The term midface lift can mean many things and is very surgeon-dependent. It really refers to the different techniques that are used to lift the midface. Some surgeons perform an endoscopic midface lift with very small incisions in the hairline, while other surgeons make incisions around the hair and ear and then lift between the lower lid and the jawline. And then there are surgeons who lift using threads.
It’s very important to ask your surgeon what technique they use, what they’re lifting, and how it’s going to look with your facial features. Most surgeons will tell you that they’ll be lifting between the lower lid and the jawline.
How long does a midface lift last?
The length of time that a midface lift lasts varies widely based on the technique that’s used by the surgeon. Factors that contribute to the longevity are dependent on the number of sutures used to lift, whether the surgeon is lifting above the muscle or below the muscle, and how far toward the nose is the surgeon dissecting? If there’s only going to be only one suture holding everything up versus the use of several sutures, the results will vary.
The chances of a lunchtime facelift lasting a very long time is on the lower side while a true midface or mini-lift, where you’re lifting the muscle back up to where it’s supposed to be, could last between 8-10 years.
What is the difference between a midface lift and a mini-lift?
For some surgeons, a midface lift and a mini-lift are basically the same things because the same incision pattern is used where the surgeon goes around the hair and the ear to lift the middle portion of the face between the lower lid and the jawline.
For me, both these terms mean the same thing. I’m lifting the midface with my mini facelift. Sometimes I even refer to it as an upper facelift because we are lifting the upper portion of the face and not lifting the neck.
Some surgeons will specifically lift the midface through an incision in the lower lid, which is really a lower lid/midface lift combo. Other surgeons place the incision in the hairline and use big sutures between the hairline and cheek to lift it.
The terms can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different surgeons, so it’s important to ask a lot of questions about what the surgeon means. I personally place incisions in places that they heal very well, and that you’re not going to be able to see that with your hair up or down. I lift the same way as I would lift in a facelift to give you that long-lasting, very natural appearance for 8-10 years.
Have questions? I’d love to help.
Call me at (281) 336-9300
Read More
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Facelift Before & After Photos
What Is a Mini Facelift?
What Is the Best Facelift Technique?
About Dr. Angela Sturm
Dr. Angela Sturm is a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon with certifications with the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery. Dr. Sturm’s meticulous nature makes for exceptional results and satisfied patients. Dr. Sturm was named Texas Monthly’s Super Doctors Rising Star in 2016-2017, Texas Monthly’s Super Doctor in 2018-2019, H Texas Magazine’s Top Doc in 2013-2018, Top Doc by Houstonia magazine in 2016-2018, Houston Business Journal’s People on the Move and 40 under 40, Blazing Star Award by Texas Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Top Women in Business, one of the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston, Best Female Cosmetic Surgeon in Out Smart, and given the Patients’ Choice Award, On Time Doctor Award and Compassionate Doctor Award by Vitals.com.
