Op. Dr. Bora Yücel
klinikest@gmail.com +90 (545) 191 49 19
- July 18, 2025
- 4 min read
- Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Bora Yücel
What is mid-facelift surgery?
Mid-face lift is an aesthetic procedure performed to lift the sagging cheeks and move the under-eye and cheekbones to a younger position. With this method, the middle part of the face is lifted upwards, thus providing a more vigorous expression and alleviating deepening lines. It is generally preferred to restore the facial volume lost with aging and to make the facial contours look more balanced.
Who can undergo mid-facelift surgery?
The most ideal candidates for mid-face rejuvenation are people who have started to lose fullness in their cheeks, have slight collapses under their eyes, and have deepening lines extending from the edge of the nose to the corner of the mouth. In other words, if the facial expression starts to look more tired or sad than before, this operation can be applied.
It is an important advantage that the bone structure is strong and the cheekbones are prominent. Because with a strong bone support, the results are more natural and the person looks younger. If a slight elasticity is preserved in the skin structure, that is, if it recovers immediately when slightly pulled, there is a very suitable ground for mid-face rejuvenation.
Contact your plastic surgeon to find out if you are a suitable candidate for mid-face rejuvenation.
How are mid-facelift procedures performed?
- Preliminary interview and evaluation: In the first meeting, the doctor listens to the health history of the person, learns the medications used and notes any allergies. Expectations and targeted appearance are discussed in detail. At the same time, the facial structure is carefully examined.
- Photographing: Before the operation, photographs of the face are taken from various angles. These photographs are important for comparing the results.
- Marking: On the day of the operation, the surgeon marks the areas to be worked on the face and incision areas with special pens. Which areas will be intervened and where the lifting will be performed are carried out by using these markings.
- Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia with sedation support is usually performed. In some cases, general anaesthesia is preferred. Which method will be used may vary according to the condition of the case and the patient's preference.
- Making incisions: Very small incisions are made in the scalp and under the eyes.
- Lifting the tissues: The underlying soft tissues are lifted up. If necessary, fixation is done with small stitches.
- Volume support (if necessary): If there is severe volume loss in the cheeks, support is given with fat injection or filling applications. Thus, both lifting and fullness are provided.
- Closure: The incisions are carefully closed. If some incisions are made inside the mouth, dissolving sutures are used. Incisions in the scalp are also closed with fine stitches.
- Bandaging: A bandage that is not too tight is applied. The bandage acts as a support without tightening the face to reduce swelling and bruising that may occur after mid-face lift.
Can mid-facelift be combined with other aesthetic surgeries?
Mid-facelift can be easily combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures. Facelift, neck lift, brow lift and eyelid surgery are popular options that are often preferred in combination with this procedure. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate combination to achieve the results you want. In this way, a more youthful appearance can be achieved in both the face and neck area. Nevertheless, the best approach for each patient is determined by individual needs.
How long does mid-face rejuvenation surgery take?
Mid-facelift surgery usually takes between 1.5 - 2.5 hours. The duration of the surgery may vary depending on the scope of the procedure, whether additional interventions such as filling or fat transfer are performed, and the patient's facial structure. If a more detailed recovery is required on the face, the duration is naturally prolonged.
Benefits of mid-facelift surgery
A rejuvenated face and increased facial symmetry
A mid-facelift restores the fullness and contours of your face that are lost with aging. By stretching the cheeks, it rejuvenates facial contours and gives the face a natural symmetry. It also softens the wrinkles around the eyes, making the transition between the eyelid and cheek more natural. As a result, facial symmetry improves and a more balanced appearance is achieved with a mid-facelift.
Minimally invasive procedure and fast recovery
The mid-facelift procedure is less risky as it usually does not require general anaesthesia. Since the small incision scars are usually made close to the hairline, the healing time is short and scars are minimal. Although mild bruising and swelling may occur after the procedure, these disappear in a short time and patients can return to their daily lives within a week.
