Tag: midface lift surgery

Different Types of Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Procedures
By Dr Jeremy Hunt FRACS - Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Different Types of Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Procedures

Different types of facelifts have one common goal: address the signs of facial ageing. However, choosing a facelift (rhytidectomy) procedure can be confusing. The main difference between upper, middle, and lower facelift (rhytidectomy) is the part of the face each procedure targets. An upper facelift (rhytidectomy), also called a brow lift, lifts the forehead and flattens skin folds. A mid-facelift (rhytidectomy) focuses on your cheeks and nasolabial folds. A lower facelift (rhytidectomy) emphasises the jaw by addressing jowls and wrinkles in the lower one-third of the face.

Choosing a facelift (rhytidectomy), therefore, depends on where exactly the concerns are located. If you have extensive signs of ageing, with deep wrinkles, lax deflated cheeks, large jowls, and a double chin, then a full facelift (rhytidectomy) might be the most appropriate choice.

Specialist Plastic Surgeons Dr Hunt and Dr Maryam offer their patients in Sydney and Wollongong the full spectrum of facial rejuvenation surgery. They will thoroughly explain the difference between lower, middle, and upper facelift (rhytidectomy), and help you choose the procedure to meet your aspirations.

Why Undergo Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery?

Getting a facelift (rhytidectomy) is a big decision. You should take your time to plan for your facelift (rhytidectomy) and choose an experienced plastic surgeon with a proven track record and the appropriate credentials to do your operation. Before embarking on this journey, you need to do thorough research. See how different types of facelifts (rhytidectomy) compare. Read about the difference between upper, lower, and middle facelifts (rhytidectomy) so that you can understand them better when your plastic surgeon explains them.

Guide to Facial Procedures

Facial Rejuvenation

Facial Rejuvenation

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Why Are There Different Types of Facelift (Rhytidectomy)?

Signs of facial ageing vary from one person to another. In some people, wrinkles and a loss of skin laxity might be less severe and appear at a later age. They might be localised to a specific part of the face. Maybe just around the jaw and cheeks. In others, however, signs of ageing can appear as early as in their 40s. The wrinkles, skin folds, and laxity can affect the whole face and not just a part of it.

This is why facelift (rhytidectomy) is a highly individual procedure to meet each patient’s specific aspirations. And this is why there are several different types of facelifts (rhytidectomy) to choose from.

Upper Facelift (Rhytidectomy) vs Mid Facelift (Rhytidectomy) vs Lower Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

The main difference between upper, middle, and lower facelift (rhytidectomy) is the part of the face each procedure targets. As mentioned above, facial ageing is not the same for everyone. If, for instance, you only have noticeable jowls, and you’re satisfied with the rest of your facial appearance, then a full facelift (rhytidectomy) might be unnecessary. A lower facelift (rhytidectomy) alone maybe able to address your concerns.

Upper Facelift (Brow Lift)

The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.

brow lift before and after - real patient - front view - large

An upper facelift is also called a brow lift or forehead lift. As the name implies, it is surgery to address the forehead and wrinkles, including skin folds in the area.

An upper facelift may help you if the signs of ageing are localised to the upper one-third of the face (the forehead). These can include:

  • Forehead skin folds
  • Deep forehead wrinkles
  • Droopy forehead
  • Deflated temples
  • Droopy eyebrows

With a brow lift, the whole forehead can be addressed. The eyebrows will be surgically pulled upward to alter the appearance. Patients may opt for an upper facelift (rhytidectomy) for a number of different reasons, including:

  • Flattening the forehead
  • Removal of forehead wrinkles
  • Removal of forehead skin folds
  • Lifts the eyebrows up

Our surgeons usually perform the upper facelift (rhytidectomy) using endoscopic surgery. Through 4 small incisions along the hairline, and with the help of an endoscope, the deep forehead tissue is pulled up and tightened. If a lot of excess skin needs to be removed, then a larger incision along the hairline might be needed.

Middle Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.

