Over time, sagging, volume loss, and deep lines that develop in the mid-face can give a person a tired, sad, and aged appearance. The first sign of mid-face sagging is the prominence of nasolabial folds. Known as a Mid-Face Lift, this surgical aesthetic procedure targets signs of aging in this area and aims to achieve a younger and more dynamic appearance while preserving the natural balance of the face.

What Is a Mid-Face Lift?

A Mid-Face Lift is an aesthetic surgical procedure performed to correct sagging and volume loss in the cheeks, under-eye area, and nasolabial folds. This operation aims to provide a fresher and more youthful appearance by repositioning the soft tissues in the middle part of the face upward while preserving the natural proportions of the face.

The goal of a mid-face lift is not to completely change the face, but to restore it to its youthful position while maintaining natural facial proportions.

Which Areas Does the Mid-Face Include?

The mid-face is an important region that includes specific areas within facial anatomy. These areas are:

• The area extending from the under-eye region to the cheeks
• Cheeks and cheekbones
• Nasolabial area (between the nose and the corners of the mouth)

Signs of aging in this region directly affect the overall facial expression.

Why Does the Mid-Face Sag?

Multiple factors contribute to mid-face sagging, including:

• Loss of collagen and elastin due to aging
• The effects of gravity
• Reduction or displacement of facial fat tissue
• Changes in facial bone structure over time
• Prolonged sun exposure
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• Genetic predisposition

Why Is a Mid-Face Lift Performed?

Mid-face lift surgery is preferred to significantly reduce signs of aging in the middle part of the face. The main advantages of this procedure include:

• Provides a higher and fuller appearance of the cheeks
• Enhances the cheekbone line, creating a more attractive cheek appearance
• Reduces the depth of nasolabial folds
• Tightens sagging in the under-eye area
• Gives the face a more refreshed and youthful expression
• Offers longer-lasting results compared to temporary treatments such as fillers and botulinum toxin

How Is a Mid-Face Lift Performed?

Mid-face lift surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon creates small incisions hidden within the hairline or around the ear. Through these incisions, the mid-face tissues are lifted upward and repositioned using subperiosteal dissection. To enhance the durability of the procedure, fixation is performed to the bone or fascial planes.

In necessary cases, fat grafting (the patient’s own fat tissue) may be applied to increase facial volume. Excess skin is removed to ensure proper tissue composition, resulting in a firmer and more youthful appearance.

Does a Mid-Face Lift Leave Scars?

In mid-face lift surgeries performed by an experienced surgeon, scars are generally hidden within the hairline or behind the ear. As the healing process progresses, these scars become largely indistinct and remain invisible as they are covered by hair. The visibility of scars may vary depending on the individual’s skin type and healing capacity.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Mid-Face Lift Surgery?

Suitable candidates for a Mid-Face Lift generally have the following characteristics:

• Noticeable sagging and volume loss in the mid-face
• Individuals with increasingly prominent nasolabial folds
• People with volume loss and hollowing under the eyes
• Individuals with volume imbalance in the mid-face
• Good overall health condition
• Non-smokers or those willing to quit smoking
• Individuals with realistic aesthetic expectations

Postoperative Recovery Process

Swelling, bruising, and mild pain are normal during the first days after surgery. These symptoms usually subside within a few weeks as the face adapts to its new position. Keeping the head elevated, using a facial compression garment, and applying cold compresses in the early days support recovery.

Most patients can return to daily activities within 1–2 weeks. Full results may take several months to become completely visible.

Does a Mid-Face Lift Eliminate All Signs of Aging?

Mid-face lift surgery targets only the middle portion of the face. Forehead wrinkles, eyelid sagging, jowls, and the neck area are outside the scope of this procedure. For more comprehensive rejuvenation, a mid-face lift can be combined with procedures such as eyelid surgery, forehead lift, temporal lift, fat injection, or neck lift. Depending on the degree of facial sagging or to enhance the longevity of results, it may also be combined with a deep plane facelift, which is a procedure performed on a different anatomical plane.

Postoperative Care Instructions

• Heavy exercise should be avoided during the first weeks
• Attention should be paid to ice application and use of the compression garment
• The suture line should be cared for carefully
• Sun protection should be maintained
• Prescribed medications should be used regularly
• Follow-up appointments should not be missed