What is an endoscopic midface lift?

 

An endoscopic midface lift is a surgical procedure performed to improve the effects of aging on the middle one third of the face (the area between the eyes and the lips), restore the cheek volume, improve the nasalabial folds, and smoothen the lower lid to cheek junction.

 

 

 

How is an endoscopic midface lift surgery performed?

 

Endoscopic midface lift is performed under general anesthesia. An incision is placed in the hair bearing portion of the temple region. Then a flap is formed and extended along the malar bones under direct vision from an endoscope. The flap consisting skin, muscle, and periosteum is completely released, pulled in a vector opposite to the gravity, and anchored with sutures. Then the skin incisions are sutured. The removal of excess lower lid skin through an incision placed just below the eyelashes is often needed as a part of the procedure. The same operation is applied to the other side of the face.

 

 

 

What can I expect after surgery?

 

There would be mild to moderate moderate swelling and the ecchymosis of the skin. Cold compresses are frequently applied for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling and ecchymosis. The degree of swelling and ecchymosis differs markedly from patient to patient. Most swelling subsides after 10-15 days and ecchymosis will barely be visible after 3-5 days. In some patients, complete healing may take 3-4 months due to prolonged edema, but the major part of this process is most often completed 2-3 weeks after surgery. Ice packs to prevent or alleviate swelling and bruising are used for 1-2 days.

 

 

 

Will I have a bandage or a drain after surgery?

 

There will be a bandage after surgery wrapped around the head to apply pressure over the forehead and to minimize the risk of a blood collection under the skin (hematoma). The bandage will be removed a day after the surgery. You will use an elastic bandage for the next few days. The drains placed behind the ear to prevent blood from collecting under the skin will be removed a day after the surgery as well. Removal of the both bandage and the drains are pain-free.

 

 

 

Will I need my sutures to be removed?

 

The sutures (or staples) are removed 7-8 days after the surgery.

 

 

 

Will I be in pain after the surgery?

 

After surgery pain is mild to moderate and is usually well managed with pain medications. You may need to take pain pills for few days after the surgery.

 

 

 

Will I have any visible scars?

 

Since temporal incision is placed in hair bearing area, there will be no any visible scar after endoscopic midface lift operation. The incision to remove excess skin on lower lid is is very well hidden just below the eyelashes, and often not visible after complete healing.

 

 

 

How long will I be off from work?

 

Generally speaking you may start working 10-15 days after surgery. However, the prolonged edema of some cases may take few months to completely disappear.

 

 

 

Can I wear make-up after surgery?

 

You can start wearing make-up 4-5 day after the surgery.

 

 

 

How long can I expect the outcome of surgery to last?

 

It is not possible to stop the effects of aging and after surgery this process continues. In time your face will age and the effects of surgery will decrease. The aging process is extremely variable among people so it is impossible to tell how long the effects of endoscopic midface lift will last, but it is generally expected that the results of surgery last approximately 10-15 years.