| • Other names: Midface suspension, SOOF lift (a less comprehensive but related procedure), meloplication
• Primary goal: Elevation and tightening of the soft tissues (fat, muscle) of the cheek
• Secondary goals: Restoration of a more youthful lower eyelid-cheek "continuum", with lifting of the nasolabial fold (fold of tissue between nostril and cheek), partial softening of the "tear trough deformity" (hollowness between the lower eyelid and upper cheek), and improvement in the appearance of malar bags ("cheek bags").
• Anesthesia: Because of the extensive dissection and/or complex instrumentation, deep intravenous local sedation or general anesthesia is usually employed. The less invasive "SOOF lift" may be accomplished during blepharoplasty without much added manipulation.
• Variations: The midface may be lifted from incisions placed on the front of the lower eyelid (transcutaneous), on the back of the lower eyelid (transconjunctival), above the brow, inside of the mouth (buccal), on the temple behind the hairline, or at the canthus.
Here are a number of different surgical approaches now in use . . . |
