Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery
973 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: (585) 244-1000
Fax: (585) 271-4786
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Mid Facelift FAQ
What is a mid facelift?
The mid facelift is performed for Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo, NY patients when a more subtle improvement is needed. Although a mid facelift is similar to a facelift in that both procedures address drooping or sagging skin, wrinkles, and signs of premature aging, with a mid facelift satisfying results can be achieved through smaller incisions. Also, patients who qualify for a mid facelift generally need less muscle tightening, so there is less bruising.
The mid facelift is a state-of-the art technique that not all plastic surgeons are skilled in performing. Therefore, it is vital that your screening process includes a review of before-and-after photographs of the doctor’s endoscopic mid facelift results.
Am I a candidate for a mid facelift?
Typically the mid face (cheek area) starts to drop in the mid 30’s and becomes more apparent in our 40’s and 50’s. The best candidates for a mid facelift are people with the following concerns:
- Hollowed out eyes
- Deep smile lines
- A fallen brow
In general we recommend mid facelift procedures for three reasons:
- A mid facelift helps us address the lower eyelid better by padding the bony rim. We remove less fat and are able to remove more skin without eyelid changes.
- We can address corrugator muscles (there’s another big word! It is pronounced cor-U-gay-tor) — the muscles between the eyes that form an 11 — and make some people look like they’re angry even if they’re not. Addressing these eyebrow muscles has a tremendous benefit to softening a “hard” look that is a frequent complaint of patients.
- The eyebrows can be either raised or lowered — depending on what is indicated. Many patients are concerned that they will have a “surprised look” following a facelift or browlift. It’s important to know that with a mid facelift and/or browlift, we can maintain the brow in the same position, lift the brow or lower the brow. Brow placement is an individual characteristic that is significantly affected by the patient’s desires.
How do I know if I need a mid facelift or a facelift?
Many factors including age, genetics, previous sun exposure, tobacco abuse, skin type and skin elasticity all play a role in assessing if a mid facelift would be the right way to go. The only way to know for sure is a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Be sure your cosmetic surgeon is comfortable with the endoscopic approach to facelifts. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Where are the incisions for a mid facelift?
Since mid facelifts can be performed endoscopically, incisions measure generally about one half to one inch. These smaller incisions are placed behind the ears in the hairline so they are well camouflaged. The ear incisions have a small component that comes in front of the ear but still the incision is much less than that of a full facelift.
The Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery in Rochester is proud to serve patients from throughout Upstate NY. We are honored to be the area’s premier plastic surgery center, and give every patient our undivided attention and the quality of care they deserve. Learn more about how we support our New York patients on their surgical journeys:
As a destination practice offering world-class care, the Quatela Center attracts patients from around the globe. Our virtual consultations and support program take the effort out of travelling for surgery.