Middle Facelift Surgery Before and After Dr Hunt

A mid facelift (rhytidectomy), also called a cheek lift, targets the middle one-third of the face. That’s the area extending from the corner of your eyes to the corner of your mouth. The cosmetic concerns that a middle facelift generally targets are:

  • Deflated cheeks
  • Deep nasolabial folds (the line between the corner of the nose and the corner of the mouth on both sides)
  • Skin in the mid-face region
  • Wrinkles around the mouth

Why patients might consider a middle facelift (rhytidectomy):

  • Addresses the cheeks
  • Emphasizes your cheekbones
  • Addresses the middle face area
  • Flattens deep wrinkles
  • Reduces nasolabial folds/li>

In comparison with an upper facelift (rhytidectomy), the mid facelift (rhytidectomy) incisions are done on the sides of the face. Each incision starts a little above the ear and extends downward to the earlobe. The deeper facial layers are pulled up to restore the normal facial structure. The skin is tightened and any excess skin is cut.

Lower Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.

lower facelift Dr Jeremy Hunt

Compared to the upper and middle facelifts (rhytidectomy), a lower facelift (rhytidectomy) targets only the lower one-third of the face. That’s the area extending from your earlobes and down to your chin, and it includes the mouth and jaw.

The lower face is probably the most important area when it comes to facial aesthetics. A faded jawline and jowls are flagrant signs of ageing. The sharp demarcation between the jaw and face may blend together. The signs of ageing that affect the lower face include:

  • The presence of jowls
  • Faded and irregular jawline
  • Wrinkles around the mouth, chin, and jaw
  • Marionette lines (straight vertical skin lines going from the corner of the mouth to the chin)

Lifting the lower face can change the way you look. By addressing your jawline and altering its contour, the sharp edges of the lower face can be changed. The lower facelift (rhytidectomy) can:

  • Address the clear angle between your jaw and neck
  • Remove facial jowls
  • Get rid of marionette lines
  • Get rid of wrinkles around the corners of the mouth
  • Flatten wrinkles on the chin

A lower facelift (rhytidectomy) is done with an incision similar to that of a mid-facelift (rhytidectomy). However, the incision might be slightly lower and extend a little behind the ear. Through this incision, your surgeon will pull up the deep facial tissue (including muscles and connective tissue). They will then fix them in a higher position to straighten out any deep wrinkles and folds and flatten the jowls. Any excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is tightened.

Why Patients Choose a Full Facelift (Rhytidectomy)?

If you have more extensive and non-localised signs of facial ageing, then a full facelift (rhytidectomy) might be a more suitable option for you.

A full SMAS facelift (rhytidectomy) or deep plane facelift (rhytidectomy) may the most appropriate option if you’re not satisfied with other parts of your face. If you have jowls and lax skin on the cheeks, then getting only a mid-facelift (rhytidectomy) may provide less-than-ideal results. A full facelift (rhytidectomy) can, in such cases, be a more appropriate solution.

Choosing a Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

Like other cosmetic procedures – the most appropriate procedure is the one you’re most comfortable with. Your surgeon will explain the differences between upper, middle, and lower facelifts (rhytidectomy) and compare the expected results with you. Together, you can choose the right type of facelift to meet your goals.

Further Reading about Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery

Medical Resources

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Dr Jeremy Hunt Facelift Surgeon Sydney

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.

Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has ensured that thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia have received high quality surgical care.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.

Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.

Midface Cheek Lift Sydney – Malar Rhytidectomy Surgery
By Dr Jeremy Hunt FRACS - Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Midface Cheek Lift Sydney – Malar Rhytidectomy Surgery

A Facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is one of the most popular and sought-after procedures plastic surgery. However, some women and men don’t need a traditional or a deep plane rhytidectomy. They just want to make their cheeks tighter and fuller. They want to deal with wrinkles and excess skin in the mid-region of the face. For those patients, a midface rhytidectomy, sometimes called a malar rhytidectomy or cheek lift, can help. It is less invasive than a full rhytidectomy and it targets the middle area of your face, between the upper lip and the eyes.

Dr Hunt and Dr Maryam routinely perform midface lift (rhytidectomy) surgery for patients in Sydney and New South Wales.

What is a Midface Lift (Rhytidectomy)?

A midface lift, also known as a cheek lift or malar rhytidectomy is a less invasive variant of the full rhytidectomy. It specifically targets the middle face region – the area extending from the upper lip to the eyes. The procedure involves an incision that starts in front of the ear, and goes around the earlobe and slightly backward. It’s a similar, but smaller incision compared to the traditional facelift (rhytidectomy).

