A mid-face lift is performed when a patient does not have noticeable sagging in the chin area but experiences significant drooping in the mid-face region. This procedure is suitable for addressing nasolabial folds, wrinkles, or hollows in the nasolabial groove.
The surgery can be performed using two techniques:
In the first technique, the skin is tightened “sideways,” and an incision is made along the earlobe line.
In the second technique, the lift is done from bottom to top, returning the skin and tissues to their original position through an incision below the lower eyelid.
The choice of surgical technique that suits your case will be determined by the plastic surgeon.
Often, this procedure is combined with others, such as blepharoplasty, facial lipofilling, breast lift, or abdominoplasty.
Watch our videos on mid-face lifting YouTube.
Brief information about the surgery
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Surgery Duration: 1.5-2 hours
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Type of Anesthesia: General anesthesia
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Hospitalization: 3-4 hours
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Return to Normal Life: Within 7 days
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Clinic Visits: 3-4 times
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Stitch Removal: On the 14th day
Why patients consider a mid-face lift?
Patients may consider a mid-face lift for several reasons:
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Reducing signs of aging: With age, skin loses elasticity, and fat pads in the mid-face region shift downward. A mid-face lift helps address these changes, restoring skin elasticity and rejuvenating facial contours.
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Improving facial symmetry: Uneven aging or natural facial asymmetry can be corrected through a mid-face lift, enhancing overall appearance and facial symmetry.
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Eliminating deep nasolabial folds: Deep lines between the nose and corners of the mouth often become more pronounced with age. A mid-face lift can reduce these folds, making the face look younger and fresher.
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Boosting self-esteem and confidence: Appearance plays a significant role in self-perception. A mid-face lift can help patients feel more confident and content with their appearance.
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Alternative to more invasive procedures: For some patients, a mid-face lift is a preferred alternative to more invasive surgical interventions like SMAS facelift, as it offers shorter recovery times and lower risks.
Who is a candidate for this surgery?
A mid-face lift is suitable for candidates who meet the following criteria:
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Age and skin condition: Typically, candidates are between 40 to 60 years old, experiencing visible signs of aging such as sagging skin, deep folds, and loss of volume in the mid-face region.
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General health: Candidates should be in good overall health without significant medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications during or after surgery.
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Realistic expectations: It’s important for candidates to have realistic expectations regarding the outcome of the procedure. While a mid-face lift can significantly improve one’s appearance, it cannot completely transform it.
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Non-smoker or willingness to quit: Smoking can significantly slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Candidates should either be non-smokers or willing to quit smoking for several weeks before and after the surgery.
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Good skin elasticity: The best results are achieved in individuals with some degree of skin elasticity, allowing the skin to adapt to contour changes after the procedure.
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Psychological stability: Psychological well-being is important for an adequate response to and coping with emotional stress during the recovery period.
Why South Korea?
South Korea annually performs the highest number of cosmetic procedures and surgeries in the world. Local doctors are considered the most educated and competitive globally because only 0.01% of medical school graduates become plastic surgeons in South Korea. The medical equipment and facilities in Korea are on par with those in the USA and Germany, ranking it among the top three countries with the best-equipped clinics.
All anti-aging procedures are carried out in accredited clinics that have permission to work with foreign patients and employ in-house anesthesiologists. All surgeons who operate on our patients have 15 to 30 years of experience, specializing in soft tissue surgeries and performing no more than 2 surgeries per day. Fill out the questionnaire so that we can calculate the cost of your treatment, conduct a preliminary consultation, and prepare a plan for your trip to South Korea for the surgery.
How to prepare for a lifting surgery in South Korea
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Fast from food and water for 10 hours before the procedure. Take a shower.
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Avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including medications like Advil or Motrin), and other drugs that may increase the risk of excessive bleeding for 2 weeks before the surgery. Tylenol is prohibited only for 3 days before the surgery.
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Do not smoke, including hookah and electronic cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down the tissue healing process. If you smoke, the doctor will recommend quitting smoking before the surgery. Some surgeons refuse to perform surgery on patients who smoke due to the high risk of complications. It is unsafe to be around smokers, friends, or family members in smoking areas.
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Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any recent medications you have taken. Please do not withhold this information from the surgeon and coordinators.
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Visit the surgeon for an examination and show them photos of your desired outcome.
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If you have had tests done less than a month ago, you can bring them with you. If not, we will perform all the necessary tests in Korea.
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Ask someone to drive you to the clinic or assist you after the surgery if you plan to arrive by car.
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Place items near your bed that you may need during your recovery, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or your mobile phone.
