2026-09-03
Where to Get a Midface Lift: Explaining Why Results Vary Greatly Between Clinics
Midface lift results vary significantly between clinics due to differences in lifting layers, ligament dissection, lifting direction, and volume augmentation. Understanding these factors is key to achieving natural, lasting results.
※ This article is intended to provide medical information.
It is not subject to review under Article 56, Paragraph 2 and Article 57 of the Medical Act, and is not an advertising post unrelated to review content.
Hello,
I am Dr. Jung-Keun Park,
Director of Faceplus Plastic Surgery Clinic.
When consulting for a midface lift,
I often get asked, ‘Why do results vary so much between clinics?’
Although the same term ‘lift’ is used,
the actual approach and design criteria differ significantly.
As a result, some cases look naturally younger,
while others only show a pulled sensation or even appear awkward.
This difference is not about equipment or price,
but rather the principle behind the approach.
Table of Contents | ||
1. Differences in lifting range and layer approach 2. Whether retaining ligaments are dissected 3. Lifting direction design 4. Volume augmentation and criteria for combined procedures |
1. Differences in lifting range and layer approach
A midface lift is not simply a procedure that pulls the skin.
If only the skin is pulled, it may appear lifted initially,
but often sags again over time.
Conversely, when the SMAS layer and deeper structures are lifted together,
the maintenance is much more stable.
One of the biggest reasons for varying results between clinics
is this difference in ‘which layer is addressed.’
The completeness of the result changes depending on whether only the surface is pulled,
or if the underlying structures are lifted together.
2. Whether retaining ligaments are dissected
Midface sagging is not simply a downward movement;
it often occurs when the retaining ligaments that support the face are stretched while still holding.
If these ligaments are not sufficiently released,
the range of movement is limited even after lifting.
Consequently, the face may not lift as much as pulled,
or only a strong pulled sensation may remain.
Conversely, when retaining ligaments are appropriately dissected,
tissues move naturally,
resulting in a smooth change.
This aspect is also one of the key points that cause differences in results between clinics.
3. Lifting direction design
Direction setting is crucial in a midface lift.
If pulled only upwards, the cheeks may appear flat,
or the under-eye area may be unnaturally pulled.
However, if designed three-dimensionally, considering both a slightly outward and upward direction,
volume can be preserved while creating a naturally lifted appearance.
In cases with good results,
there is commonly no ‘pulled look,’
but rather a refined appearance of the face.
4. Volume augmentation and criteria for combined procedures
The midface is not just an area of sagging;
it often experiences volume loss as well.
Therefore, lifting alone may not always yield a completely natural result.
In such cases, sunken areas should be augmented with fat grafting or fillers.
However, excessive volume augmentation
can create an unnatural look, so it is important to balance lifting and volume.
Ultimately, a successful result is
a harmonious combination of ‘lift’ and ‘volume.’
Even for a procedure with the same name, a midface lift
can yield entirely different results depending on the approach.
Whether only the surface is pulled or structures are designed,
how the direction is set, and how volume is augmented—
all these factors create differences in results.
Ultimately, the important criterion is not
how much was lifted,
but how naturally it was refined.
-Operating Hours-
Weekdays 9:00 ~ 18:00 Saturdays 9:00 ~ 16:00 Public Holidays / Sundays Regular closure |
-Contact Us-
Faceplus Plastic Surgery Clinic | ||
Consultation Phone: 02-541-8500 Inquiries: KakaoTalk Inquiry |
-Directions-
Best place for a midface lift
Best place for a midface lift
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a midface lift a procedure that only pulls the skin?
No, a midface lift is not merely a procedure that pulls the skin. If only the skin is pulled, it may appear effective initially, but often sags again over time. For stable maintenance, the SMAS layer and deeper structures must be lifted together.
What is important for achieving natural results after a midface lift?
For natural results, the dissection of retaining ligaments, the design of the lifting direction, and volume augmentation are crucial. Retaining ligaments should be appropriately released, lifting should be performed in a three-dimensional direction considering both outward and upward vectors, and if necessary, volume should be augmented with fat grafting or fillers.
Why is retaining ligament dissection important during a midface lift?
Retaining ligament dissection is very important for natural tissue movement. Midface sagging often occurs when the retaining ligaments are stretched while still holding, so if these ligaments are not sufficiently released, the lifting effect may be limited or only a strong pulled sensation may remain.
Is volume augmentation sometimes necessary after a midface lift?
Yes, it can be. The midface is an area where both sagging and volume loss occur, so lifting alone may not always yield completely natural results. In such cases, it is important to augment sunken areas with fat grafting or fillers to achieve a balance between lift and volume.
How is the lifting direction designed during a midface lift?
The lifting direction is very important. If pulled only upwards, the cheeks may appear flat or the under-eye area may be unnatural. By designing a three-dimensional direction that considers both a slightly outward and upward vector, volume can be preserved while creating a naturally lifted appearance.