How is a Soof Lift Different from a Midface Lift?

Question

I am looking for a minimal invasive procedure to lift my fat pads back up over my cheekbones after some descent that has given me more prominent n/l folds and eye bags. Filler and fat are not an option for me due to inflammatory reaction to both in the past.

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

The SOOF is the sub-orbicularis occuli fat (pad). This fat compartment is an important part of the youthful volume of the midface. It is lifted typically through a lower blepharoplasty incision (lower eyelid lift approach). This works well in some patients, but can cause unexpected changes in the shape or tension of the lower eyelid. A midface lift is performed via incisions behind the hairline, and the entire soft tissue envelope is elevated off of the cheek bone. While this does include the SOOF, the two procedures are NOT the same.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

SOOF and Midface lift are similar. This basically just comes down to what has descended on your face and needs to be suspended at a higher level. These surgeries have their own list of complications. You should find the plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who does facial surgery hundreds of times per year and can advise you appropriately based upon exam. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

Midface lifts work great for the right reason and in the right patient. There are many different ways to perform midface lifts. They are not all created equally. Unless they are performed well you will be disappointed. Make sure that you see many post op results before you sign up.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Both procedure are quite similar in this regard. They are long on promise but short on delivery. If you need a facelift, you should have a facelift. Otherwise, you are setting yourself up for an expensive dissappointment. If these procedures were worthwhile, all surgeons would be doing them. Sorry, but that is it in a nutshell.

Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Generally speaking, both procedures are actually fairly similar variations of same concept. A Soof lift is usually done through the lower eyelids while a midface lift is performed through the temple region and gums. It's best to schedule a consultation with an expert facial plastic surgeon to determine the best option for yourself.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

A SOOF lift is a type of  midface lift.  For more information you can check out the link below

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Soof lift and midface lift are essentially the same. However, you should not rule out fat or filler as they are usually non-inflammatory.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

I need to see photos to answer this question properly. Otherwise it would just be a guess of which if either is right for u.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

A SOOF (suborbicularis oculi fat pad) has evloved to be a type of midface lift. However, the concept is the result of an anatomic misunderstanding. Surgeons thought that the fat present at the orbital rim was separate from the malar fat pad and named this fat the SOOF. In fact the SOOF is actually the deep continuation of the malar fat pad. A SOOF lift is just a type of a midface lift. There are surgeons who still labor under the anatomic misunderstanding about the SOOF. These surgeons do very little dissection of the SOOF fat. Not surprisingly, their surgeries are not successful. In order to perform successful midface surgery, the midface soft tissues must be adequately freed up. Todays success to the midface lift is the vertical midface lift, typically performed over a hand carved ePFTE rim implant.

Roy A. David, MD · Answer

SOOF lift  describes a lower eyelid lift that usually involves freeing the attachment of the muscle to the bone under the eyelids, lifting the skin and muscle, and anchoring this thick flap of tissue to the bone on outside of the orbit. It is a good way to smoothen out redundant skin/muscle bulges of the lower eyelid. For many of us, it is a standard way of performing a lower eye lift (along with the transconjunctival or internal approach).
	A midface lift performed through a lower eyelid incision is similar in approach but the dissection is usually wider as the surgeon attempts to lift the cheek pad along with the lower eyelid, and hopefully improve the smile lines.

How is a Soof Lift Different from a Midface Lift?

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