Midface lift through the lower eyelid
A midface lift through the lower eyelid lifts and fixes midface tissue that has descended with age, using the lower eyelid incision. The hollow and shadow from under the eye to the cheek are reduced, the lid–cheek junction shortens and the cheek regains volume. It is usually combined with lower eyelid surgery.
What is a midface lift?
The midface is the area over the cheekbone between the lower eyelid and the corner of the mouth. With age, its fat pads and soft tissue descend. The lid–cheek junction lengthens, a hollow and shadow form under the eye, and the cheek flattens.
A midface lift through the lower eyelid uses the lower blepharoplasty incision to lift the descended midface tissue and fix it higher. The lid–cheek junction shortens and the cheek regains volume without additional incisions elsewhere on the face.
How it differs from lower eyelid surgery
Lower blepharoplasty treats under-eye bags and lid skin. When the main problem is a descended cheek, removing bags alone can make the area look more hollow. A midface lift brings the cheek back up towards the lid. The two are usually done together through the same incision. See lower eyelid surgery.
Who may consider it?
- People with a marked hollow and shadow running from under the eye towards the cheek
- People whose lid–cheek junction has lengthened and whose cheek volume has descended
- Some patients whose under-eye area remained hollow after earlier lower lid surgery
Significant dry eye, a lax lower lid needing support, or advanced facial sagging require separate assessment; sometimes procedures for the whole face are more suitable.
How is the surgery done?
- Incision: just below the lashes or on the inner surface of the lower lid.
- Release: the tissue over the cheekbone is released above or below the bone's lining.
- Lift and fixation: the midface tissue is lifted upward and slightly outward and fixed to the orbital rim or deep tissue.
- Lid support: the outer corner is usually supported (canthopexy) to protect lower lid position.
Recovery
Swelling after a midface lift is more marked and lasts longer than after lower lid surgery alone. Most bruising settles in two to three weeks; cheek swelling can take several months to resolve fully. Temporary tightness and numbness in the cheek are normal.
Risks
- Prolonged swelling and temporary change in facial expression
- Downward pull or outward turning of the lower lid
- Temporary numbness of the cheek and upper lip
- Asymmetry
- Infection, bleeding
Frequently asked questions
How does it differ from filler?
Filler adds material to soften an under-eye hollow temporarily. A midface lift moves your own descended tissue back up; it lasts longer but is surgery with a longer recovery.
Will there be a scar?
The incision is in the lower lid, just below the lashes or on its inner surface. No incisions are made elsewhere on the face.
How long does swelling last?
Most bruising settles in two to three weeks; cheek swelling can take several months to resolve fully.
This page is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Anatomy and treatment plans differ from patient to patient.