How the surgery is performed
Before the surgery, you will undergo a minimum of 2 consultations with the surgeon and take tests to gain access to the procedure. On the morning of the surgery, the surgeon marks your face, answers your questions, and hands you over to the medical coordinator for preparation. You will be taken to the restroom, asked about your well-being, and your last intake of food and water will be checked. Then, you will be led into the operating room, where they will help you lie on the operating table, secure your arms and legs to ensure your safety and prevent involuntary movements during the surgeon’s work, and insert a catheter into your hand to deliver medications and anesthesia into your bloodstream.
After the anesthesiologist puts you to sleep, the surgeon begins the operation: using a scalpel, several incisions are made – from the skin to the deep muscle layer (depending on the chosen surgical technique), excess tissue is removed, and if necessary, cheek liposuction is performed, followed by stitching. In some cases, fat or fillers are added to areas of the face that lack volume.
After completing the surgery, a special dressing is applied to your face, which helps protect the surgical area from damage, holds the tissues together, and reduces swelling. The patient wakes up, and they are escorted to a recovery room for further recuperation.
What to expect after the surgery
After the surgery, a translator or medical nurses will wake you up and assist you in moving to your room. Most patients do not remember this moment, as they feel like they woke up in a warm bed due to the effect of anesthesia.
In the first 10-20 minutes after awakening, you may feel chills; this will pass quickly, and there is a warming mattress on your bed to make this period more comfortable. Some degree of pain may be present, although it is dulled by pain-relieving injections and medications used during the surgery. In addition to discomfort, you will notice swelling of your face, which is normal as your body begins the regeneration process.
You may also feel discomfort from the compression bandage – many clients complain that it presses under the chin. You can adjust the bandage slightly or ask for a cotton pad to be placed under it, but never remove it. It will be with you for only three days, so be patient and wait.
You will remain in the clinic for a few hours after the surgery, with a catheter in your hand to deliver medications into your bloodstream. By the evening, the coordinator and medical nurses will check your condition. If you do not experience symptoms such as dizziness and nausea, you can prepare for discharge: change your clothes, collect your medications, and follow postoperative recommendations.
After discharge, pain sensations may increase slightly. Be sure to place several pillows under your head to reduce swelling and take the medications prescribed by the surgeon, which contain pain relievers. You may experience mild headaches, eye or nose swelling; these are normal symptoms, so do not be alarmed and continue to follow the rules of rehabilitation. Remember that during the first few days after the surgery, solid food is prohibited, so prepare porridge, soups, juices, smoothies, and chocolate in advance to get through this period.
By the end of the week, you will look much better. Try to walk as much as possible and continue to sleep with your head elevated. After 14 days, the surgeon will remove the stitches, and by this time, most of the swelling and bruising will have subsided, and you will look almost normal, ready to return to your usual life.
Book a consultation with the clinic’s coordinator or plastic surgeon today! You can schedule a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or contacting us through any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.
Rehabilitation process and postoperative procedures
Immediately after the procedure: You will have a compression bandage on your face, and moderate pain may be present. Your face begins to swell, and you may feel pressure under the bandage. Unfortunately, you will have to endure this discomfort for several days.
Days 1-2: After about a day, the hospitalization period ends, and if you are feeling well, you will be discharged home. Swelling will reach its peak, spreading throughout your face. This is normal, so continue to follow the rules of rehabilitation.
Days 3-7: Swelling gradually begins to subside. The surgeon checks tissue healing, and medical nurses remove the bandage. Avoid strenuous physical activity and any activity that requires you to lower your head. Continue to sleep with your head elevated. Try not to laugh or open your mouth widely.
Days 7-14: Reduction of swelling, disappearance of discomfort, gradual return to normal life. Regular long walks are recommended for faster recovery. Do not smoke until 25-30 days after the postoperative period, as introducing an infection may require a repeat surgery. Vaping, hookah, and other forms of smoking are also strictly prohibited. If you couldn’t resist and additional swelling occurs, immediately contact the coordinator and do not hide the cause of infection.
Days 14-21: Removal of stitches. Continue to avoid intensive workouts and physical exercises. Follow the rules of rehabilitation, do not smoke, and do not consume alcohol. Swelling and bruises diminish to the point where the surgery is not noticeable to outsiders.
Days 21-30: The face may occasionally swell, depending on which side you slept on, the swelling may shift to the left or right, and it may vary every day. Do not be alarmed; this is normal. Exercise patience and wait for results.
Days 31-60: Swelling is almost completely gone, and you forget that you had surgery. You can start eating regular food, engage in sports, laugh, and use facial expressions.
Days 60-90: You can swim in the sea and sunbathe, do regular exercises, and lead a normal life. During this period, the face may occasionally swell in the morning, especially after consuming alcohol. Do not worry; the final swelling will subside a year after the surgery.
1 year after the surgery: Complete the rehabilitation process.