A middle facelift (malar rhytidectomy) can suit those who have moderate signs of facial ageing in the middle part of the face. This could be wrinkles around the eyes, descent of the cheeks, faded cheek lines, deep nasolabial folds (the lines between the nose and lips). Candidates are those who don’t need work done above the eyes (e.g. brow lift cornoplasty) or around the jaw and upper neck.

Consider a Midface lift (malar rhytidectomy) with fat transfer

If your concern with your midface is the lack of volume and descent of tissue, the combination of a midface lift (malar rhytidectomy) with fat transfer is often the solution. Fat transfer can address a lack of cheek volume and the descent of tissue around the cheeks.

Case 1

The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.

Midface lift with fat transfer Before and After Image Sydney

The combination of midface lift (malar rhytidectomy) and fat transfer increased facial and cheek volume while lessending the the nasolabial fold and softening the lower eyelid cheek junction.

Midface Lift (malar rhytidectomy) vs. Traditional Rhytidectomy

A traditional facelift (rhytidectomy) involves a larger incision that starts from the hairline in front of the ears and goes around the earlobe and backward. It is also more invasive compared to a midface lift (malar rhytidectomy). Dr Hunt will cut out more skin, and extensively manipulate the deeper layers of the face.

A full rhytidectomy targets the whole face. It deals with jowls and excess skin, and can alter the appearance of the cheeks, upper neck, and forehead.

On the other hand, a malar rhytidectomy involves a smaller incision and less tissue manipulation. It targets the middle region of your face.

Who Needs a Cheek Lift (Malar Rhytidectomy)?

You might consider getting a midface rhytidectomy if:

  • You have deep nasolabial folds (the vertical skin folds between nose and lips)
  • You have wrinkles around the eyes or upper lip
  • You have soft or descended cheeks
  • You have excess skin in the middle third of the face
  • You don’t need work done around the jawline or on the forehead (your problems are localised in the mid-face area)

If you have these concerns, then getting a surgical cheek lift (malar rhytidectomy) can be your next step, if it’s in line with your goals.

If you need additional work done on other parts of your face, then a full facelift (rhytidectomy) might be the surgery for you.

Benefits of Midface or Malar Rhytidectomy

There are numerous advantages of cheek lift (malar rhytidectomy), but they will depend on the individual patient. Since everyone’s needs are different, the benefits may apply to some people and not others. But in general, for mid-face rhytidectomy candidates, the benefits can include:

  • Less invasive compared to a full rhytidectomy
  • Less surgical time
  • Less costly
  • Fewer post-op symptoms compared to other procedures
  • Can target the cheeks specifically

If you desire to alter your jawline, lift the neck, or lift your upper face, then a full facelift (rhytidectomy) with or without a neck lift (platysmaplasty) might be the way to go.

How Is Midface Lift Rhytidectomy Performed?

A cheek lift (malar rhytidectomy) is usually done under general anaesthesia. This means that you will be asleep during the whole procedure. A mid-facial lift (malar rhytidectomy) usually takes 2 hours to perform. It’s a one-day surgery, so you aren’t likely to spend the night at the hospital.

Dr Hunt starts by performing an incision in front of the ear. The midface lift (malar rhytidectomy) incision continues down around the earlobe, and a few centimetres upward behind the ear. Through the incision, Dr Hunt will separate the skin from the deeper facial tissue. The deep facial tissue, muscles, and aponeurosis (called SMAS) are pulled upward and outward toward the ears.

This pulls the cheeks up and tightens them and outlines your cheekbone. It also flattens the nasolabial folds and tightens them. The skin is then tightened to flatten any wrinkles. Extra skin is cut and removed. Your surgeon will then close the wounds with fine sutures.

A malar rhytidectomy can also be combined with a neck lift, also called platysmaplasty. A small incision under the chin will be made.

Midface lift chek lift Dr Hunt Theatre pic

Risk and Potential Complications of Midface Lift (Malar Rhytidectomy)

A cheek lift rhytidectomy comes with risks, like any other surgical procedure. These can include:

  • Bleeding
  • Wound infection
  • Fluid collection (seroma)
  • Blood collection (hematoma)
  • Nerve injury

To minimise the surgical risks, even more, you should choose a plastic surgeon that’s experienced in facial surgery.

Cost of a Cheek Lift (Malar Rhytidectomy) Sydney

The cost of a cheek lift rhytidectomy varies depending on many factors. The anaesthetist fees, surgeon fees, and hospital fees all play a role. Moreover, any additional procedures, like a neck lift platysmaplasty, also add up to the bill.

