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Hello! “Designing natural beauty through trust.” I am Masataka Fujihashi, a board-certified plastic surgeon recognized by the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

 

Have you ever stood in front of a mirror, lifted your cheek with your finger, and thought, “If it would just lift up this high, I wouldn’t have to worry about the shadow”? Actually, what you’re holding with your fingertips at that moment isn’t just skin. It also includes the fat beneath it and the tissue that supports it.

 

A mid-face lift is a surgical procedure that helps create a more youthful appearance by lifting and repositioning tissues that have changed with age, while taking into account the overall balance of the face.

 

In this article, I’ll explain—from a plastic surgeon’s perspective—how a mid-face lift can translate the changes you feel when you lift your face with your fingers into tangible results and improve the overall balance of your face. I’ll also discuss how this procedure differs from others and how it alters your appearance.

What kind of changes can you expect from a mid-face lift?

A “mid-face lift” is not simply a procedure aimed at rejuvenation. It is a procedure that aims to create a natural, three-dimensional appearance by lifting sagging tissues while taking into account the overall balance of the face.

 

Therefore, while this treatment is certainly effective for addressing sagging skin in older patients, it also creates a natural, three-dimensional appearance by correcting the positional balance for those concerned about a flat-looking central cheek area.

When the position of your cheeks is balanced, it changes the overall impression of your face.

 

In the case described above, the hollows under the eyes and the sagging of the cheekbones (cheek tops) cast shadows across the center of the face, giving the patient a slightly tired appearance.

 

After the treatment, the sagging tissues were repositioned to their proper places, which changed the way light hits the skin and created a three-dimensional effect across the entire face. Areas where shadows were previously pronounced now blend smoothly, resulting in a look that appears naturally brighter.

 

Unlike superficial changes caused by makeup, these changes stem from the bone structure and soft tissues, so the appearance is less likely to be distorted depending on the viewing angle, and in some cases, this can result in a more defined midface appearance.

 

▶Learn more about mid-face lift procedures and who is a good candidate

When the contours of the face become smoother, shadows become less noticeable.

The reason children’s cheeks look so plump and cute is that there are no contours on their faces to create “shadows.” Of course, smooth skin texture is also a component of youthfulness, but it is not the only factor. As we age, the tissues gradually begin to sag, causing subtle changes in the contours of the face without us even realizing it.

 

And this change can sometimes manifest as a vague sense of something being off—a feeling you might describe as, “Hmm… has my face changed somehow?” The more pronounced these contours become, the more shadows fall across your face, and it is precisely these shadows that come to be perceived as “fatigue” or “signs of aging.”

 

A mid-face lift is a procedure that aims to smooth out the shadows caused by these positional changes by realigning the relative positions of the tissues, thereby creating a seamless transition. As a result, this can sometimes enhance the overall three-dimensional appearance and brightness of the face.

In some cases, it is possible to address the “shadows” that are difficult to correct through volume enhancement alone.

For those concerned about nasolabial folds and marionette lines, hyaluronic acid injections are a common treatment option. This procedure is widely used to reduce the appearance of shadows by restoring volume, thereby improving the overall appearance of the face.

 

On the other hand, if the fat deposits (Maller fat) themselves have shifted downward due to aging, simply restoring volume may not fully address the root cause of the shadow in some cases. While injections can provide support and lead to some improvement, depending on the specific condition, they may also accentuate the appearance of volume.

 

In such cases, one option is a mid-face lift to reposition the tissues. By surgically realigning the displaced tissues, the procedure aims to restore structural balance. Determining whether the cause of your concern is “loss of volume” or “tissue displacement” is a key factor in selecting the appropriate treatment.

Cases Where a Mid-Face Lift Is a Good Option and How Long the Results Last

A mid-face lift is a procedure best suited for concerns involving sagging of deep tissues—where changes are difficult to notice with a superficial approach alone. It is particularly suitable for those seeking the following results:

 

Furthermore, because it is a structural approach, many people are interested in whether the changes will be sustainable.

If you're facing these kinds of concerns,

• For those who want natural-looking facial contours
• For those who want to reshape their Gorgo Line from the ground up
• For those who want to reduce the fat covering their nasolabial folds
• For those who want to reduce the appearance of a long, stretched-out face
• For those who have not been satisfied with injection treatments or other procedures

How long do the results of a mid-face lift last?

The duration of the results is one of the key considerations. Because a mid-face lift repositions not only the skin but also the deeper layers (supporting tissues), the results last a long time.

 

Although results vary from person to person, many people generally begin to notice changes over the course of several years; the treatment is intended to slow the aging process. It differs from temporary procedures, such as injectable treatments, where the material is gradually absorbed by the body.

 

One of its key features is that it makes it easy to maintain a natural, lively appearance that closely resembles your original facial expression over the long term.

[Mid-Face Lift] The Difference Between Thread Lifts and the Hamra Method

 

Some people may think of thread lifts or the Hamra method as treatments for similar concerns. There are differences between these procedures and the mid-face lift in terms of the extent of changes you can expect and how long the results last.

The Difference Between Thread Lifts and Other Treatments: A Supportive Procedure or a Positioning Procedure?

A thread lift is a procedure in which threads with barbs are inserted under the skin to lift and support the tissue. It is characterized by its relative ease of treatment and minimal downtime.

 

On the other hand, when there is sagging fat in the cheeks (malar fat), multiple threads may be used to provide additional support. Because threads tend to gradually settle into place over time, many patients opt for regular maintenance to maintain the results.

 

A mid-face lift is a procedure in which tissue is dissected from areas such as beneath the periosteum, repositioned, and secured. It differs in that it aims to achieve structural changes by directly addressing the position of the tissue itself. Each procedure is suitable for specific cases and is selected based on the desired extent and duration of the changes, as well as the patient’s tolerance for downtime.

Differences from the Hamra Method | Should You Correct Dark Circles Under the Eyes or Treat the Entire Midface?

The Hamra procedure is a surgical technique that involves repositioning fat from the lower eyelid (orbital fat) to correct shadows around the eyes. It is characterized by its focus on a limited area under the eyes, such as dark circles.

 

On the other hand, a mid-face lift is a procedure that addresses not only the eye area but also nasolabial folds and the position of the cheeks (cheekbones). It’s important to choose the procedure that best suits the specific area of your concern—whether you want to “target dark circles specifically” or “rejuvenate the entire mid-face.”

 

At BIANCA CLINIC, we offer not only individual treatments but also combinations of treatments performed simultaneously.

Mid-Face Lift | A Choice to Restore Balance from the Structure Itself, Based on Changes You Can Feel with Your Fingertips

As we age, it is a natural process for everyone to notice changes in the midface—the central part of the face. The changes you feel when you lift your cheeks in front of a mirror are related not only to the skin itself but also to the position of the fat and supporting tissues beneath it.

 

A mid-face lift is a surgical procedure that reshapes the face from the foundation up to bring out your natural beauty. At BIANCA CLINIC, through thorough consultations, we address each patient’s unique facial features and concerns while working together to achieve your ideal youthful appearance. We invite you to schedule a consultation.

 

▶Please contact us via the online reservation form.

▶Read other blog posts by Professor Masataka Fujihashi

 

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