Paying Attention to the Signs of Aging Addressed by a Midface Lift

The image each person seeks

may differ slightly depending on personal preference,

but the desire to look even a little younger

than one’s actual age

and to appear radiant

is shared by people of all ages and genders.

Therefore, when aging progresses

faster than is typical for one’s age group,

it is only natural for the concern

to become more serious.

Even if you put considerable effort

into caring for your appearance,

aging cannot be stopped entirely.

In some cases, it may progress relatively slowly,

but because the extent and causes

of sagging skin differ,

the symptoms should be addressed

according to their causes.

Compared with other ethnic groups,

East Asians tend to experience sagging

in the midface area particularly early,

with noticeable sagging of the deep cheek area

as well as hollowing and sagging of the front cheeks.

In such cases,

these concerns can be corrected

with a midface lift.

A midface lift is a method that improves

symptoms in which the skin has lost elasticity

and sagged downward from within,

particularly in the area beneath the eyes—

in other words, where the front cheeks

and nasolabial folds are located.

As people grow older,

tissues throughout the body gradually weaken.

The skin not only loses elasticity,

but the muscles, fascia, and fat

also descend downward.

As a result, the volume of the front cheeks,

which naturally gives the face

a lively, youthful appearance,

gradually disappears.

Conversely, the nasolabial folds become deeper,

making the person look older.

A midface lift does not simply pull up

loose skin.

Instead, it focuses on the aging changes

that make the face appear sagging overall,

carefully considers all the internal tissues,

returns them to their original positions,

and secures them firmly so that the lifting result

can be maintained without significant change

for a longer period.

When this approach is used,

sagging beneath the cheekbones can improve,

changing the overall facial impression

into a more lively one.

The three-dimensional definition that had disappeared

can return, and the midface can become

noticeably firmer.

When the skin sags, the cheek fat also descends,

making the nasolabial folds deeper.

A lifting procedure helps return these tissues

firmly to their proper positions,

which can soften the shadows of the nasolabial folds

and make a previously dull facial impression

appear brighter.

In addition to the outer skin,

the SMAS layer, loosened muscles, and fat

are also returned to their proper positions.

This helps avoid unnatural areas

when making facial expressions

during everyday activities.

When the central area of the face loses support,

the connected corners of the mouth also sag,

making them appear as though they are forming

a frown.

As the front cheeks are improved and lifted,

the corners of the mouth can also rise

to their proper positions,

changing a previously gloomy impression

into a more positive one.

Unlike thread lifting,

which involves relatively simple fixation,

when there is an excessive amount of orbital fat,

it may be dissected as needed.

The tissues are analyzed layer by layer,

and a comprehensive plan is developed

to help the face settle into an improved appearance.

This can allow the results to last longer

while also correcting the areas of concern.

Before deciding on a midface lift,

it is especially important to first determine

whether it is appropriate for you.

If the front cheeks are excessively hollow

and you are often told that you look tired,

or if attempts to fill the contours

with implants or similar methods

for prominent nasolabial folds

have produced an unnatural result

or only temporary improvement,

a lifting procedure may be beneficial.

When sagging and hollowing occur at the same time,

fat grafting may be needed in small areas.

If excessive fat has accumulated beneath the eyes,

making dark circles appear darker and more defined,

a plan may include lower blepharoplasty

to reposition the fat beneath the eyes

while also addressing an aged appearance.

Because aging does not occur in only one area,

if it is progressing faster than in other people,

there is also a possibility that the signs of aging

beneath the eyes are relatively advanced.

If skin elasticity has declined significantly

as you enter middle age,

unnecessary skin may need to be removed,

and loosened septa may need to be reinforced

to improve problems caused by orbital fat

protruding or shifting outward.

In general, when sagging develops in the midface,

weakening of the tissues beneath the eyes

also occurs at the same time,

including bulging fat.

Therefore, a plan that addresses both areas together

is commonly used.

The procedures commonly performed

alongside a midface lift

include lower-eyelid fat repositioning

and lower blepharoplasty.

Both methods involve making a precise incision

in the inner conjunctiva of the eye

or close to the lower eyelashes,

then pulling the loose tissues upward,

securing them firmly, and suturing them

to correct the problem.

Only unnecessary fat is removed as appropriate,

while areas that have become excessively hollow

and require additional volume

are addressed through repositioning.

This approach addresses the factors

that contribute to an aged appearance.

Sagging in the middle of the face

is closely connected with aging beneath the eyes.

Addressing both areas together

can produce a more natural result

that is closer to a youthful appearance.

Even among younger adults,

if aging has already progressed considerably,

it is important to determine in detail,

based on preliminary examinations,

whether the procedure is necessary

and to discuss the matter with the surgeon.

For middle-aged individuals,

sagging may occur in various areas of the face,

so it is important to find a clinic

that can address the concerns comprehensively.

The septa, muscles in various areas of the face,

orbital fat, and tissue tension

will inevitably differ according to each person’s

progression and characteristics.

Therefore, it is important to carefully determine

whether the clinic closely considers and plans

which areas require dissection

and whether repositioning is needed

before proceeding.

You should also check in advance

whether aftercare programs are available

and whether prompt action can be taken

if an unexpected situation arises.

If you undergo a midface lift,

care afterward is also important.

Based on the instructions you receive,

follow the precautions carefully

so that you can recover properly.

Initial swelling generally subsides

to some extent after about three to five days.

Be sure to follow the recommended timing

for cold and warm compresses,

and take care not to unconsciously scratch

or rub the incision area.

The time required for scars to heal

and the extent of any marks

may vary depending on how well

they are cared for afterward.

It is advisable to receive systematic care

at a clinic that provides an aftercare program.

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