Endoscopic Midfacelift

Among the newest additions to the techniques that restore youthfulness to facial appearance is the midfacelift. This type of operation may vary in technique from one surgeon to another, but the basic principles are the same. The goals of the surgery are to resuspend the central cheek area that is sagging, as represented by the fold that runs between the edge of the nostril and the corner of the mouth (called the nasolabial fold). In the surgery itself, an incision is made in the lower eyelids just beneath the lash line. This allows the surgeon to reach the tough layer that overlies the cheekbone area and lift this entire section. It is then suspended at a number of points.

What is an endoscopic midfacelift?

Endoscopic or minimal-incision surgery is performed using a tiny fiberoptic lens inserted through half-inch incisions placed inconspicuously in your mouth and temple. The lens is attached to a camera connected to a television, which allows for visualization of the surgery. Your surgeon performs the procedure while viewing the television monitor and manipulating the tiny instruments externally.

Is a midfacelift for me?

The midfacelift procedure is particularly useful for patients with sagging cheeks, deeper nasal furrows, thinner lips and down-turned corners of the lips.

The Procedure

An endoscopic midfacelift can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with deep sedation, or general anesthesia, and may take 1 to 2 hours. A midface lift is performed through tiny incisions placed inconspicuously within the hairline of your temple area and on the inside of the mouth. During the procedure the fat pads of your cheeks will be repositioned up and over the cheekbones where they belong. This redraping will improve the nasal furrows caused by drooping fat pads. A midface lift is frequently performed in conjunction with eyelid surgery, an endoscopic brow lift or a facelift to achieve optimal results.

What are the benefits of endoscopic facial surgery?

The main benefits of endoscopic surgery include: no visible incisions, minimal scarring, less bleeding, no hair loss, minimal numbness and a much quicker recovery when compared to traditional surgical techniques.

Endotine Facelift

The ENDOTINE facelift is a new approach to midface suspension that gives your surgeon the ability to easily restore sagging cheek volume to its natural position. [This] new approach for midface suspension allows the surgeon to quickly lift and secure tissue at a new, more youthful position by using an implant called the ENDOTINE Midface Lift device. This innovative device offers your surgeon a predictable alternative for cheek suspension, enabling shortened surgical times and improved aesthetic outcomes.

What is a Midface Suspension procedure?

The area between your lower eyelids and your mouth is considered the midface. As you age, the effects of gravity, repeated muscle contraction, and lifestyle cause the skin, fat, and muscle in this region to move downwards. When this occurs, the cheeks begin to look saggy or flat, lower eyelids can become puffy or hollow, circles begin to appear under the eyes, and the lines between the nose and the corner of the mouth deepen.

Midface suspension, also referred to as a cheek or midface lift, corrects sagging midface tissues by surgically repositioning them up and to the side. This accomplishes several goals: volume enhancement of the midface region, elimination of hollows in the area, and a gentle smoothing of the tissues just below the eyes. A successful midface suspension can be a key step in achieving the youthful appearance sought after in facial rejuvenation.

Midface suspension restores the natural curves and fullness in the cheeks by moving soft tissues back to where they were earlier. This is achieved by elevating the soft midface tissue from the bone, repositioning it upward towards the eyes, and fixating it in place until it readheres naturally to the bone. This restores cheek volume and establishes more youthful midface contours. The result will be a natural, revitalized appearance that doesn’t appear overdone or "pulled."

When performed skillfully, a midface lift will deliver a natural but noticeable improvement. It is frequently performed with other surgeries, such as a lower face lift, eyelid surgery, or a browlift. However, for many younger patients, under 45 years old, midface suspension is often a standalone procedure.

How is a Midface Suspension Performed?

During a midface suspension procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions in the area above the ear, and in some cases through the mouth. A small endoscope and instruments are introduced through the incisions to lift the delicate midface tissues off the cheek bones. At least one loop of suture is then passed through the cheek tissue and secured to the soft tissues above the ear. In some cases, the suspension suture is introduced through the skin and secured without elevating cheek tissue off the bones. In all cases, the surgeon relies upon suture to fixate the suspended cheek in its new position.

Who is a candidate for Midface Suspension?

Individuals with sagging cheek tissues, excess cheek skin, and/or hollow or flat cheeks are potential candidates for midface suspension surgery. The procedure can be performed alone or in combination with a forehead lift (if indicated) or a facelift, particularly if there is excess loose neck tissues. Midface suspension can also diminish a prominent nasolabial fold, which is the groove that runs from the outside base of the nose to the outside corner of the mouth.A simple test to get an indication of what the procedure might do for someone's appearance is to place the fingertips in the middle of the cheek, to the side of the mouth, and gently push up and to the side.

Am I a Midface Suspension Candidate?

If your cheeks are sagging or have flattened over the years, if your lower eyelids are puffy with dark circles or have "hollowed out," or if your smile lines have deepened, you’re probably a good candidate for a midface suspension. Of course the best way to determine if a midface suspension is right for you is by a thorough consultation with your surgeon.

If you would like to schedule your No-Charge Consultation Appointment with a surgeon specializing in the Endotine Facelift procedure, call us for your complimentary consultation appointment toll-free at (888) 433-9091.

Possible Risks Associated with the Endotine Facelift

Although the ENDOTINE Midface device is designed for midface suspension surgery (midfacelift), it’s important to understand that there are potential risks inherent in this (and all) midface suspension procedure(s). For example, you may experience some initial discomfort, regardless of the method used, and you may be able to feel the ENDOTINE Midface device under the cheek skin, which may be sensitive to touch. The ENDOTINE Midface device is designed to minimize the risk of injury to bodily structures in the surgical area, although they are at risk with any technique. Should problems specifically associated with the ENDOTINE Midface device occur, you and your surgeon may decide to remove it rather than wait for it to dissolve.

From: http://www.coaptsystems.com/patients/midface_faq.html