A midface lift (malar rhytidectomy) for cosmetic purposes is NOT covered by Health insurance or Medicare in Australia. Read our blog Will Medicare Cover my Plastic Surgery.

Please phone Dr Hunt’s team for an estimate. Dr Hunt’s team will give you an estimate of the malar rhytidectomy costs after your consultation.

Your Consultation

Your consultation with Dr Hunt or Dr Maryam will start with a few questions about your general health and cosmetic goals. Expect questions like:

  • Do you have any chronic medical conditions?
  • Do you take blood thinners?
  • What would you like to change about your face?
  • Have you had facial surgery before?

After that, Dr Hunt will examine your face and suggest a suitable surgery to meet your needs.

If the signs of ageing are localised in the mid-face area, then a cheek lift (malar rhytidectomy) might be the way to go.

Midface or Malar Rhytidectomy Surgery FAQs

How long does a midface lift (malar rhytidectomy) last?

  • A cheek lift (malar rhytidectomy) is not permanent, you will continue to grow old. The results last around 7-10 years. Your face will age as time passes, and after a decade you might choose to opt for another facelift rhytidectomy.

How long does a midface lift (malar rhytidectomy) take?

  • The duration of cheek lift (malar rhytidectomy) surgery is 2 hours on average. This might take less time if you don’t need too much lifting. However, it can take longer if you need other parts of the face done as well.

What is the perfect age to get a midface lift or malar rhytidectomy?

  • There’s no perfect age to get your face lifted. In general, a cheek lift (malar rhytidectomy) is better done between 40 and 50 years of age.

Is a midface lift rhytidectomy painful?

  • A cheek lift (malar rhytidectomy) is not very painful. Like any other surgery, the wounds will hurt for a few days. However, routine painkillers are usually enough to dampen the pain.

How long is recovery after midface lift rhytidectomy?

  • Total recovery time is 3-4 weeks. You can usually go back to work as of the second week after your cheek lift (malar rhytidectomy).

What is the optimal type of facelift rhytidectomy?

  • There’s no one optimal type of facelift rhytidectomy. The surgery type depends on what signs of ageing you have, where they’re located, and what your cosmetic goals are. If the signs of ageing are localised in the middle facial region, then a cheek lift (malar rhytidectomy) might be an option for you. If you have heavy jowls, a fading jawline, and excess facial skin, then a lower face rhytidectomy or necklift (platysmaplasty) may be a better choice. If you have heavy wrinkles, deep nasolabial fold and excess skin on your whole face, then a full traditional rhytidectomy might be better for you.

What’s the difference between a mini facelift rhytidectomy and a cheek lift rhytidectomy?

  • Both the middle rhytidectomy and mini rhytidectomy target the middle face region specifically. Nevertheless, a midface rhytidectomy is more invasive than a mini rhytidectomy. Deeper facial tissue is targeted, lifted, and tightened. Compared to a mini surgery, a cheek lift rhytidectomy leads to more dramatic cosmetic result.

What is the way to make cheeks elevated again?

  • The way to tighten the cheeks and make them more defined is through a midface lift, also called a cheek lift or malar rhytidectomy. The surgery targets the cheek area.

How can I make my cheeks elevated without surgery?

  • If you want to avoid surgery altogether, then a non-surgical facelift (rhytidectomy) might be the answer. In a non-surgical rhytidectomy, your injector will use injectable fillers to tighten and contour your face. The disadvantages of non-surgical rhytidectomy methods are that the results are temporary and relatively expensive. Facial Fillers may last around 4 to 6 months and can cost thousands.

Which is better, a facelift rhytidectomy or fillers?

  • A facelift (rhytidectomy) produces more dramatic and long-lasting results. It’s better if you want to see significant cosmetic changes in your facial appearance. It lasts up to 10 years before needing revision. Fillers, on the other hand, produce less dramatic changes, and need to be repeated every 4-6 months.

Medical Sources and Further Reading about a Midface Rhytidectomy:

Further Reading about Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery

Further Reading on Facial Surgery

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

dr jeremy hunt

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.

Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is suitable for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and requires a personalised approach to reach their goals.

Dr Hunt has provided his one-on-one service and attention to detail to thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A. Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from well-established and experienced plastic surgeons.

Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

If breast reduction mammoplasty is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.