Long-term and natural results
These aesthetic operations provide long-term results. While eliminating the signs of aging on the face, a natural appearance is also achieved. In addition, many patients state that they have a younger appearance and increased self-confidence after the cheek lift procedure.
A comfortable and safe treatment process
The mid-facelift surgery requires comprehensive care before and after surgery. However, this procedure is performed safely and the risk of complications is low. In addition, some patients can achieve better results with additional procedures.
Recovery after mid-facelift surgery
It is very normal to experience swelling, mild bruising and a feeling of tightness in the first days after mid-facelift. Usually, your face is supported with a bandage immediately after the procedure. On the first night and for the next few days, you should keep your head slightly elevated to reduce the oedema on your face.
During the first two days, you should apply cold compresses to your face as recommended by your doctor and use the painkillers recommended by your doctor.
In the first week, you should avoid heavy exercise and only support your blood circulation with short and light walks. If you need to go out in the sun, use a cream with a high protection factor. Take care to wear a hat that does not damage the surgical procedure areas because the healing tissues are easily affected by the sun. With these protection measures, the possibility of scarring is reduced.
Swelling and bruises begin to decrease significantly from the second week. By the third week, the facial expression looks much more natural. However, it is necessary to be patient for a few more months for the facial contours to completely regain the desired appearance and the final shape to become clear. Generally, after 3 to 6 months, the face looks the way it should look.
Your aesthetic journey with Op. Dr. Bora Yücel
Antalya's leading facial rejuvenation specialist, Op. Dr. Bora Yücel, and our experienced team are here to provide you with customized aesthetic solutions. With our in-depth knowledge and experience in facial aesthetics, we aim to help you leave the effects of age behind and elegantly restore freshness and youthfulness to your face. With our professional approach and personalized treatment plans, we are committed to transforming your aesthetic journey into an experience of the highest standards.
FAQs about Mid-Facelift Surgery
What kind of problems may occur after mid-facelift surgery?
It is normal to have swelling, bruising and slight numbness in the cheeks or under the eyes after mid-face rejuvenation surgery. There is no need to worry. Some people may notice mild infection, bleeding or a slight asymmetry in the face. There may be tiny hardness under the skin during the healing process, but these hardness will soften and disappear over time. Although very rare, nerves may be affected. With the correct technique and normal healing, this risk is very low.
Are mid-facelift surgeries painful?
No, there is no pain during mid-facelift surgery. Your surgery becomes comfortable with the anaesthesia to be administered by the anaesthesiologist before the procedure. However, you may feel a non-annoying pain within a day or two after the surgery is completed and the anaesthetic effect wears off. You can have a more comfortable recovery period by using painkillers and cold compresses recommended by your doctor. Most people go through this process without difficulty and with minor discomfort.
Is the mid-facelift permanent?
No, mid-facelift surgery is not completely permanent. Because the aging process continues after the surgery; the skin starts to loosen and lose volume again over time. However, a well-performed surgery removes the aged appearance. The effect of mid-facelift surgery usually lasts between 7 and 10 years.
Among the factors affecting the permanence, the person's genetic structure, skin quality, lifestyle, smoking and sun protection habits play an important role.
At what age is a mid-facelift performed?
Mid-facelift aesthetic is usually performed between the ages of 40 and 60. Although age is the most important factor, it is not the only determinant. The structure of the face and skin elasticity are more decisive factors. While some people may need it even in their late 30s due to genetic predisposition or rapid aging, some people do not need it until their 60s because the skin structure is well preserved. Sources such as NHS underline that the best time for facelift surgery is not age, but the needs of the face.
Bora Yücel Plastic Surgery in Antalya offers special scar reduction programmes for each patient. The clinic's team, with their many years of experience, provides you with the necessary techniques and tools to help you optimally improve your scars after breast reduction.
How many days does a mid-facelift heal?
The first recovery after mid-facelift surgery usually takes 10 to 14 days. However, it takes 3 to 6 months for the swelling to completely subside, the facial contours to fit perfectly and the result to become natural.