What is Involved in a Mid facelift ?

Dr Michael Kernohan MBBS, MSc, BDS, MRCS, FDSRCS, FRCS(Plast), FRACS (Plast

Mid Facelift Surgery Sydney with Dr Kernohan

A mid facelift is a surgical procedure designed to alter the central portion of the face. It primarily targets the area below the eyes and around the cheeks, addressing excess skin, deep creases, and a loss of volume that can occur with age. By repositioning and tightening the soft tissues, a mid-facelift aims to restore a more lifted appearance to the face.

Dr Michael Kernohan is a specialist plastic surgeon in Southwest Sydney. Find out more about what an mid facelift procedure involves, the range of recovery time, the benefits and risks of surgery.

Are You Ready for Surgery? Find Out

Benefits of a Mid Facelift Surgery

Opting for a mid-facelift may offer some advantages. Unlike a full facelift, a mid-facelift focuses on a specific region, resulting in a less invasive approach with potentially shorter recovery times.

  • Restoration of Facial Volume: One of the most noticeable signs of ageing in the midface is the loss of volume, leading to a hollow or sunken appearance. A mid facelift effectively addresses this issue by repositioning and sometimes augmenting the fat and connective tissues.
  • Reduction of Nasolabial Folds: Deepening nasolabial folds, commonly known as smile or laugh lines, are another common concern that can be mitigated through a mid facelift. By lifting the ptotic skin and underlying tissues, the procedure softens these folds, resulting in a smoother facial contour. This subtle yet impactful adjustment can make a considerable difference.
  • Lower Eyelid Adjustment: Ageing can also affect the lower eyelids, causing them to appear puffy or lax. A mid facelift may help in tightening the skin around the lower eyelids, reducing the appearance of puffiness and eliminating the appearance of bags under the eyes. This not only addresses signs of ageing in the eye area but also may contributes to a more alert and open look.
  • Changed Facial Contours: The gravitational effects of ageing lead to a downward shift in facial tissues, which can obscure the natural contours of the face. A mid facelift repositions these tissues to their original location, aiming to restore the definition of the cheekbones. For concerns related to sagging around the jawline or jowls, learn more about what is involved in a lower facelift (jowl lift).
  • Less Invasive with Shorter Recovery: Compared to a full facelift, a mid facelift is often less invasive, focusing on a specific area of the face. This can result in shorter surgical times, less extensive incisions, and consequently, a potentially shorter and more comfortable recovery process. For many patients, this means a reduced period away from work and social activities, making it a more convenient option for those seeking to optimise their facial appearance with less downtime.
  • Long-Lasting Results: While non-surgical treatments like fillers and neuromodulator injections offer temporary solutions to signs of ageing, a mid facelift provides more durable results. The changes achieved with this surgery can last over time with care and weight management.

Is a Mid Facelift Right for Me?

This procedure is particularly suited for people who have:

  • Moderate Laxity and Volume Loss in the Midface: The prime candidates for a mid facelift are those noticing a decrease in the volume of their cheeks or a laxity of the midface area. This typically manifests as flattened cheeks or a hanging appearance that affects the natural contours of the face.
  • Good Skin Elasticity: Patients who maintain a reasonable degree of skin flexibility may find their skin responds more favourably to surgical repositioning. This natural resilience can assist the skin in settling around the adjusted tissues over time.
  • Healthy Individuals with Realistic Expectations: Good candidates are generally healthy, without any medical conditions that might impair healing or increase surgical risks. They should also be non-smokers or willing to quit smoking well in advance of the surgery and throughout the recovery process, as smoking can severely impact the healing process. Moreover, having realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery is crucial. A thorough consultation with Dr Kernohan can help set achievable goals and ensure that the patient has a clear understanding of what the procedure can and cannot accomplish.
  • Seeking Improvement Not Perfection: It’s important for candidates to seek improvement rather than perfection. A mid facelift can alter the midface area, but it is essential to have a healthy perspective on the results.
  • Psychological Readiness: Undergoing cosmetic surgery is a significant decision that requires psychological readiness. Mental preparedness for the changes to one’s appearance and the recovery process is key to a satisfactory outcome.
  • Age Considerations: While there is no perfect age for a mid facelift, candidates typically range from their late 30s to their 60s. The procedure is tailored to address ageing signs that are too advanced for non-surgical treatments yet not severe enough to necessitate a full facelift. The timing of the surgery is more about the specific concerns and conditions of the skin rather than your chronological age.

