What's New This Month?

January / February 2007

Scarless Midface Lift in New York City

There is a lot of talk these days about scarless cosmetic procedures; unfortunately some of them are not very effective. On the other hand, the scarless midface lift which we have been doing for several years truly leaves no visible scar and can achieve dramatic rejuvenation. The midface lift is done through a one inch incision inside the mouth at the upper gum line and a one inch incision in the temple well behind the hairline; that is why there are no visible scars. The tissues of the cheek are repositioned in an upward direction. We do the midlift in our accredited office operating room in New York City under light anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The procedure takes about one hour. You may look presentable after one week, but many women take two weeks off before they return to work and to an active social life.

The wonderful effect of the midface lift is that it corrects the flat hollow cheek that comes with age and it restores the round, full, high cheekbone of youth. The midface lift also lifts up the corners of the mouth and improves the look of the lower eyelids.

The midface lift is not for everyone. It does not correct jowls very well and it does not improve the neck. It corrects the flat hollow cheek. If you have significant jowling and a double chin, then you are probably a better candidate for other procedures such as a short scar facelift.

We also improve cheek contour with injectable fillers such as Radiesse, but the results with fillers are more subtle and they are not permanent. The advantage of fillers is that there is no down time.

George J. Beraka, M.D.