The most impressive area of your face is the “mid-face” triangle that starts from below your cheekbones and extends to your eye area. Over time, with the combination of gravity, decreased skin elasticity, and expression lines, this area can sag, cheekbones can disappear, and a “tired” expression can dominate. If you haven’t achieved the results you want from non-surgical methods and are looking for a permanent and natural “lift,” Mid-Face Lift Surgery is perfect for you! This operation, offered at our clinic in Istanbul with our expert plastic surgeons and advanced endoscopic and SMAS techniques, lifts your cheekbone area upward, reducing under-eye bags and providing a youthful, dynamic facial expression.
What is Mid-Face Lift Surgery?
Mid-face lift is a surgical procedure where subcutaneous tissues (SMAS and deep fat pads) in the cheekbone and cheek area are lifted upward and excess skin and fat are removed to eliminate regional sagging.
Purpose:
- Emphasize cheekbones, reduce cheek sagging and under-eye hollowness
- Soften nasolabial (smile) lines
- Give the mid-face area a natural, three-dimensional youthful lift
Technique: Through classic incision from the hairline in front of the ear, SMAS band and fat pads are lifted upward; excess skin and fat tissue are removed in a controlled manner.
Duration: Average 2-3 hours; comfortable experience under general anesthesia.
Why Choose Mid-Face Lift?
- Regaining Lost Volume: Fat pads that have descended due to expressions and aging are moved back to their original position.
- Dynamic and Natural Youth: Provides permanent lifting and support beyond fillers and thread lifts.
- Fast Recovery: Shorter swelling and healing time compared to facelift surgery (1 week social life).
- Minimal Scarring: Fine incisions hidden within hairlines in front of ear or natural skin folds.
- Suitable for Combined Applications: Can be completed with eyelid lift or mid-lower face filler if necessary.
- Personalized Planning: Exact lifting points and amount of tightening are determined with 3D facial scanning.
Who Are Candidates?
- Healthy Individuals Aged 35-65: Those with pronounced sagging in mid-face, deepening nasolabial lines, or cheekbone loss.
- Those Getting Insufficient Results from Non-Surgical Methods: If temporary applications like fillers, thread lifts don’t provide adequate support.
- Those Seeking Natural Contour and Permanence: Those wanting to lift the mid-face area while preserving realism.
- Patients in Good General Health with Controlled Chronic Diseases
Note: Physician approval is required first if there is pregnancy, breastfeeding, uncontrolled diabetes, or serious heart-lung disease.
Pre-Surgery Preparation Process
1. Free Consultation and 3D Simulation
We plan your cheekbone lifting points together with facial photographs and digital modeling.
2. Medical Evaluation
Blood tests, EKG, coagulation profile; internal medicine/cardiology approval obtained if necessary.
3. Medication Regulation
Blood thinner medications and supplements are discontinued 7 days prior under doctor supervision.
4. Appointment Confirmation and Preparation
8-hour fasting on surgery day, comfortable clothes, and post-dressing care instructions are shared.
How is Mid-Face Lift Surgery Performed?
- Anesthesia Application: Your comfort is ensured with general anesthesia.
- Incision Planning: Fine incisions hidden in hairlines in front of ear and temple area.
- SMAS and Fat Lifting: Facial muscle-skin system (SMAS) and deep fat pads are lifted upward.
- Excess Skin and Fat Removal: Regional excess skin and fat are cleaned in a balanced manner.
- Suturing and Dressing: Closure with dissolving sutures and fine tapes; light corset strip if necessary.
- Operation Duration: 2-3 hours; you’ll see your light dressings when transferred to ward.
The Importance of Doctor Selection
Mid-face lift requires not just stretching skin, but delicately repositioning deep lifting points, fat pads, and SMAS layer. The ideal surgeon:
- Plastic Surgeon or Facial Aesthetics Specialist: Experienced in SMAS and endoscopic lifting techniques
- 3D Planning Competence: Expert in digital facial analysis and determining personalized lifting points
- Empathetic Communication: Physician who sincerely listens to your goals and offers realistic plans
- Sterile Clinical Standards: Single-use equipment, fully equipped operating room, and comfortable service
Surgery Day: What to Expect?
1. Morning Preparations & Anesthesia Consultation:
Vital measurements, sedation or general anesthesia briefing.
2. Surgical Process:
2-3 hour SMAS lifting and fat/tissue arrangement; you can receive live progress notes from your surgeon.
3. Recovery and Dressing:
You’ll be transferred to ward with fine tapes and corset strip.
4. Hospitalization:
Standard: 1 night; 2-night monitoring option in Premium/Full packages.
5. Home Return Instructions:
Cold compress for first 48 hours, head-up sleeping position, and light dressing care.
Recovery Process
- Days 1-7: Mild swelling and bruising in mid-face are natural; comfortable with painkillers and cold application.
- 1 Week: Tapes and corset are removed; light return to social life begins.
- Weeks 2-4: Swelling decreases, new contour of cheekbones becomes prominent.
- 6 Weeks: Fully settled mid-face lift is seen; expressions and natural appearance are preserved.
- 6 Months – 1 Year: Tissue adaptation is completed, final result is stabilized; annual check-ups are recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will there be scars?
Since incisions are hidden in hairlines in front of ear and temple area, they are not noticeable from outside.
2. How long do bruising and swelling last?
Edema 5-7 days, mild bruising disappears within 7-10 days; can be covered with makeup.
3. When can I return to work?
7 days for office and light work, full return to social life is recommended after 2 weeks.
4. Will my expressions be affected?
Thanks to SMAS lifting technique, facial muscles are preserved; natural expression continues.
5. How long does it last?
Depending on your aging rate, youthful, vibrant mid-face appearance lasts 8-12 years.
