One of the most noticeable symptoms of aging you may experience, especially once you reach your 30s is that your skin is becoming laxer, and you’re losing volume in your mid-face. Age, as well as the natural pull of gravity, affects volume in the area under your eyes, making it look shadowed and hollow, the natural fat pads in your cheeks diminish and lose volume, and your nasolabial folds begin to etch themselves deeper into your skin.

These are all issues that affect the mid-face, which describes the portion of your face below your eyes and above your mouth. While a traditional facelift primarily addresses aging in your lower face and neck, a MIMS lift is used to gently correct age-related wrinkles and volume loss in the middle section of your face.

A MIMS lift is a bit different, as it utilizes a suture suspension technique, and minimal incisions. The goal is to lift and refresh the mid-face, restoring lost volume and augmenting the appearance of your cheekbones to give you a more youthful look. A MIMS lift can be combined with nearly any other facial rejuvenation procedure, including a traditional facelift, brow lift or fillers to further enhance your results.

If signs of aging are more severe in your mid-face and milder in your lower face, you may find that a MIMS lift will address all of your concerns; however, all of your options will be discussed as part of your consultation with Dr. Huettner.

Deep lines or creases that run from the corners of your mouth to your chin, known as “marionette lines”

The early formation of jowls beneath your chin

Minimal excess or loose skin on your neck

There are few differences in the recovery processes of all of the facelift options we offer at Manhattan Plastic Surgery NYC. Once your facelift procedure is complete, Dr. Huettner will wrap your face in bandages to help reduce swelling and bruising, as well as to protect your incisions. You will want to rest and limit your activities for the first few days, and you may experience some minor pain or discomfort, but this is easily managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Dr. Huettner will also instruct you to keep your head elevated as much as possible to assist in the healing process. Facelifts typically require about two weeks of downtime for recovery, and once most of the bruising and swelling has dissipated, you will be able to return to work and your other everyday activities. Dr. Huettner will provide you with detailed post-surgery instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to help ensure that your facelift recovery goes smoothly.

Results of your facelift will depend on which type of facelift you select, and it can take anywhere from six months to a year for your final results to be fully visible, once all of the residual swelling has dissipated. The refreshed, more youthful results of your facelift will be lasting; however, it is important to remember that your face will continue to age naturally. Being diligent with your anti-aging skincare regimen and sun protection will enhance and lengthen your results, as will maintaining a healthy lifestyle by staying hydrated, eating well and avoiding smoking.