Midface Lift

Gravity is the enemy of youth. If you look at a young person you will notice that they have a full faced appearance in the middle of the face. When we are born, our midface is very full and begins to droop in the third decade. Part of this aging is a result of the sagging of the facial fat pads. These are structures that in youth are located high in the cheeks, but as we age, they begin to descend. This causes a sagging or gaunt appearance and makes us look older. The descent of the facial fat pads along with fat atrophy, sun damage, skin laxity and other aging changes causes the hollowing in the midface of most adults over 40.

There are multiple ways to lift the sagging midfacial structures ranging from cheekbone implants to midface lifting procedures. Dr. Niamtu performs several types of midface lifting procedures. Using endoscopic technology, this can be performed with minimal incisions and takes about an hour. The procedure is performed with local anesthesia or IV sedation in our office surgical center. The recovery for midface lift is generally about 7-10 days.

The midface lift is performed by placing a small incision in the temple above the ear. An additional incision is made in the mouth above the back teeth. The sagging facial fat pads are then freed and the fat pads are elevated to a more youthful position and secured with special sutures.

The midface lift also helps diminish the laugh lines at the side of the nose and in addition, these lines are frequently treated with fillers, fat injection or laser resurfacing.

The diagram at above shows fat pad elevation to a more youthful position in the midface lift.

Dr. Niamtu has had a long time interest in midfacial aesthetic surgery and has had numerous publications on the subject. He has lectured internationally on midface lift techniques. Read an article about Dr. Niamtu’s midface lift.

View more of Dr. Niamtu’s scientific publications on midface lift and other cosmetic facial procedures.

The photo gallery on the right shows patients who underwent midface lift by Dr. Niamtu. Notice the restoration of youthful volume in the midface. Some of the patients shown have also had other cosmetic facial procedures.