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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.

 

When considering a mid-face lift, many people likely feel anxious, wondering, “Are there any downsides?” or “Will I regret it?” Since it is a surgical procedure, it is true that there are risks and precautions to be aware of. However, in reality, it’s not so much the procedure itself that causes issues—rather, it’s often the discrepancy between the patient’s suitability for the procedure and the results they expect that leads to varying levels of satisfaction.

 

In this article, we’ll outline the disadvantages and risks of a mid-face lift, while explaining the factors that often lead to regret and the reasoning behind them.

Disadvantages of a Mid-Face Lift | Common Scenarios That Lead to Regret

The disadvantages of a mid-face lift are sometimes perceived not only in terms of risks but also in terms of the postoperative recovery process and how the final results are perceived.

The downtime feels longer than I expected

Since a mid-face lift is a surgical procedure, it may result in downtime—such as swelling, bruising, and puffiness—after the surgery. These symptoms typically peak within a few days to a week and then gradually subside over the course of about a month. It may take 2 to 3 months for the results to settle into a natural appearance.

 

If you imagine that you’ll “bounce back right away,” you’re more likely to feel a disconnect between that expectation and the actual recovery process, so it’s important to understand the postoperative process in advance.

There are risks associated with surgical procedures.

Since a mid-face lift is a surgical procedure, it carries certain risks. Common risks include bruising and swelling, as well as hematomas, infections, and asymmetry. In rare cases, nerve damage may also cause discomfort or numbness.

 

While every effort is made to place scars in inconspicuous locations, they will not disappear completely. Please understand that the extent of these risks varies from person to person, so the outcome may not be the same for everyone.

The possibility that the changes may differ from what was expected

One common source of regret with a mid-face lift is the discrepancy between the expected results and the actual outcome. While a mid-face lift may alter the appearance of nasolabial folds and sagging in the mid-face, it is not a procedure designed to completely eliminate wrinkles.

 

Since this procedure naturally transforms the overall appearance of the face by adjusting the position of the cheeks and the balance of the midface, you may feel a sense of disappointment if you are expecting dramatic rejuvenation or anticipating changes identical to those shown in case studies on the internet or social media.

Reasons Why People Feel a Mid-Face Lift Is "Ineffective"

You may have come across comments saying, “Mid-face lifts don’t work.” In many of these cases, the issue isn’t the procedure itself, but rather how the procedure is chosen or a misunderstanding of what it entails.

Cases Where the Treatment Does Not Match the Cause

There is no single cause for facial changes; various factors—such as the skin, fat, and bone structure—play a role. Therefore, if the primary concerns are shallow wrinkles, a loss of volume (due to fat loss), mild sagging, or sagging along the jawline, treatments other than a mid-face lift may be more appropriate.

 

When the cause and treatment don’t align like this, it’s easy to end up feeling like, “It hasn’t changed as much as I expected…”

A mid-face lift is a "procedure to reposition the facial features."

 

A mid-face lift is a procedure that lifts the cheeks to restore balance to the mid-face. It does not physically add volume, nor does it directly address wrinkles.

 

Therefore, even if you feel that “it’s hard to tell what’s changed,” there may actually be changes in the overall impression and three-dimensional appearance of your face.

 

▶For those who would like to learn more about mid-face lift procedures and who is a good candidate for them

Discrepancies between reality and expectations lead to regret

A major factor behind the feeling that “it doesn’t work” is a discrepancy between expectations and reality. If you have the impression that wrinkles will disappear completely or that your appearance will change dramatically, you may feel a sense of dissonance when faced with the actual, natural changes.

 

A mid-face lift is, above all, a procedure designed to refine the underlying structure and adjust the overall balance of the face. Understanding this premise will help ensure your satisfaction with the results.

The Reality of How Long a Mid-Face Lift Lasts and Whether Results Fade

The duration and the possibility of relapse are also factors that can easily lead to anxiety.

Estimated Duration

Since a mid-face lift is a surgical procedure, it is expected to produce relatively long-lasting results. While the results may last for several years, the procedure does not stop the aging process itself.
Therefore, it is only natural that gradual changes will occur over time.

Why It Feels Like a "Step Back"

There are several factors that can contribute to the feeling that things have “reverted to the way they were” after surgery. A combination of natural changes due to aging, perceptual differences when comparing the current state to the pre-surgery condition, and changes in balance with other areas of the body can sometimes make it seem as though there has been more regression than actually occurred.

An Approach Based on Sustainability

Rather than viewing a mid-face lift as a one-time procedure, it’s important to consider it as part of a long-term process of change. One approach is to adjust the overall balance by combining the procedure with treatments such as dermal fillers or thread lifts as needed. Making gradual adjustments within reasonable limits will likely lead to a natural-looking result.

Determining Suitable Candidates to Avoid the Drawbacks of a Mid-Face Lift

 

The most important thing to do to avoid regrets after a mid-face lift is to determine whether it's right for you.

Cases Suitable for a Mid-Face Lift

A mid-face lift is a procedure often considered when the cheeks have sagged or when sagging in the mid-face is the primary cause. Additionally, in cases where the Gorgo lines or nasolabial folds are accentuated by structural changes, restoring balance may alter their appearance.

Cases in Which a Mid-Face Lift May Not Be Suitable

On the other hand, if your primary concern is superficial wrinkles, a lack of volume, or mild sagging, treatments other than a mid-face lift may be considered. Additionally, if you are hesitant about procedures that involve incisions, you do not have to force yourself to choose a surgical option. It is important to explore less invasive options based on your condition and preferences.

The key is to “think from a structural perspective.”

Changes in facial appearance are influenced by multiple factors, including not only the skin but also fat, muscles, and the skeletal structure. Therefore, rather than making a decision based solely on appearance, you should first identify the specific changes that are occurring before choosing a treatment. It is important to assess your condition through a medical examination and consider treatment options that are appropriate for you.

The Drawbacks of a Mid-Face Lift Vary Depending on “Suitability and Expectations”

The drawbacks of a mid-face lift aren’t limited to what are typically considered risks. With any procedure, if the patient isn’t a suitable candidate or if there is a discrepancy between the results and their expectations, satisfaction may be affected.

 

A mid-face lift is a procedure that changes the overall appearance of the face by adjusting the position of the cheeks and the balance of the mid-face. However, it does not stop the aging process itself. It is important to consider this procedure with a full understanding of these characteristics.

 

At Bianca Clinic, we examine the overall condition of your face and recommend treatments tailored to each individual. If you are considering a mid-face lift, please feel free to contact us for a consultation.

 

▶Please contact us via the online reservation form.

▶Read other blog posts by Professor Masataka Fujihashi

 

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