If you are interested in reversing the changes our faces undergo as we age, you may be considering a midface lift. This procedure, also known as a cheek lift, is concentrated on the area around the “mid-face,” which includes the cheeks, lower eyelids, and nasolabial folds. This is different from a traditional facelift, which addresses the entire face and neck. If this more targeted procedure appeals to you, you may be wondering, “What is the best age to get a midface lift?” This question does not have a one-size-fits-all answer. In this article, we will discuss the various factors that influence the age you may choose to get a midface lift.
What Age Is Best to Consider a Midface Lift?
People begin to consider a midface lift when they notice that their facial features have lost volume or are appearing to sag in the mid-face. As a result, you may have a more tired or hollow-looking appearance, especially around the cheeks and under the eyes. If you feel that your facial aging, due to gravity and collagen loss, is making you look older than you are, then a midface lift can restore some youthfulness to your face without the drastic larger scale changes of a full facelift.
With this in mind, the ideal age to get a midface lift can depend on when people have noticed these signs of aging. Most patients looking for this procedure are between the ages of 40 and 60, although some may seek a midface lift in their 30s. It all depends on the advancement of skin aging. In the 40 to 60 age range, the effects of aging on the skin, muscles, and tissues of the face are more pronounced.
Can You Be Too Old for a Midface Lift?
As discussed above, midface lifts are the most popular among those in their 40s to 60s. However, there is not necessarily an upper age limit. Candidacy for the procedure is largely dependent on your overall health, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. Even patients in their early 70s may benefit from a midface lift if they have enough skin elasticity, managed with realistic expectations.
When you see your surgeon for a consultation, they will be able to determine whether your skin texture and bone structure, combined with your medical history, make you a good candidate for the surgery. With their observations, they will be able to advise whether a midface lift or even a full facelift would give you the best and safest outcome.
What to Expect During a Midface Lift Procedure
The procedure usually involves small incisions purposely placed around the hairline or within natural face contours. The surgeon, after lifting and tightening the tissues, will restore volume and contour to the heels, lower eyelids, and nasolabial folds. Some people choose to combine this procedure with other treatments, such as eyelid surgery or a brow lift. This option can lead to a more comprehensive rejuvenation. Swelling and bruising can remain for a few weeks, and the overall recovery time can vary on an individual basis. After a few weeks, most people return to their normal activities.
What Are the Benefits of a Midface Lift?
A midface lift can achieve several things, including:
- A more youthful, rejuvenated look without seeming “overdone.”
- Restoration of previously lost volume back into the cheeks
- Smoothing of nasolabial folds and hollow under eyes
- Enhancing facial harmony after lifting and tightening the mid-face
- A shorter recovery compared to a full facelift
- Be sure to talk with your surgeon about all the benefits and risks involved with the procedure.
Consulting a Professional: What to Keep in Mind
If you have decided you would like a midface lift, it is in your best interest to look for an experienced surgeon who specializes in facial procedures that you can trust. A specialized surgeon will examine your facial structure and aging patterns while taking your goals into account. It is good to know that surgeons capable of performing a midface lift can come from a few different specialty backgrounds. You can look for a plastic surgeon, a facial plastic surgeon, or even an oculoplastic eyelid surgeon to perform your midface lift.
As with any cosmetic procedure, it is necessary to manage your expectations around the results of the procedure. Even though the surgery can give you some of your youth back, it cannot stop aging in its entirety. Stop by our clinic for a consultation today!