Treatment face

Mid-Facelift in the UK

Restore youthful cheek contours with a mid-facelift. This procedure addresses descent of the cheeks and improves nasolabial folds, making it ideal for individuals seeking central facial rejuvenation.

If you notice a loss of volume in your cheeks, deeper lines around the nose and mouth, or a general descent of the mid-face, a mid-facelift may be an ideal solution. This procedure elevates cheek tissues and improves the definition of the mid-face without altering your natural features. It works well for those seeking to rejuvenate the central face, soften pronounced folds and achieve long-lasting natural results.

Mr Paul Wilson has extensive experience in mid-face lifts and will tailor each procedure to your natural features to ensure optimal results. If you’re looking for a rejuvenated appearance that enhances confidence, book a consultation at Paul Wilson Aesthetics.

About

What is a mid-facelift?

As we age, the skin and underlying structures of the face gradually change. Collagen and elastin production decline, leading to a loss of firmness and elasticity. At the same time, the fat pads in the cheeks begin to descend, contributing to mid-face sagging, hollowing and the deepening of nasolabial folds (lines running from the nose to the mouth).

A mid-facelift, also known as a cheek lift or cheek lift surgery, is a highly advanced procedure designed to address ageing in the central face. Rather than focusing only on the skin, the procedure lifts and repositions the deeper layers of facial tissue overlying the cheekbones.

By restoring the natural position of the cheeks and supporting structures, a mid-facelift helps recreate youthful contours, improve facial balance and achieve long-lasting, natural-looking rejuvenation.

The mid-facelift is often combined with complementary procedures such as a neck lift, temporal brow lift and eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Types

Types of mid-facelift

Mid-facelift surgery uses several techniques, each tailored to the patient’s anatomy. The most common approaches are:

Endoscopic Mid-Facelift

A minimally invasive approach that uses small, hidden incisions within the hairline. A tiny camera (endoscope) provides enhanced visualisation, allowing precise repositioning of mid-face tissues with minimal disruption. This technique is associated with reduced scarring, less downtime and a faster recovery.

Subperiosteal Mid-Facelift combined with lower eyelid blepharoplasty)

This method lifts the mid-face tissues from a deeper plane, directly above the bone (subperiosteal layer). It provides powerful lifting for patients with significant midface descent or deep nasolabial folds, offering long-lasting, dramatic improvement. Through the same access incision via the lower eyelid, lower eyelid bags are also addressed. The cheek lift supports the lower eyelid improving the lower eyelid-cheek interface.

benefits

What are the benefits of a mid-facelift?

A mid-facelift offers several benefits, including:

Repositioning facial tissue at its natural anchor points for a youthful yet authentic appearance
Lifting sagging cheeks and improving mid-face volume
Addresses sagging in the cheeks, lower eyelids and mid-face simultaneously
Discreet incision placement to minimise visible scarring
Natural-looking, long-lasting results
Improved confidence and self-esteem

candidates

Who is a good candidate for a mid-facelift?

A mid-facelift may be suitable for individuals who:

Are in good overall health
Are non-smokers, or willing to stop smoking before and after surgery
Have realistic expectations about results and recovery
Are concerned about sagging or descent of the cheeks
Notice deepening nasolabial folds or hollowing beneath the lower eyelids
Have noticed descent of the cheeks over time or loss of volume in the mid-face
The younger patient wishing facial rejuvenation

What to expect

What to expect during a mid-facelift?

Consultation

During your consultation, Mr Wilson will carefully assess your mid-face anatomy, focusing on cheek position, volume loss, tissue descent, skin quality and the depth of nasolabial folds. He will review your medical history, discuss your concerns and explore your aesthetic goals to determine whether a mid-facelift is the most suitable approach for you.

As mid-facelifts are highly tailored procedures, Mr Wilson will explain the recommended technique, incision placement and how the deeper facial layers will be repositioned to restore youthful cheek contours. He will also outline what to expect during recovery and discuss whether complementary procedures, such as a temporal lift or eyelid surgery, may enhance the final result.

This consultation is your opportunity to ask questions, understand your options and feel fully informed and confident before deciding to proceed.

Anaesthesia and Procedure Time

Mid-facelift surgery is typically performed under general anaesthetic to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. In certain cases, local anaesthesia with sedation may be used, depending on the technique chosen and your individual preferences and medical history.

The surgery usually takes about 1.5 to 3 hours when performed on its own, although the exact duration can vary depending on the specific technique used and the extent of correction required. If a mid-facelift is combined with other facial procedures such as eyelid surgery or a temporal brow lift, the overall operating time may be longer.

Your surgeon will confirm the expected duration of your surgery during your consultation.

Surgery

The surgery begins with carefully planned incisions, typically placed discreetly within the hairline at the temples and, in some cases, just below the lower eyelid lash line. These incision locations allow access to the underlying cheek structures while keeping visible scarring to a minimum.
Through these incisions, the soft tissues overlying the cheekbones are gently released and elevated. The descended cheek fat pads and supporting structures are then lifted and repositioned to their more youthful anatomical position, restoring natural contour to the cheeks and improving mid-face sagging and deep folds. Any excess skin is then trimmed from the lower eyelid.

