower eyelid, just under the eyelash line. The advantage of this method is that it can address excess skin of the lower eyelid along with lifting the midface. The skin and muscle layers are incised and the excess fat from the fat compartments under the eye are moved to fill the areas of deep tear trough creases to effectively use it as a natural filler. Then, the muscle and the fat compartment of the upper cheek are lifted and fixed on the surface of the cheekbone.
If performed correctly, there is minimal bleeding throughout the procedure. The wound is then closed with self-absorbing sutures that do not need to be removed. Alternatively, the procedure can be performed in a similar fashion by accessing the midface soft tissue through a hidden incision in the eyelid. After the midface tissues have been lifted and fixed, the mucosa incision is closed with self-absorbing sutures.
Despite being performed through a fine hidden incision, a midface lift involves manipulation of deep tissues near your eye and the nerves that move your face. To avoid unnecessary risks, make sure you trust your face to an expert in the field like Dr. Mardirossian when considering this procedure.
What is Recovery Like After a Midface Lift?
Swelling generally lasts one to two weeks. You may be advised to use ice for three to seven days following your procedure to allow for proper wound healing. Before you leave, you will be given instructions on when to follow up and how to properly care for the incision sites.
Most of our patients go back to their everyday activities three to four days after the procedure. Strenuous physical activity can be resumed after two to three weeks.
How Long Will My Midface Lift Results Last?
Once the soft tissues of the cheek have been lifted, they will permanently stay in a naturally more elevated position. Obviously, this is not going to prevent the loss of volume that occurs with age, and that is why an in-person consultation to evaluate the various aspects of the procedure is important. Patients find this procedure appealing because of its positive effect on cheek fullness and contour.
Contact Mardirossian Facial Aesthetics today to schedule a consultation with Vartan Mardirossian, M.D., F.A.C.S., to see if this procedure is the right solution for you. We offer midface lifts to patients in Virginia including McLean, Falls Church, Tysons, Arlington plus the Washington DC area.
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