For those whose primary concerns are the middle third of the face — the cheeks, the area beneath the eyes, and the nasolabial folds — a mid facelift offers a targeted solution with a faster recovery and beautifully natural results.
Dr. Melih Canlı performs mid facelift surgery at Emre İlhan Clinic in Istanbul, with online consultations available for patients planning to travel from abroad.
WHAT IS A MID FACELIFT?
A mid facelift — also known as a cheek lift or malar lift — focuses on the central zone of the face, from the lower eyelid down to the corner of the mouth. As we age, the fat pads in the cheeks descend, the skin loses its support, and the face develops a flattened, hollowed appearance. The mid facelift repositions this descended tissue upward and outward, restoring the rounded, elevated cheek contour of youth.
What the Mid Facelift Addresses
– Flattened or sunken cheeks caused by descending fat pads
– Pronounced tear troughs and under-eye hollows
– Early nasolabial folds (nose-to-mouth lines)
– Loss of the natural, lifted cheekbone projection
– Skin laxity in the central face without significant jowling
WHO IS THE IDEAL CANDIDATE?
The mid facelift is particularly well-suited to patients in their late 30s to early 50s who are beginning to notice volume loss and descent in the cheek area, but who don’t yet have significant jowling or neck laxity requiring a full facelift.
HOW IS A MID FACELIFT PERFORMED?
Typically performed under general anaesthesia or sedation, the procedure takes 1.5 to 3 hours. Incisions are placed in the lower eyelid, within the hairline, or along natural facial creases — keeping visible scarring to an absolute minimum.
Recovery
– Days 1–5: Some swelling and bruising around the cheeks and eyes
– Days 7–10: Sutures removed; significant improvement visible
– Week 2: Many patients feel comfortable in public
– Weeks 4–6: Swelling largely resolved; results clearly visible
– 3–6 months: Final result fully settled
MID FACELIFT VS FULL FACELIFT
– Mid facelift — best for cheek descent and early nasolabial folds without significant jowling
– Full facelift — best for comprehensive lower face and neck aging
– Combined approach — mid facelift alongside blepharoplasty or fat grafting for broader rejuvenation
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How long do mid facelift results last?
A: Results typically last 5 to 8 years, depending on skin quality and lifestyle.
Q: Can a mid facelift replace fillers?
A: In many cases, yes. A mid facelift repositions tissue that has fallen — delivering a more lasting, structurally sound result than adding volume on top of descended fat.
Q: Can I have an online consultation before travelling to Istanbul?
A: Yes. Dr. Melih Canlı offers online consultations so you can discuss your goals and receive a personalised assessment before making any travel plans.
For more results and information: 📍 Instagram: @drmelihcanli 📞 Contact & WhatsApp: +90 555 545 27 55 👨⚕️ Op. Dr. Melih Canlı – Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon