2026-09-03
Midface Reduction Procedures: Midface Lift vs. Thread Lift – First, Understand Why Your Face Appears Long
Discover if a midface lift or thread lift is right for you. Learn why your midface might appear long and how to choose the best procedure for reduction.
※ This article is intended to provide medical information.
It is not subject to deliberation under Article 56, Paragraph 2 and Article 57 of the Medical Act,
and is not an advertisement unrelated to the content of deliberation.
Hello,
I am Dr. Park Jeong-geun,
Director of Faceplus Plastic Surgery Clinic.
It is not common for the midface to actually be long due to bone structure
when it appears long.
Mostly, it is caused by sagging soft tissues and volume displacement.
When fat below the cheekbones descends, and the areas next to the nose and the anterior cheeks
become hollow, disrupting the vertical proportions, the face is perceived as
longer.
At this point, simply aiming for reduction can actually
decrease facial dimensionality.
While the term ‘midface reduction procedure’ is often used,
in actual clinical practice, the key is ‘repositioning to the correct location’
rather than ‘reducing’.
Therefore, the process of accurately distinguishing whether the issue is related to bone,
soft tissue sagging, or volume loss
comes first.
Approaching treatment without checking the elasticity and retaining ligament status of the midface
can lead to results different from expectations.
Midface Lift: A method of directly repositioning structures
A midface lift is not just a skin-tightening procedure;
it is a surgery that moves the sagging fat layer and SMAS upwards
and fixes them in place.
Because it directly lifts the midface, which extends from below the eyes to the cheekbones,
the impression of a long face is shortened and sharpened.
It has the advantage of a relatively long-lasting effect, but
it requires an incision and a recovery period.
For those who desire midface reduction and have significant sagging,
a fundamental solution is possible.
However, if there is not much skin laxity or the sagging is mild,
it might be an excessive choice.
Since a lift is an approach that changes the structure, sufficient
consultation and accurate diagnosis are essential.
Thread Lift: A relatively simpler lifting approach
A thread lift uses special threads to pull up and fix
sagging tissues.
The advantages are a smaller incision area and relatively fast recovery.
If the cause of a long-looking midface is soft tissue
descent, it can be an effective alternative.
However, compared to a midface lift, the fixation strength and duration
vary individually.
Design is very important for thread lifts.
It's not just about pulling upwards;
planning which direction to move the volume below the cheekbones
is necessary for a natural result.
Even when approaching with the goal of midface reduction, the concept of
repositioning is actually central.
If the degree of sagging is not severe and it is a relatively early stage,
it can be a less burdensome choice.
Midface Lift vs. Thread Lift Comparison
Category | Midface Lift | Thread Lift |
Approach | Incision & structural repositioning | Pulling with special threads |
Candidates | Significant sagging | Mild to moderate sagging |
Recovery Period | Relatively longer | Relatively faster |
Durability | Long-term maintenance possible | Individual variation |
Characteristics | Structural correction focused | Design & direction setting important |
When considering midface reduction procedures, the current state of your face
should be the criterion, not a simple comparison.
The choice differs depending on whether it's a bone structure issue or soft tissue descent.
If the midface has shifted downwards, a lift can be a fundamental solution,
and for early sagging, a thread lift alone might be sufficient.
Most importantly, it is crucial to accurately understand ‘why your face appears long’.
Correcting that cause is a more important approach than reduction.
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Midface Reduction Procedure
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main reason why the midface appears long?
The main reason why the midface appears long is not the length of the bone, but rather sagging soft tissues and volume displacement. When fat below the cheekbones descends and the areas next to the nose and the anterior cheeks become hollow, disrupting the vertical proportions, the face can be perceived as long.
How is a midface lift performed?
A midface lift is not just a skin-tightening procedure; it is a surgery that moves the sagging fat layer and SMAS upwards and fixes them in place. By directly lifting the midface, which extends from below the eyes to the cheekbones, the impression of a long face can be shortened and sharpened.
In what cases is a thread lift suitable?
A thread lift can be an effective alternative if the cause of a long-looking midface is soft tissue descent. If the degree of sagging is not severe and it is a relatively early stage, it can be a less burdensome choice. It uses special threads to pull up and fix sagging tissues.
What is the biggest difference between a midface lift and a thread lift?
The biggest difference is the approach. A midface lift involves an incision and direct structural repositioning, while a thread lift uses special threads to pull up and fix sagging tissues. A midface lift has a long-lasting effect but requires a recovery period, whereas a thread lift offers faster recovery but its durability varies individually.
What is the most important consideration when choosing a midface reduction procedure?
The most important thing is to accurately understand ‘why your face appears long’. The appropriate procedure differs depending on whether it's a bone structure issue, soft tissue descent, or volume loss, so an accurate diagnosis and thorough consultation are essential.