What Is an Endoscopic Midface Lift?

An endoscopic midface lift is a surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the middle third of the face, the region between the lower eyelids and the upper lip. The procedure elevates descended cheek tissues, restores youthful cheek volume, softens the nasolabial folds, and improves the transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek. By repositioning the deeper facial tissues rather than simply tightening the skin, an endoscopic midface lift provides natural and long-lasting rejuvenation of the midface.

 

How Is Endoscopic Midface Lift Surgery Performed?

Endoscopic midface lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

Small incisions are placed within the hair-bearing portion of the temporal scalp, where they remain well concealed. Through these incisions, an endoscope is introduced to provide magnified visualization of the deeper facial structures.

The soft tissue flap, consisting of skin, muscle, and periosteum, is carefully elevated and released from its underlying attachments over the cheekbone. Once complete mobilization has been achieved, the midface tissues are repositioned upward in a vector opposing the effects of gravity and secured using specialized suspension sutures.

In many patients, limited lower eyelid skin excision through a fine subciliary incision may be performed simultaneously to address excess skin and further improve the lower eyelid–cheek contour.

The procedure is then repeated on the opposite side, and all incisions are closed with sutures.

 

What Can I Expect After Surgery?

Mild to moderate swelling and bruising are expected following surgery. Cold compresses are commonly applied during the first 48 hours to help reduce postoperative swelling and ecchymosis.

The extent of swelling and bruising varies considerably among individuals. Bruising is often minimal by the end of the first week, while the majority of swelling generally improves within 10–14 days.

Some patients may experience prolonged residual swelling, particularly in the cheek region. Although most of the healing process is completed within 2–3 weeks, subtle edema may continue to improve gradually over several months.

 

Will I Have a Bandage or a Drain After Surgery?

Dr. Çakmak does not routinely use drains, pressure dressings, compression garments, or head wraps following midfacelift surgery.

Instead, specialized hemostatic net sutures are applied to stabilize the tissues and minimize the risk of postoperative blood accumulation (hematoma). Because these sutures provide effective tissue support, bulky dressings are generally unnecessary.

The net sutures placed in the temporal area are removed the day after surgery. Removal is  quick and virtually pain-free.

 

Will My Sutures Need to Be Removed?

Scalp sutures or staples are typically removed approximately 7–10 days after surgery.

 

Will I Have Pain After Surgery?

Postoperative discomfort is generally mild to moderate and is usually well controlled with oral pain medication. Most patients require pain medication for only a few days after surgery.

 

Will There Be Visible Scars?

The temporal incisions are hidden within the hair-bearing scalp and are generally not visible after healing.

If a lower eyelid incision is used for skin excision, it is carefully placed immediately beneath the eyelashes. Once fully healed, the scar is typically very well concealed and often difficult to detect.

 

When Can I Return to Work?

Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities approximately 10–14 days after surgery.

Although the majority of swelling resolves during the first few weeks, residual edema may persist for several months in some individuals without significantly affecting daily activities.

 

When Can I Wear Makeup?

Makeup may generally be applied approximately 5–7 days after surgery, provided the incisions are healing appropriately and any sutures have been removed when applicable.

 

How Long Do the Results Last?

Although the aging process continues after surgery, the results of an endoscopic midface lift are typically long-lasting. Most patients enjoy improvement for approximately 10–15 years or longer.

The longevity of the outcome depends on factors such as genetics, skin quality, lifestyle, sun exposure, and the natural aging process. By restoring the deeper facial tissues to a more youthful position, the procedure can provide durable and natural-looking rejuvenation of the midface region.