What is a Midface Suspension or Midface Lift?
The area between your lower eyelids and your mouth is considered the
midface. As you age, the effects of gravity, repeated muscle
contraction, and lifestyle cause the skin, fat, and muscle in this
region to move downwards. When this occurs, the cheeks begin to look
saggy or flat, lower eyelids can become puffy or hollow, circles
begin to appear under the eyes, and the lines Before between the
nose and the corner of the mouth deepen.
Midface suspension, also called a midface lift, restores the natural
curves and fullness in the cheeks by moving soft tissues back to
where they were earlier. This is achieved by elevating the soft
midface tissue from the bone, repositioning it upward towards the
eyes, and fixating it in place until it readheres naturally to the
bone. This restores cheek volume and establishes more youthful
midface contours. The result will be a natural, revitalized
appearance that doesn’t appear overdone or "pulled."
When performed skillfully, a midface lift will deliver a natural but
noticeable improvement. It is frequently performed with other
surgeries, such as a lower face lift, eyelid surgery, or a browlift.
However, for many younger patients, under 45 years old, midface
suspension is often a standalone procedure.
How is a
Midface Suspension Performed?
During a midface suspension procedure, the surgeon makes small
incisions in the area above the ear, and in some cases, through the
underside of the upper lip. A small endoscope and other instruments
are introduced through the incisions to lift the delicate midface
tissues off the cheekbones. Once lifted, these tissues are
repositioned upward (toward the eye) and to the side (toward the
ear).
Midface suspension surgery is often performed in officebased
surgical suites, and can be done with general anesthesia or with
local anesthesia and sedation. Patients typically return home on the
same day. Surgical dressings, if used, are removed soon after
surgery, and any tissue swelling related to the procedure gradually
diminishes.
Am I a
Midface Suspension Candidate?
If your cheeks are sagging or have flattened over the years, if your
lower eyelids are puffy with dark circles or have "hollowed out," or
if your smile lines have deepened, you’re probably a good candidate
for a midface suspension. Of course the best way to determine if a
midface suspension is right for you is by a thorough consultation
with your surgeon.
A new approach for midface suspension allows the surgeon to quickly
lift and secure tissue at a new, more youthful position by using an
implant called the ENDOTINE Midface device. This innovative device
offers your surgeon a predictable alternative for cheek suspension,
enabling shortened surgical times and improved aesthetic outcomes.
The ENDOTINE
Midface Solution
The ENDOTINE Midface Lift is a new approach to midface suspension
that gives your surgeon the ability to easily restore sagging cheek
volume to its natural position.
 This new approach features the ENDOTINE Midface device, which has
five small tissue holders, or tines, to grasp the cheek tissue
gently but securely and elevate it (and all overlying cheek tissue
layers) to a new position. In this way, it can reduce the skin
irregularities and dimpling that commonly occur when sutures are
used.The tines also distribute the tissue forces evenly, minimizing
the chance of surgical failure and possible injury caused by
sutures.
It typically takes 30 to 60 days for the tissue to reattach to the
bone. Once implanted, the device gradually absorbs until it is
completely gone. This is an improvement over nonabsorbable sutures,
which remain permanently implanted long after they are no longer
needed for fixation.
An experienced surgeon can place the ENDOTINE Midface device in five
minutes or less. This can shorten the length of the procedure by up
to 30 to 40 minutes and possibly reduce the swelling associated with
more prolonged techniques.
The tips of the tines are rounded to create a gentle grasping
surface for the cheek tissue and reduce the chance of discomfort.
While patients may feel the tines when they push down on the cheek,
there is very little tenderness. Perhaps most importantly, patients
report a very high level of satisfaction with their results.
What Can I
Expect After Surgery?
 Immediately after surgery, you will experience some temporary
swelling and bruising in your midface region, which may take several
weeks to completely resolve. The first night, it’s important to rest
with your head elevated to decrease swelling and bruising. You can
use a cold compress for comfort and to help control swelling.
Additionally, pain medication may be prescribed for post - operative
pain.
You can usually take a shower within a few days and most patients
are ready to return to work in about two weeks. At this point, you
may feel the ENDOTINE Midface device under the cheek, but it is not
likely to be visible. It will become less palpable as it begins to
absorb in the months following surgery.
Possible Risks Associated with the ENDOTINE Midface Lift
Although the ENDOTINE Midface device is designed for midface
suspension surgery, it’s important to understand that there are
potential risks inherent in this (and all) midface suspension
procedure(s). For example, you may experience some initial
discomfort, regardless of the method used, and you may be able to
feel the ENDOTINE Midface device under the cheek skin, which may be
sensitive to touch. The ENDOTINE Midface device is designed to
minimize the risk of injury to bodily structures in the surgical
area, although they are at risk with any technique. Should problems
specifically associated with the ENDOTINE Midface device occur, you
and your surgeon may decide to remove it rather than wait for it to
dissolve. |
