Mid Face Lift London | 4 March 2025
At the Jonathan Britto Clinic, we understand that one of the first areas to reveal the signs of ageing is the mid face – specifically, the lower eyelid and cheek junction. Even subtle changes in this area can create an appearance of fatigue, sadness, or premature ageing, regardless of how vibrant and well you feel inside.
For patients in their mid-30s to mid-50s, a mid face lift, also known as a cheek lift, offers a transformative yet natural-looking solution. This procedure is designed to rejuvenate the under-eye area, elevate the cheeks, and restore youthful facial balance, all without the extensive recovery or scarring associated with a traditional facelift.
What Is a Mid Face Lift?
The mid face lift addresses the early signs of facial ageing that typically appear in both men and women around the lower eyelids and cheeks. These signs include:
– Drooping of the cheek volume
– Lengthening of the lower eyelid height
– A visible Y-shaped shadow between the under-eye area and the cheek
– Development of the nasolabial fold (between the nose and the mouth)
These features collectively create a tired, drawn, or aged appearance – even when you’re well-rested. The lower blepharoplasty-mid face lift (composite cheek lift) corrects these features in a holistic and harmonious way, using the natural anatomy of the face as its guide.
The mid face lift is not just about lifting – it’s about rebalancing the relationship between the lower eyelid and cheek. As we age, the lower eyelid can become hollow or puffy, while the cheek descends. This creates a tear-trough deformity and a crescent-shaped “half moon” shadow under the eyes, which merges with the nasojugal furrow across the cheek.
This Y-shape of shadow is characteristic of midfacial ageing, and the composite mid face lift restores smoothness, convexity, and youthful definition. Light is reflected rather than absorbed in this area, which is key to appearing refreshed and vibrant.
At the Jonathan Britto Clinic, this surgery is typically performed as a day-case twilight procedure, meaning no general anaesthetic is required. However, it can also be done under general anaesthesia, depending on patient preference and clinical indication.
The incision is made discreetly beneath the lower lash line, similar to a lower eyelid blepharoplasty.
The mid face lift is performed in the deepest anatomical plane, along the surface of the cheekbone. This provides a stable, long-lasting lift. The lower eyelid is addressed simultaneously to harmonise volume and shape, restoring a youthful smoothness between the eyelid and cheek.
Benefits of the Mid Face Lift
– Elevates the cheek fat pad
– Smooths the under-eye area
– Reduces the appearance of tear troughs
– Softens nasolabial folds
– Restores natural cheek projection
– Avoids traditional facelift scars around the ears
– Achieves long-lasting, youthful facial balance
Unlike a traditional facelift – which focuses on the lower face and jawline – the mid face lift targets the under-eye and cheek zone, which is often where facial ageing begins.
How Should You Prepare?
Prior to your surgery, Jonathan and his team will provide comprehensive guidance. You may be asked to:
– Avoid blood-thinning medications
– Refrain from alcohol and smoking
– Stop wearing contact lenses for up to three weeks after surgery, especially if combined with lower eyelid surgery
As always, careful preparation and clear communication with your surgeon ensure the best possible outcome.
What Is Recovery Like?
The initial recovery period is 2–3 weeks, with swelling and bruising gradually subsiding. Patients can usually return to everyday activities and light exercise, such as the gym, after 4 weeks. Final results – including the smooth definition of the lower eyelid and cheek – are typically visible at 2 to 4 months post-surgery, once all swelling has fully resolved.
Patients are often amazed at the natural improvement in their under-eye appearance, cheek volume, and facial balance. There’s no “pulled” look – just a subtle and elegant rejuvenation.
How Long Do Results Last?
The longevity of your results depends on your ageing process, lifestyle, and overall health, but the mid face lift typically lasts 7 to 10 years. Life events such as illness or emotional stress may accelerate the natural ageing process, but the structural improvements made in the deepest facial plane are stable and long-lasting.
Because the procedure repositions rather than stretches tissue, it provides a durable, youthful contour that reflects light beautifully and retains its shape over time.
The mid face lift is particularly effective for patients aged 35–55 who are noticing early signs of under-eye ageing, cheek descent, and facial fatigue. It’s also ideal for those who want to avoid traditional facelift scars, and who are looking for a targeted rejuvenation of the central face.
During your consultation at the Jonathan Britto Clinic in London or Essex, Jonathan will evaluate your facial anatomy, listen to your concerns, and create a personalised plan to help you achieve a natural, refreshed appearance.
