Midface Lift
Midface Lift
Rejuvenate the cheeks and midface with a targeted MACS lift.
A MACS lift primarily rejuvenates the midface by lifting descended cheek tissues and restoring a more youthful facial contour. It may also provide some improvement along the jawline, making it an option for patients whose signs of aging are concentrated primarily in the cheeks and midface.
"I’m super pleased with the results as they are exactly what he promised they would be."
What Is a Midface Lift?
A midface lift primarily rejuvenates the cheeks and central face by lifting and repositioning tissues that have descended with age. Dr. Athré performs this procedure using the MACS (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension) technique, which uses a predominantly vertical lifting direction to restore a more youthful midface contour.
Although the greatest improvement occurs in the midface, the procedure may also provide some improvement along the jawline. However, its effect on the jawline is less significant, and a midface lift cannot substantially correct neck laxity or address aging of the brow.
For patients with significant jawline or neck laxity or more advanced facial aging, a deep-plane facelift or another facelift technique may provide more comprehensive rejuvenation. Dr. Athré evaluates the location and degree of facial aging, tissue characteristics, and each patient's goals to determine the most appropriate approach.
About Midface Lift
Midface Anatomy and the MACS Technique
Dr. Athré performs the midface lift using the MACS technique to primarily lift and reposition descended tissues of the cheeks and midface. The lifted tissues are secured to the periosteum of the zygomatic bone, providing a stable point of fixation.
The zygoma, commonly known as the cheekbone, is covered by a strong connective tissue layer called the periosteum. Because the periosteum is firmly attached to the underlying bone, it provides a stable anchoring point for the lifted midface tissues. During the procedure, these tissues are suspended primarily in a vertical direction to restore a more youthful position and contour.
The midface extends from the lower eyelids across the cheeks toward the sides of the face. This area includes the cheek tissues that contribute much of the shape and contour of the central face.
In a youthful midface, cheek volume is typically concentrated higher over the zygoma, or cheekbone. With age, the tissues and volume of the midface can descend and redistribute, reducing upper-cheek fullness and definition.
As midface tissues descend and facial volume changes, the cheeks may appear flatter or heavier lower on the face. For patients whose aging is concentrated primarily in the cheeks and midface, a midface lift may help reposition descended tissues and restore upper-cheek contour.
How Is a Midface Lift Performed?
A midface lift uses relatively short incisions around the ear to access and vertically reposition the deeper supporting tissues of the cheeks. Dr. Athré performs the procedure using the MACS technique, with most procedures performed under local anesthesia.
General anesthesia is also available for patients who prefer it or who experience significant anxiety about the procedure.
Once anesthesia has been administered, small incisions are made in the sideburn area and along the natural crease between the ear and the face. The incision continues behind the tragus—the small cartilage projection at the front of the ear—and extends to the earlobe and approximately 1 cm behind the ear. This post-tragal placement helps conceal the resulting scar within the natural contours of the ear rather than directly in front of it.
Through these incisions, a limited skin flap is elevated. The dissection is performed in a plane between the skin and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), a supportive tissue layer beneath the skin. Sutures are then used to lift and secure the SMAS layer to the periosteum of the zygomatic bone. The skin is redraped, excess skin is carefully removed, and the incisions are closed.
Because the MACS technique uses relatively limited dissection, patients may experience less swelling and bruising and a shorter recovery than with more extensive facelift surgery. Many of Dr. Athré's patients resume light daily activities within 24 hours and return to work with minimal makeup after approximately seven days, although individual recovery varies.
Treatment Results
Results of a Midface Lift
What Results Can I Expect From a Midface Lift?
A midface lift is designed to restore tissues that have descended with age to a higher, more youthful position. Because the procedure primarily targets the cheeks and midface, patients can typically expect improvements such as:
- Higher, fuller cheek contours as descended cheek tissues are lifted and repositioned
- Softening of the nasolabial folds that extend from the sides of the nose toward the corners of the mouth
- Possible mild improvement in downturned corners of the mouth
- Some improvement along the jawline, although this is typically less significant than the improvement in the midface
A midface lift does not stop the natural aging process, and the degree of improvement varies with each patient's anatomy and extent of facial aging. Patients seeking significant correction of the jawline or neck may be better candidates for a deep-plane facelift or another procedure designed to address those areas.
Ideal Candidates for a Midface Lift
Good candidates for a MACS midface lift typically:
Dr. Athré evaluates facial anatomy, tissue characteristics, the extent of aging, overall health, and treatment goals to determine which facelift approach is most appropriate.
Patient Review
"From consultation to post Op, Dr. Athré and the entire process has been great, including my results. I was incredibly nervous but Dr. Athré made me feel comfortable and I felt like he genuinely had my best interests in mind. He thoroughly explained what to expect, answered all my questions, and reassured me that I had nothing to fear. I’m super pleased with the results as they are exactly what he promised they would be."
