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2026.05.26

Deep Dive into Mid-Facelift Downtime: Eliminate Your Worries and Achieve Your Ideal Self

藤橋 政尭
Supervising Physician
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Japanese Society of Plastic Surgery Masataka Fujihashi

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.

ミッドフェイスリフトのダウンタイムを徹底解説!不安を解消して理想の自分へ|銀座・表参道にあるBIANCA CLINIC ビアンカクリニック|美容外科・美容皮膚科・再生医療・美容婦人科・美容内科

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

For those concerned about sagging under the eyes, cheeks, and nasolabial folds, you may be interested in Bianca Clinic's Mid-Face Lift. If so, you're probably wondering about the downtime after the procedure! This time, we will thoroughly explain the progress of the downtime for the Mid-Face Lift, which can also address dark circles and sagging simultaneously.

What is a mid-face lift? A procedure that addresses sagging in the mid-face.

ミッドフェイスリフトの特徴を示した図

Source:Bianca Clinic Instagram

First, I will explain what Bianca Clinic's mid-face lift procedure is.

What is a mid-face lift?

The "mid-face" in a mid-facelift refers to the central part of the face. To explain in more detail, it's the area from under the eyes to the sides of the nose, also called the mid-facial region. The primary causes of sagging in the mid-face are multiple factors that arise from decreased skin elasticity due to aging, weakening of facial muscles, reduction and sagging of fatty tissues.

A mid-face lift is a procedure aimed at repositioning the mid-face tissues to address these changes. There are several surgical techniques, and one involves making incisions along the lower lash line or near the temples. This procedure lifts the drooping cheek fat, leading to a youthful and balanced appearance.

Features of BIANCA's Mid-Facelift

Bianca Clinic's mid-face lift has multiple surgical techniques, such as subperiosteal and supraperiosteal mid-face lifts, and the appropriate method is selected based on the patient's facial condition and goals. For those seeking a wide-ranging lift and long-term results, subperiosteal and supraperiosteal mid-face lift techniques tend to be used.

 

Additionally, if you are concerned about dark circles or hollowness under the eyes, it can be combined with the transconjunctival approach. With the transconjunctival approach, the orbital fat under the eyes is moved to the hollow areas, and a midface lift can be performed to lift the entire cheek, creating a unified appearance from the eyes to the midface.

 

Additionally, Bianca Clinic offers a procedure called the Dual Plane Mid-Face Lift. The Dual Plane Mid-Face Lift involves incisions in the temples and within the hairline, lifting not only the skin's surface but also the deeper structures, including the fat pads. For those who prefer not to have incisions under the lower eyelids or wish for a greater lift in the mid-face, the Dual Plane Mid-Face Lift may be recommended. Please consult with your doctor to consider this option.

Bianca Clinic Mid-Face Lift Menu Page

What is the downtime for a mid-face lift?

While you may be interested in a mid-face lift that can address multiple signs of aging at once, some people may be concerned about the downtime after the procedure due to the incisions involved. Here, we will provide a detailed explanation of the common symptoms during mid-face lift downtime and how these symptoms progress over time. Although there may be slight differences in the number of days for downtime depending on the surgical method, such as combining it with a fat graft (hamula method) or performing a subperiosteal or subfascial mid-face lift, the main recovery process is similar, so please use this as a reference.

Common symptoms of downtime from a mid-face lift

The main downtime symptoms after a mid-face lift are swelling and bruising. These symptoms generally subside around two weeks after surgery. Other downtime symptoms, such as puffiness and tightness, may take about a month to settle. While there can be individual differences, the final, complete results of the procedure can be assessed approximately two to three months after surgery.

What is the typical downtime after a mid-facelift, and what are the expected recovery milestones?

The main downtime progression for a mid-facelift is as follows:

Immediately after surgery to 3 days: Swelling and pain reach their peak. During this period, the area under the eyes will be compressed and fixed.

  • One week post-surgery: Significant swelling begins to subside.
  • Two weeks post-operation: Swelling and bruising will have mostly subsided.
  • 1 month post-operation: Swelling and tightness will subside by about 90%, approaching a natural state.
  • 3 months post-surgery: Swelling has almost completely subsided, and you can now see the final results of the procedure.
  • 3 to 12 months post-surgery: The redness of the scar will disappear, and it will become almost unnoticeable.

For desk jobs and similar work, most people can return to work in a few days to a week, and the swelling is usually limited to areas that can be concealed with a mask. While the downtime for a midface lift varies by individual, it’s advisable to plan based on the above guidelines.

If you're concerned about the downtime for a mid-face lift, it can be helpful to check actual progress with case photos. Bianca Clinic also features cases, so please take a look.

How to spend your downtime after a mid-face lift

A mid-face lift is a lifting procedure that involves incisions, so while the way symptoms appear can vary from person to person, there may be a period of downtime. However, by managing your downtime effectively, you may be able to reduce symptoms. Finally, we will offer advice on how to reduce downtime after a mid-face lift.

Post-operative daily life

After a mid-face lift, facial cleansing and makeup can be done starting the day after the procedure. However, please refrain from using eye makeup and contact lenses for one week after surgery. Additionally, for about three days after the procedure, the area under the eyes may be compressed and fixed with gauze or a band, and taping may be performed for more than a week.

Efforts to minimize downtime as much as possible

During the downtime after a mid-face lift, how you spend your time can affect how symptoms appear. Key points include icing, rest, and diet. After the procedure, swelling and bruising are common, so applying ice can help reduce swelling. Also, avoiding strenuous activity and resting after the surgery will help minimize the strain on your body.

 

In daily life, it is important to be aware that strenuous exercise can promote blood circulation, potentially leading to increased swelling and bruising. Alcohol consumption also promotes blood circulation and is therefore recommended to be avoided during the recovery period. Regarding smoking, it is necessary to refrain from smoking for at least one month before and after surgery, as it can delay wound healing and increase the risk of postoperative infection.

 

Regarding diet, immediately after surgery, avoid hard foods and try not to move your facial muscles too much. It is also recommended to limit salt intake and focus on a diet that considers swelling. Bianca Clinic offers care recommendations tailored to your post-operative recovery. If you are interested, we can also suggest traditional Japanese herbal medicine or IV drips, so please consult with your doctor.

Bianca's Mid-Face Lift Menu Page

Let's consider the mid-facelift downtime after understanding it.

A mid-facelift addresses sagging in the mid-face, aiming for a more youthful appearance. However, as it involves incisions, it is important to understand the recovery process and how to spend your downtime. While the manifestation of downtime varies from person to person, understanding the general progression and precautions beforehand can ease concerns and make it easier to consider the procedure. If you are considering a mid-facelift, please feel free to consult Bianca Clinic.

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