To provide long-term support, the mid-face is secured to the temporal fascia within the hairline using sutures or the Endochor mid-face ribbon device, helping to maintain stable, durable results.

Closure

Once the repositioning is complete, the incisions are meticulously closed using fine sutures to promote optimal healing and minimise scarring.

Recovery

Recovery and results of a mid-facelift

Recovery following a mid-facelift varies between individuals and depends on the specific technique used and the degree of lifting required.

What to expect

After surgery, it is normal to experience swelling, bruising and a sensation of tightness through the cheeks and mid-face. These effects are most noticeable during the first week and gradually improve over the following weeks. Temporary numbness around the cheeks or incision sites is also common and typically resolves as the tissues heal.

Keeping the head elevated and avoiding unnecessary facial movements in the early days can help reduce swelling and support recovery. As the swelling subsides, the full effects of the facelift will start to become evident.

Activity and movement

Most patients can resume light daily activities after the second week, once the initial swelling and bruising begin to subside. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and activities that significantly raise the heart rate should be avoided for 4–6 weeks, or until cleared by your surgeon.

Follow-up care and long-term results

Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure healing is on track. While early results appear within a few weeks, final outcomes continue to develop over several months as the deeper tissues settle into their new position.

With proper care, mid-facelift results are long-lasting, offering rejuvenated contours and a more youthful, refreshed appearance that can be maintained for many years.

Risks & complications

Risks and potential complications of a mid-facelift

As with any surgical procedure, a mid-facelift carries some risks and potential complications. These may include:

Infection
Bleeding or haematoma (blood collection under the skin)
Delayed wound healing
Swelling or fluid build-up (seroma)
Temporary or, rarely, permanent nerve weakness
Changes in skin sensation, including numbness or tingling
Scarring or asymmetry
Adverse reaction to anaesthesia

Your surgeon will discuss all potential risks during your consultation, ensuring you are fully informed before deciding to proceed.

Fees

How much does a mid-facelift cost?

The cost of a mid-facelift varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether it is performed alone or combined with other treatments, such as eyelid surgery or a temporal brow lift. Factors such as the extent of correction required and individual anatomy can also influence the overall price.

A personalised quote will be provided following your consultation. Your surgeon will clearly explain all associated costs, ensuring you have a full understanding before deciding whether to proceed.

Results

Mid-facelift before and after photos

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Paul Wilson - Mid-Face Lift Patient Image 1

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a mid-facelift safe?

A mid-face lift is considered safe when performed by an experienced and qualified surgeon like Mr Paul Wilson. The procedure involves advanced techniques to reposition deep tissue layers, minimising risks and maximising results. As with any surgery, there are potential complications, but these are uncommon with proper care.

Is a mid-facelift painful?

Most patients describe the recovery from a mid-facelift as involving mild to moderate discomfort, rather than significant pain. Anaesthesia ensures you remain completely comfortable during the procedure itself. In the days following surgery, sensations of tightness, swelling and tenderness are common but typically manageable.

Mr Wilson provides a tailored pain management plan, including prescribed medication if needed, to keep discomfort well-controlled throughout recovery. Many patients find that these sensations improve noticeably within the first week. Rest, avoiding strenuous activity and following your aftercare instructions all contribute to a smoother, more comfortable healing process.

What are the aftercare instructions for a mid-facelift?

After a mid-facelift, patients are advised to rest with their head elevated to help minimise swelling. Mr Wilson will provide detailed aftercare instructions tailored to your needs, which may include how to clean the incision sites, apply any prescribed ointments and manage discomfort with medication. Cold compresses can also help reduce swelling in the first few days.

Strenuous activity, heavy lifting and excessive facial movement should be avoided during the early stages of healing. Patients are also advised to avoid smoking, alcohol and direct sun exposure, as these can impair recovery. Regular follow-up appointments allow Mr Wilson to monitor your healing and ensure your results are progressing as expected.

When will follow-up appointments be scheduled after a mid-facelift?

Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled within the first week after surgery to monitor initial healing. Additional appointments may occur at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months post-surgery, depending on individual progress. Mr Wilson closely tracks each patient’s recovery to ensure optimal results and address any concerns.

Will I need to repeat the mid-facelift procedure in the future?

The results of a mid-face lift are long-lasting, often maintaining a youthful appearance for 10-15 years or more. However, natural ageing will continue, and some patients may opt for a touch-up or additional procedures in the future to maintain their desired look.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, using sun protection and following skincare routines can prolong results. Mr Wilson discusses realistic expectations during your consultation, helping patients understand the longevity of their facelift and options for future enhancements if needed.

Schedule your consultation

Book a consultation with Paul Wilson Aesthetics

Patients choose Paul Wilson Aesthetics not only for the team’s surgical expertise, but also for their thoughtful, honest and patient-centred approach to aesthetic care. To get started, book a consultation where our team will discuss your concerns, outline your goals and determine if a mid-facelift is the right option for you.