If nasolabial folds are bringing you down, you’re probably ready to give your mid face a lift—and our team is happy to help you explore your facial rejuvenation options. A surgical midface lift offers dramatic, long-lasting results, while cheek filler is a popular and convenient alternative for those who prefer a fast-acting treatment with less downtime. Recognizing that not everyone has the same needs, goals, or budget, we compare the two procedures below to help you choose what’s right for you.
What Does a Midface Lift Focus On?
Unlike a traditional or deep plane facelift, a midface lift, also called a cheek lift, focuses solely on rejuvenating the midface region between the lower eyelids and upper lip. We reposition fat and lift the cheeks to give you a more refreshed appearance. We often combine a midface lift with blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or even a neck lift for more comprehensive results.
Midface Lift At a Glance:
- What it addresses: Sagging cheeks, under eye hollows, nasolabial folds, skin laxity
- Procedure length: Roughly 2 hours
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia
- Cost: Procedure cost varies depending on your surgeon’s experience level and the extent of your treatment.
- Recovery: 7 to 14 days (bruising and swelling gradually diminish)
- Scarring: Incisions are well-concealed in natural skin folds and fade over time
- Results: “Restaurant ready” within 1 to 2 weeks; final results may take several months
While individual results vary, midface lift results typically last 10 years or longer. You can preserve your youthful look by wearing sunscreen, establishing a good skincare regimen, and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits.
What Do Cheek Fillers Do?
Cheek fillers such as JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® contain hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body. Injections are artfully administered to the midface to smooth the skin and add youthful volume to cheek contours. Unlike chin and cheek implants, cheek fillers are temporary and minimally invasive.
Cheek Fillers at a Glance:
- What they address: Under eye hollows, flattened cheekbones, sagging cheeks, marionette lines
- Procedure length: Roughly 30 minutes
- Anesthesia: Topical numbing cream
- Cost: Filler cost varies based on your injector’s skill level, the type of filler used, and the extent of treatment
- Recovery: Little to no downtime (minor swelling and bruising for 24 to 48 hours)
- Scarring: None
- Results: Immediate improvement, but it may take up to a few weeks for fillers to fully settle into place
Cheek filler results are immediately visible but last temporarily—usually about 1 to 2 years, depending on the filler used and how your body metabolizes it.
Which Treatment Should You Choose?
When it comes to choosing between a midface lift and fillers, the key differentiator is longevity. A cheek lift can last for a decade or longer, whereas cheek filler usually lasts up to two years. In repositioning the underlying tissues and muscles, a midface lift delivers comprehensive, natural-looking results. However, patients who want to restore their cheek contours without surgery, implants, or downtime may prefer fillers. While fillers are less expensive in the short term, keeping up with treatments can become pricey. Overall, a midface lift offers unparalleled benefits and results for those desiring comprehensive, long-lasting rejuvenation.
Explore Your Facial Rejuvenation Options
Choosing between a midface lift or fillers depends on your individual needs, goals, budget, and lifestyle. Dr. Cason and I can help you explore your options and guide you toward a customized treatment plan that works for you. I encourage you to request a consultation online or call us at (817) 442-1236 to get started.