What's the recovery timeline for a mid-face lift?

Question

I'm 22 years old with facial sagging. I have a quote for cheek implants and an endoscopic mid-lift (not interested in fillers). Whilst I can afford the two weeks 'down time' for swelling, I would be uncomfortable with many of my friends and family knowing I'd had surgery. I've read that swelling might take as long as 3-6 months to go down, which would be enough to make me (reluctantly) reconsider. Could you tell me if this information is correct? What would you advise me to do?

David A. Caplin, MD · Answer

It is very unusual for anyone your age to need a mid-face lift.  Cheek implants may be a good option (if you have the right anatomy) although often fat grafting can provide similar results with a lot less surgery.  I would make sure that you have gotten at least two opinions from Board Certified Plastic Surgeons to assure that you are making the right decisions about undergoing surgery.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. It takes 2-4 weeks for your body to recover and return to daily life without any problems. I wish you all the best.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Recovery time depends upon what you're describing. Virtually any facelift regardless of how extensive takes about two weeks before the obvious stigmata of the procedure can be covered with makeup and fashion.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Hi... Thank you for the question... The recovery time stimated 15-21 days to start to see results... A mid facelift with your age... The swollen is not supposed to last long

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

The average recovery time for mid-facelift recovery is approximately 6-12 weeks.   Thank you for your question.

Mark Prysi, MD · Answer

At age 22 it is rare that a midfacelift is needed. If there is lack of cheek volume almost always a check implant will be a permanent enhancement you are looking for. Most of my endoscopic mid facelift patients return to work in 4 or 5 days but doubtful you would need one.

Suzanne Kim Doud Galli, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

The duration of swelling depends on several factors including technique. For the most part, patients are sociable after two weeks, but there can be residual swelling that endures for weeks after that.

Josh Surowitz, MD · Answer

Twenty-two years old is too young for a midface lift.  It is very unlikely that you have any significant degree of facial sagging at that age.  You may benefit from midface augmentation with injectable filler or from cheek implants.  Photos would be helpful in order to make an appropriate recommendation.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

At 22 years of age, it is rather doubtful that you have any facial sagging. If you have very flat cheeks at age 22, consider cheek implant placement.   An endoscopic mid face lift is not needed at age 22. Whatever procedures are performed, plan on 2 weeks of some degree of swelling and bruising afterwards.

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

The majority of swelling will be gone by 4 weeks.  A small amount will take a few months to resolve, but most people will not notice.  Donald R Nunn MD Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

What's the recovery timeline for a mid-face lift?

Answers (10)

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