Download Dr Kernohan’s Facelift Surgery Guide

Guide Facelift Surgery
Guide Facelift Surgery
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Before Your Mid Facelift

Before undergoing a mid facelift surgery, thorough preparation is essential to ensure an uneventful procedure and optimal recovery. Here is a list of steps to follow before your surgery:

Watch Dr Kernohan Explains the Time to Consider a Facelift - YouTube Shorts
Watch Dr Kernohan Explains the Time to Consider a Facelift – YouTube Shorts

➔ Initial Consultation

  • Discuss your aesthetic goals and concerns with Dr Kernohan
  • Undergo a detailed facial examination
  • Review before-and-after photos of previous patients to set realistic expectations
  • Discuss the details of the mid facelift procedure, including the technique, recovery, risks, and outcomes

➔ Medical Evaluation

  • Complete any requested lab tests or medical evaluations to assess your suitability for surgery
  • Inform Dr Kernohan of any current medications, supplements, and underlying health conditions

➔ Lifestyle Adjustments

  • If you smoke, plan to quit at least six weeks before the surgery to promote better healing
  • Avoid alcohol consumption for at least a week before your surgery
  • Maintain a healthy, balanced diet to support your body’s healing process

➔ Prepare Your Home for Recovery

  • Stock up on easy-to-prepare meals and healthy snacks
  • Arrange a comfortable recovery area with pillows to keep your head elevated
  • Ensure you have ice packs, clean towels, and any prescribed medications readily available

➔ The Night Before Surgery

  • Follow any specific instructions provided by Dr Kernohan, such as not eating or drinking after midnight
  • Prepare a bag with essentials you might need for the day of surgery (e.g., ID, medical paperwork, comfortable loose clothing, charging cord for your phone)

➔ Day of Surgery

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not need to be pulled over your head
  • Avoid wearing makeup, jewellery, or contact lenses to the surgery
  • Arrive on time and with your designated driver or companion

The Mid Facelift Procedure

This detailed surgery aims to address lax, excess skin, reduce the appearance of deep creases, and restore volume to the cheeks. Below, the steps and techniques involved in the mid facelift procedure are expanded upon to provide an overview:

  • Anaesthesia: To ensure comfort and pain-free experience during the operation, patients are typically administered general anaesthesia or intravenous sedation. The choice of anaesthesia will be decided based on your health, your preferences, and the surgeon’s recommendation.
  • Making the Incisions: Strategic incisions are made, usually above the hairline at the temples and possibly inside the mouth or in the lower eyelash line, to access the midface area without leaving obvious scars. These incisions allow Dr Kernohan to manipulate the deeper layers of the face with precision.
  • Repositioning and Tightening: Through the incisions, Dr Kernohan repositions the fat pads and tightens the underlying muscle and connective tissue with the aim of restoring a lifted appearance to the cheeks and midface area. Excess skin may be removed, and the remaining skin is re-draped over the newly modified facial contours, with the aim of facilitating a smooth, natural appearance.
  • Securing the Changes: Sutures or skin adhesives are used to close the incisions. In some cases, temporary drainage tubes may be placed to remove excess fluid and reduce swelling. Dr Kernohan may employ specialised techniques to secure the lifted tissues in place, supporting the longevity of the results.

Recovery after Mid Facelift

Recovery from a mid facelift involves a period of downtime and careful aftercare. Swelling and bruising are common in the first few weeks, and Dr Kernohan will provide specific guidelines to help manage these symptoms. You can resume normal activities within two weeks, although strenuous exercise should be avoided for a longer period. Following Dr Kernohan’s advice closely during this time is essential for an optimal recovery and achieving the desired results.

Risks of Mid Facelift Procedure

As with any surgical procedure, a mid facelift comes with inherent risks, though complications are rare. These may include infection, haematoma, nerve damage, or asymmetry. Choosing a highly experienced surgeon and following all pre- and post-operative instructions can help to significantly manage these risks.

How Much is a Mid Facelift in Sydney?

The cost of a mid facelift in Sydney can vary widely based on the surgeon’s expertise, the complexity of the procedure, and the type of anaesthesia used. Generally, prices can range from AUD 14,000 to AUD 21,000. It’s important to note that this price range may not cover hospital fees, anaesthesia, and aftercare.

How Do I Find the Right Mid Facelift Surgeon in Sydney?

Finding the right surgeon for a mid facelift in Sydney requires thorough research. Start by looking for a surgeon who is certified in plastic surgery and has extensive experience in facial procedures. Reviews and before-and-after galleries can provide insight into a surgeon’s skill and aesthetic style. Additionally, scheduling consultations with several surgeons can help you assess who you feel most comfortable with and who fully understands your aesthetic goals.

FAQs about Mid Facelift Surgery

FAQs

Further Reading about Facelift with Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Michael Kernohan

Medical References about Mid Facelift