Midface lift surgery: Can you achieve results with thread lifting instead of surgery?

“I’m thinking about getting a midface lift, but it seems like it’s not a simple procedure, so I’m a little hesitant... Is thread lifting possible instead?”

Aging progresses gradually throughout the face as we get older.

Among these changes, the midface area has a very 큰 impact on a person’s overall impression.

The midface refers to the area from below the eyes to the mouth, and it is the part that determines facial volume and dimensionality.

If the elasticity in this area weakens and starts to sag downward, nasolabial folds become deeper and the area under the eyes becomes hollow.

As a result, shadows appear on the face, making you look tired and older.

Beyond simply changes in each individual’s skin condition, the face itself can appear dull and aged, so managing the midface is essential to prevent these changes.

Many people are likely considering a lift procedure because of these changes.

As a plastic surgery clinic that has performed facial lifts, thread lifting, and various anti-aging surgeries for more than 20 years, I would like to say that “choosing a lift surgery without thinking it through is not a good idea.”

First, depending on how much your midface has sagged, you may be able to expect sufficient results from the relatively simple procedure of “thread lifting.”

Below, I will explain in detail the “midface thread lifting” performed at our clinic.

In particular, if you are hesitating because of the burden of surgery, please be sure to read this.

The reason we recommend “thread lifting” over a midface lift

Of course, there is also the option of a lift surgery, but in the case of commonly performed lift procedures, there are some limitations when applied to the midface area.

Above all, because the goal is to improve sagging in the center of the face, a complex structure must be handled, and there is also a greater risk of visible scarring from incisions.

On the other hand, lifting can effectively improve midface sagging without making incisions on the face by using special medical threads.

When thread lifting is applied to midface sagging, it reduces the burden of visible scars and can naturally pull and secure the sagging area.

At the same time, the inserted threads gradually dissolve over time, and in the process they help stimulate collagen production in the skin, which also supports a fundamental improvement in skin elasticity.

Because there is no process of cutting or separating the skin, recovery is very favorable, and another major advantage is that you can return to daily life right after the procedure.

It is especially suitable even for people with thin skin or those who bruise easily.

Let me summarize why I recommend thread lifting a bit more than midface lift surgery.

First, there is almost no concern about scars.

Because the procedure lifts by inserting threads into the midface area, where surgical access is difficult, there are no externally visible incision lines.

Second, recovery is fast.

Compared with surgery, there is less worry about a long recovery period, pain, or changes in sensation, and in most cases recovery is fast enough that you can go out in 2 to 3 days.

Third, natural results can be expected.

It does not disrupt your facial expressions or movements, and it can create an impression that looks like your own face, but younger.

Fourth, it is possible to provide a customized procedure tailored to each person’s facial structure.

Because the insertion sites, types of threads, pulling direction, and strength are all planned according to the individual, you can expect a more natural result.

Of course, if the midface sagging is severe and improvement is difficult with thread lifting alone, a surgical method may be more effective.

This is because a midface lift can fundamentally lift sagging tissue by dissecting down to the SMAS layer.

However, if you feel a strong burden about surgery, are worried about scars, or need a quick recovery, thread lifting is a more realistic alternative.

Especially if you are considering lifting for the first time, experiencing a lighter and safer anti-aging effect through thread lifting can be a good choice.

※ Who can midface thread lifting be recommended for?

| ✔️People whose nasolabial folds are gradually deepening and whose cheeks are sagging downward, making them look older✔️People whose area under the eyes and around the mouth looks hollow or shadowed, and who feel they look lifeless even with makeup✔️Busy office workers or parents who have a strong burden about surgery and need to return to daily life quickly✔️People who often hear that they look more tired than before✔️People who hope for a collagen regeneration effect at the same time as improving facial sagging✔️In this way, it is a procedure suitable not only for simple cosmetic purposes, but for everyone who wants to regain confidence. |

Midface thread lifting, how is it performed?

It is the most important part of the process.

Through an individual consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, the facial anatomical structure, skin elasticity, and degree of sagging must be analyzed in detail.

During this process, the type of threads, the direction of insertion, and the lifting range are planned.

After that, a short procedure lasting about 30 minutes is performed under local anesthesia, and sedation anesthesia is also available for those sensitive to pain.

After the procedure, skin-colored paper tape is applied to the area for fixation and kept in place for about 2 to 3 days.

Because this tape is barely noticeable in appearance, it does not greatly interfere with daily life and helps reduce bruising and swelling.

Midface thread lifting tends to show results immediately, but as time passes, collagen forms around the threads, adding elasticity to the skin, and you can expect the face to become more natural and firm.

One thing to keep in mind is that “the midface cannot be properly lifted with a typical thread lifting method.”

Because the midface moves a lot and the tissue is soft, unilateral thread lifting alone provides weaker lifting force and a shorter duration of effect.

That is why our clinic performs thread lifting in a tripod form.

■ What is tripod-form thread lifting?

Tripod-form thread lifting refers to a structure in which the threads spread in three directions like a tripod and are fixed in a three-dimensional way, rather than in just one direction.

Compared with conventional thread lifting, which simply pulls the skin in one direction, it can provide a much more three-dimensional and stable lifting effect.

Because the force distributed into three branches supports the skin tissue evenly, the immediate lifting effect after the procedure is good, and facial movement remains natural.

In addition, because the fixation is strong, there is less risk of the threads moving after the procedure, and it also has the advantage of a longer lifting duration.

It is especially effective in areas where three-dimensional volume changes are important, such as the midface, deep cheek area, nasolabial folds, and double chin, and because customized treatment based on facial contours is possible, more delicate results can be expected.

Ultimately, what matters most in anti-aging for the midface area is finding “the method that is right for me.”

Of course, there may be people for whom thread lifting alone is not enough because the sagging is very severe.

First, please check whether the degree of skin sagging you currently have can be improved with thread lifting.

At our clinic, we provide thorough individual consultations in advance to determine the most suitable solution and explain it in detail.

If you have been considering a lift or thread lifting because of midface sagging, please visit us for a consultation.

Thank you.

| This post was written for informational purposes in compliance with Article 56, Paragraphs 1 to 15 of the Medical Service Act. All treatments carry a risk of side effects and complications depending on the individual. Before treatment, be sure to have a thorough consultation with experienced medical staff before making a decision. |