All procedures
Midface

Midface Lift

Elevation of descended midface soft tissue to restore cheek position.

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Region
Midface
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia
Theatre time
2–4 hours
Downtime
3–4 weeks

Overview

A midface lift repositions the malar fat pad and suborbicularis fat upward, improving the lid–cheek junction and nasolabial region. It treats soft-tissue descent, not skeletal deficiency.

What it changes

  • Cheek soft-tissue position
  • Lid–cheek junction length
  • Nasolabial fold depth

Common goals

Restore youthful cheek position
Shorten a long lower-lid appearance

Candidates

General factors a surgeon may consider. Only a qualified surgeon can assess whether you are a candidate.

  • General physical health suitable for the anaesthetic required
  • Realistic, clearly articulated aesthetic or functional goals
  • Stable anatomy appropriate for the technique proposed
  • Non-smoking or willingness to stop for the surgeon's required window

Surgical approach

  1. 01Transconjunctival, temporal, or endoscopic access
  2. 02Sub-periosteal or SMAS-level elevation and suspension

Recovery timeline

  1. Day 1

    Immediate post-operative period. Swelling begins, dressings or splints may be in place, supervised rest.

  2. Week 1

    Peak swelling and bruising. Limited activity, soft diet where relevant, first follow-up visit.

  3. Week 2

    Bruising fades. Many people feel socially presentable, light activity resumes.

  4. Week 4

    Most acute swelling resolves. Gradual return to exercise as cleared by the surgeon.

  5. Month 3

    Contours become clearer. Residual swelling continues to settle.

  6. Month 6

    Result is largely representative of the final outcome.

  7. Month 12+

    Final refinement, scar maturation, and revision assessment if needed.

Risks & complications

Bleeding, haematoma, or infection
Temporary or, rarely, permanent nerve disturbance
Asymmetry or an outcome that differs from expectations
Scarring, delayed healing, or wound problems
Anaesthetic risks
Possible need for revision surgery
Prolonged swelling
Lower lid malposition
Asymmetry

Limitations

Does not add volume or bone projection
Effect is finite and reduces over time

Before & after cases

No verified cases published yet

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Surgeons performing this procedure

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Cost

$7,000 – $22,000

These are broad estimates only. Actual costs vary significantly by country, surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, imaging, orthodontic treatment, revision policy, and individual complexity. Always obtain a written quotation.

Questions to ask your surgeon

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Information on this platform is for educational purposes and should not replace consultation with a qualified medical professional. Surgical suitability, risks, and expected outcomes must be assessed by an appropriately qualified surgeon.