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2026.05.27
What is the relationship between a mid-face lift and nasolabial folds? A plastic surgeon explains the causes and suitability.
As a plastic surgeon certified by the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, I have been involved in many cases of trauma, reconstruction, and congenital diseases, and have cultivated precise techniques and a deep understanding of anatomy. He entered the field of cosmetic surgery out of a desire to bring the power of cosmetics to his patients, as a change in one's appearance can also make one's mind more positive. Her specialties include general treatment of the eye area, injections, and sagging skin. I provide treatments that focus on beauty with the medical stance of "sincerely addressing the ideals of the patient.
Hello!
Designing natural beauty with trust.
I am Masataka Fujihashi, a board-certified plastic surgeon of the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
The "Goggo Line" is often noticed as a change in impression, such as "looking tired" or "my shadows have become more prominent." On the other hand, we frequently receive consultations asking, "I don't know if this is a wrinkle or sagging."
In reality, thegqlgen line is not just a simple wrinkle in the skin; in some cases, structural facial elements such as cheek position and mid-face balance are involved. This article will clearly explain the relationship between mid-face lifts and thegqlgen line, and in what situations they are an option.
Why do Gorgon lines form? Their relationship with mid-cheek lines.
The so-called "Goggo lines" are often perceived as wrinkles, but in actual examinations, changes in the mid-face are frequently involved. First, let's explain how this happens.
What are Gorgon lines? Lines that appear from the eyes to the cheeks.
The "Gorgo line" refers to a line that runs diagonally from near the inner corner of the eye to the cheek. Medically, it is also called the mid-cheek line and is deeply related to the three-dimensional appearance of the face. It is characterized by appearing as a shadow from under the eye to the cheek and gradually becomes more noticeable with age. It is also often confused with dark circles and nasolabial folds. Rather than being a simple wrinkle, this area is characterized by appearing as a shadow line that is emphasized by the way light hits it.
Primary Causes of Gorgon Lines | Structural Changes in the Midface
The prominent appearance of the "Gorgon Line" (nasolabial fold) is related to structural changes in the midface. Naturally, the volume of the cheeks is located relatively high, creating a smooth, three-dimensional contour from the eyes to the cheeks. However, as aging and tissue changes cause this position to descend, the difference between the fullness of the cheeks and the hollow beneath them becomes more pronounced. This step-like difference, appearing as a shadow, makes the Gorgon Line more noticeable.
Specifically,
- The fat and skin of the midface are sagging.
- Changes in cheek volume position
- Effect of bone structure and skin thickness
- Loosening of the tissues that support the cheeks
These factors overlap, making the marionette lines appear more prominent.
In some cases, Gorgon lines may be difficult to address with hyaluronic acid injections alone.
As an approach to the "gorgon line" (nasojugal groove), hyaluronic acid injections are sometimes chosen, but they are not suitable for all cases. If the groove is shallow, it may become less noticeable by supplementing volume, but if the cheeks have dropped, the shadow itself may remain.
For deep grooves, attempting to completely fill the indentation with hyaluronic acid alone may result in an overly plumped cheek, making the face appear larger. In such cases, it is important to consider the treatment method not just from the perspective of filling the groove, but also from the viewpoint of "why is the shadow being created?"
What is a mid-face lift? Explanation of its relationship with nasolabial folds
One of the procedures considered for such structural changes is the mid-face lift.
What is a mid-face lift? A lift surgery that lifts the mid-face.
A mid-face lift is a procedure that lifts the mid-face, from under the eyes to the center of the cheeks. Rather than simply pulling the skin, the aim is to bring the descended tissues closer to their original positions.
Specifically,
- Move the cheek position closer to a higher position
- To balance the midface
- Adjust the overall three-dimensionality of the face
We aim for changes such as:
▶Bianca Clinic Mid-Face Lift Menu Page
A mid-facelift can address the nasolabial folds because the procedure lifts and repositions the soft tissues in the mid-face. This includes the fat pads and muscles that contribute to the formation of these lines. By elevating these structures, the sagging that causes the nasolabial folds to deepen is reduced, making them less apparent.
[Procedure] Mid-face lift (subperiosteal)
[Image Description] Left: Before treatment, Right: 1 year after treatment
[Cost] ¥880,000
Side effects/risks: Persistent symptoms such as bruising, hematoma, infection, dimpling, and peripheral facial nerve damage.
A mid-face lift does not directly address the nasolabial folds themselves. However, by lifting the cheeks, the balance of the mid-face changes, which can result in altered shadow patterns. In other words, it's a procedure that reshapes the structure to change the appearance, rather than erasing wrinkles. Therefore, it's important to understand that the degree of change and how it's perceived can vary individually.
There Is More Than One Approach to Gorgon Lines | Treatment Options and Way of Thinking
Treatment for the gorgon lines is not limited to a mid-face lift. Depending on your condition, we may also consider combining several methods.
What are the treatment methods for Gorgon lines?
The representative methods for treating the Gorgon line are as follows.
- hyaluronic acid injection
- Thread lift
- Fat injection
- mid facelift
Each utilizes a different approach such as "adding volume," "lifting," or "repositioning," and is selected based on the condition. While some cases can be treated with non-surgical methods, surgical approaches may be considered for significant structural changes.
The concept of combination treatments for a more natural finish.
If the cause of your Gorgon lines isn't singular, we may consider a combination of approaches rather than a single treatment. For example, we might realign the mid-face with a mid-face lift, and then, if necessary, add volume or use thread lifts in combination to address minor sagging.
In this way, by adjusting to multiple factors such as structure, volume, and skin condition, it may be possible to achieve a more natural finish. Depending on the condition, injections or thread lifts may also be incorporated as maintenance to preserve the results. However, suitability and how changes are perceived vary from person to person, and the optimal combination will differ depending on the condition of the face. It is important to consider methods within a reasonable range after examination.
Cases where a mid-face lift is suitable for concerns about the "gorilla lines"
When would a mid-face lift be considered?
Cases where a mid-facelift is considered
Generally, a mid-face lift may be considered in the following situations:
- If the cause of the Gorgon lines is considered to be mid-face sagging
- There are lines that cannot be addressed with hyaluronic acid injections or similar treatments.
- Your cheekbones are drooping, and the shadows are too strong.
- I'm more concerned about changes in my mid-face than my jawline.
In this way, it may be considered when changes in position are involved.
However, this procedure is not suitable for all cases. Depending on the cause, other methods may be more appropriate. Therefore, in some cases, it may be perceived as "ineffective," but this is often due to differences in suitability.
The causes of Gorgon lines vary from person to person; diagnosis during consultations is important.
The causes of gorgon lines are not singular, but rather complexly related to factors such as bone structure, fat, and skin condition. Therefore, rather than judging solely by appearance, it is important to diagnose by examining the underlying structure.
Mid-Facelift and Tear Troughs | Treatment Approaches Based on Causes
The "gorgo line" is not just a wrinkle, but a line that often arises from changes in facial structure. When the drooping of the mid-face (mid-cheek line) is particularly involved, adjusting the balance with a mid-face lift can change its appearance.
On the other hand, this procedure is not suitable for all cases. Other options such as hyaluronic acid injections or thread lifts may be more appropriate. The important thing is to choose the right method according to the cause. At Bianca Clinic, we examine the condition of your entire face and propose treatments that are right for you. If you are concerned about nasolabial folds, please feel free to consult us.
