CHEEK OR MIDFACE LIFT
For a younger appearance without a full face lift

The aging process eventually robs most every face of its youthful fullness. When the tissues over the cheekbones sag, your entire face suffers. This can even make you look older than you are. A cheek or midface lift can very subtly take years off your face, leaving everyone to wonder why you look so good!

What is a Cheek or Midface Lift?
A cheek or midface lift is less extensive and invasive than a full face lift. It concentrates on pulling just the excess skin in the middle of the face rather than lifting the skin toward the ear as in a full face lift. By small incisions that are hidden, the doctor can lift and tighten the skin of this region.

What Can a Cheek or Midface Lift Do For Me?
* If the skin around your cheeks or midface has begun to sag or droop, a cheek or midface lift can correct the problem and enhance the look of your cheekbones.
* Cheekbones that look sunken can be corrected with a cheek or midface lift.
* If you have prominent creases between the nose and mouth, a cheek or midface lift can reduce them.
* A cheek or midface lift can improve the appearance of your lower eyelid area, reducing the hollowness that sometimes forms above your cheeks.

What Does a Cheek or Midface Lift Feel Like?
* You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area and a sedative to make you sleep.
* The incisions are generally made within the mouth, hidden in the hairline, or in the lower eyelid area so that scars will not be visible.

What Can I Expect After the Procedure?
* Cheek or midface lift is an outpatient procedure, and you will be able to go home within a few minutes after the surgery. Due to the sedation, however, you will need someone to drive you home.
* Bruises and swelling will occur for about a week in most cases. For more extensive surgeries, the swelling and bruising can last a considerably longer period of time. Cold compresses and ice packs, as well as elevation of your head, will help reduce these conditions.
* Pain medication can be given to help alleviate any post-operative discomfort.
* You should be able to wear make-up within a few days and return to work in about a week.
* The surgery usually takes anywhere from one to four hours.
* The doctor may advise a liquid diet for the first couple of days, as chewing can cause additional swelling.
* Dressings may be applied and will need to be changed every couple of days to prevent infection.
* Stitches are removed within ten days of the procedure.
* Strenuous activity may be resumed within three weeks after surgery.
* You should take special care to protect your skin from sun damage for a period of six months.

What are the Risks of Cheek or Midface Lifts?
Generally, cheek or midface lift is a very safe procedure. As with all surgeries, however, there is a slight risk of infection, bleeding, or scarring. Occasionally, the area around the corner of the eye can pucker as a result of the procedure.