Midcheek Lift by Dissecting through the Facial Soft Tissue Spaces

Summary: The mid cheek lift is one of the most effective procedures to rejuvenate the aging mid face. However, it is a technically demanding procedure with the risk of complications, such as scleral show and ectropion. In 2015, we published our mid-cheek lift technique and outcomes. In this Video+ article, we present refinements and nuances of our surgical technique, emphasizing technical aspects of this procedure that has enabled us to perform the surgery safely and effectively. The key concept of our approach is to minimize the trauma associated with surgical access, by dissection through the facial soft tissue spaces that are the gliding planes of the mid cheek. This minimizes post-operative bleeding and scarring that are the main contributor to the dreaded post-operative contracture related complications. To effectively mobilize the mid cheek, precise sharp release of specific mid cheek retaining ligaments separating these facial soft tissue spaces is performed. Conservative skin excision is emphasized along with routine canthopexy for lower lid support