Mid-Face Lift London

What Is a Mid-Face Lift?

A mid-face lift focuses specifically on the area between the lower eyelids and the upper lip. This central facial region is often one of the first areas to show signs of ageing, particularly through loss of cheek volume and tissue descent.

During the procedure, I release the zygomatic cutaneous ligament, the structure that tethers the cheek tissues to the underlying bone. By releasing this ligament, I can lift the entire mid-face complex and secure it in a higher, more youthful position. The result is restored volume to the cheeks, a smoother transition between the lower eyelid and cheek, and softened nasolabial folds.

The aim is always to enhance the mid-face without altering your natural facial expressions. I want you to look like yourself, just more rested and refreshed.

Correcting the Tear Trough

One of the most common concerns my patients have is the hollowing beneath the eyes, what we call the tear trough. Often we discuss hyaluronic acid fillers as an option, but surgically we have so many more possibilities that are available, and I think even more powerful and more natural.

During a mid-face lift, I can transpose the preorbital fat, the fat that creates the eye bags, and move it inferiorly to fill the tear trough permanently. This acts as a natural filler that will never need topping up. When combined with lifting of the mid-face, we create an even softer and more complete correction.

Surgery certainly is more invasive and requires a longer recovery time, but it gives options that are more versatile and lasting much longer than any injectable treatment.

Why Consider a Mid-Face Lift?

A mid-face lift is well suited to patients who notice sagging or flattening of the cheeks, a tired or hollow appearance beneath the eyes, or increasingly pronounced nasolabial folds.

Unlike a complete facelift, which primarily targets the lower face, jawline and neck, a mid-face lift is focused solely on the central facial area. This targeted approach allows for rejuvenation of the cheeks and under-eye region without addressing areas that may not yet require surgical attention.

I find this procedure particularly effective for patients who have good skin quality but have lost volume and support in the mid-face, the kind of patient who looks tired even when they feel perfectly well rested.

How I Perform Mid-Face Lift Surgery

I perform mid-face lifts through an incision beneath the lower eyelid, similar to the approach used for lower blepharoplasty. This gives me direct access to the deeper structures while keeping the resulting scar well concealed.

Through this incision, I work layer by layer through skin, orbicularis muscle, and then into the deeper fat compartments. There is the preorbital fat which creates the eye bags, then the suborbicularis oculi fat (SOOF) which sits beneath the muscle. I identify the origin of the zygomaticus major, the muscle that makes you smile, as this is an important anatomical landmark.

I then release the zygomatic cutaneous ligament, which is the structure we address in deep plane facelift techniques. This allows me to lift the entire mid-face as a unit and secure it to the lateral aspect of the orbital rim.

When closing, I ensure the skin edges are just “kissing”, meaning there is no tension on the wound. This is one of the key elements in achieving a scar that will fade and become almost invisible over time. If I remove just enough skin and close without any tension, the healing is optimal.

The procedure typically takes between two and three hours, depending on whether I am combining it with other treatments such as a lateral temporal brow lift or lower blepharoplasty. Very often patients requiring midface lift also need some volume augmentation which i prefer to complete by fat grafting. This additional procedure can be performed at the same time or done in a second stage.

Benefits of a Mid-Face Lift

A mid-face lift restores volume and contour to the cheek area in a way that fillers simply cannot replicate. By lifting the actual tissues rather than adding volume beneath them, we achieve a result that looks entirely natural, because it is.

The procedure improves the transition between the lower eyelids and mid-face, greately improves or eliminates the tear trough, can reduce nasolabial folds, and addresses that hollowed or tired appearance that so many patients find frustrating.

Because the surgery focuses on a specific area of the face, it is generally less extensive than a complete facelift, with a recovery period that is more manageable for most patients.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate?

Suitable candidates for a mid-face lift are typically patients who have noticeable descent of the cheek tissues, loss of mid-face volume, or a tired appearance beneath the eyes. It may also be appropriate for those who are beginning to see deeper facial folds but do not yet require a full face or neck lift.

During your consultation, I will assess your facial structure, skin quality, overall health, and personal goals to determine whether a mid-face lift is the most appropriate option. I will also discuss whether combining it with other procedures, such as lower blepharoplasty or a lateral temporal brow lift, might give you a more complete result.

I believe in being straight to the point about what is achievable and what is not. Perfect symmetry does not exist, but we can certainly achieve significant improvement that my patients are consistently happy with.

Recovery After a Mid-Face Lift

Following mid-face lift surgery, swelling and bruising are expected and typically peak within the first few days, then gradually subside over one to two weeks. The swelling keeps going down over a period of about six months, so what you see at two weeks is not your final result. You will see the volume continue to settle and refine.

Most patients can resume light daily activities within one to two weeks. I had recently one patient tell me at her six-week follow-up that she was feeling fantastic, that the recovery had been very quick and smooth and without any problems. This is typical of what I see.

I may apply small dressings or supportive garment and tape in the early stages. When you go to have your hair done, I suggest applying a fine tape over the incision sites, just to protect them during the process.

Gentle lymphatic drainage massage, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and arnica tablets can help if you feel it benefits you. I will give you specific guidance based on how your healing progresses at each follow-up appointment.

Why Patients Choose Me

I have been performing facial surgery in Harley Street for many years, and mid-face lifting is one of the procedures I find most rewarding because the results are so transformative yet so natural.

My philosophy centres on achieving outcomes that respect your individual facial anatomy and expression. I want my patients to look refreshed, not operated on. Every patient who comes to see me receives a personalised treatment plan because no two faces are the same.

Patients tell me they choose me because I explain all the details of what we will do, because I make them feel at ease, and because I am straight to the point about what to expect. I do not promise perfection. I promise that I will do everything possible to achieve the best result for your specific anatomy.

I am always happy to show you my results, which of course I am very proud of.

What My Patients Say

“From my very first consultation, the entire experience was handled with exceptional professionalism and care. Dr Cotrufo took the time to explain every detail of the procedure, answered all my questions with patience, and made me feel completely at ease.” – Bianca D.

“One of the best people I have ever met in my life. Warm, respectful, genius, incredibly talented and precise. I have had two surgeries with Dr Cotrufo, and I always recommend him to my friends and family. He is not just a good doctor, he is exceptional.” – Francesca A.

“I knew the moment I met Dr Cotrufo that he would be my surgeon. He was honest and upfront with results, gave options and answered all my questions with great detail and care.” – Sarah M.

“From my initial consultation, Dr Cotrufo’s kind manner and thorough explanations instantly put me at ease. Throughout the whole process he has been extremely caring and professional. His continued support even after my procedure has been outstanding.” – E.H. Fisk

“The most gentle and kindest surgeon I have met. He was nothing but lovely to me and made me feel very safe. I am very happy with my results and would highly recommend him.” – Arenna B.

“Dr Cotrufo is very attentive, explains every detail before and during the procedure, with great attention. The procedure had an immediate result, but days later it got even better, exceeded my expectations and helped a lot in my self-esteem.” – Leticia M.

Mid-Face Lift Patient Journey

Frequently Asked Questions

Still Have Questions About Getting a Mid-Face lift in London?

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