Lower Blepharoplasty vs. Mid-Face Lift: Differences

Lower Blepharoplasty vs. Mid-Face Lift: Differences
Two Paths to Rejuvenated Under-Eyes

Hello,

This is Dr. J from Cheongdam SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic.

Under-eye sagging and wrinkles are

among the first signs of aging

to appear as we get older.

Two common surgical procedures to address these issues are

lower blepharoplasty and mid-face lift.

Many people are unsure of the exact differences

between these two procedures and often confuse them.

Today, we will delve into the differences and commonalities

between these two surgeries and

discuss when to choose which procedure.

# Lower Blepharoplasty: Neatly Addressing Under-Eye Fatigue

Lower blepharoplasty is a surgery that

focuses on the lower eyelid,

primarily correcting bulging under-eye fat, sagging skin,

and dark circles.

✅ Main Objectives

- Removal or repositioning of prominent under-eye fat

- Restoration of elasticity through excision of sagging skin and muscle

- Alleviation of dark circles and improvement of skin texture

✅ Surgical Methods

- Transconjunctival Incision:

Fat removal and repositioning through

an incision inside the lower eyelid (conjunctiva).

Leaves no visible scar,

suitable for younger individuals aged 20-40s.

- Transcutaneous Incision:

Incision made below the eyelashes to

correct fat and skin simultaneously.

Recommended for individuals aged 50 and above

with significant loss of skin elasticity.

✅ Suitable Cases

Individuals whose prominent under-eye fat makes their impression

appear dark.

&

Individuals with deep under-eye wrinkles or

severe dark circles.

# Mid-Face Lift: Comprehensive Lifting of Cheeks and Nasolabial Folds

The mid-face refers to the area

from below the eyes to the tip of the nose (apple zone).

Lifting this area

simultaneously addresses under-eye sagging,

cheek sagging, and nasolabial folds.

✅ Main Objectives

- Restoration of sagging cheek tissue (fat and muscle) to its original position

- Improvement of Indian folds and nasolabial folds

- Mid-face volume enhancement to

restore a youthful facial contour.

✅ Surgical Methods

- Lower Blepharoplasty Approach:

Fixation of cheek tissue through an incision below the eye.

Enables simultaneous correction of under-eye and mid-face.

- Endotine Lifting:

Tissue fixation using biodegradable materials.

→ No scars, effects last approximately 3-5 years.

- Enhanced Durability:

Tightening of the sagging fascial layer

to maintain results for a longer period.

✅ Suitable Cases

Individuals with sagging cheeks below the cheekbones,

resulting in Indian folds.

&

Individuals with volume loss after zygoma reduction surgery.

✨ Commonality vs. Differences Between the Two Surgeries

💡 Key Difference 💡

Lower blepharoplasty addresses ‘only the under-eye area’,

while a mid-face lift addresses ‘the under-eye area + cheeks + wrinkles’!

# Which Surgery is Right for Me? Situation-Specific Selection Guide

✅ Cases where Lower Blepharoplasty is more suitable

- When under-eye fat protrudes, causing severe dark circles.

- Individuals in their 20s-40s with good skin elasticity but sagging under-eyes.

- When you want to minimize surgical burden and recovery time.

✅ Cases where Mid-Face Lift is more suitable

- When cheeks are sagging, leading to deep nasolabial folds and Indian folds.

- When comprehensive mid-face rejuvenation is needed for individuals aged 40 and above.

- When volume loss below the cheekbones makes the face appear longer.

✅ Recommended Combined Surgery

If you have both under-eye fat and mid-face sagging simultaneously,

a combination of lower blepharoplasty + mid-face lift

is optimal.

# Key Tips for a Successful Surgery

✅ Essential Consultation with a Specialist

- For lower blepharoplasty, choose an oculoplastic surgeon/plastic surgeon.

- For mid-face lift, choose a plastic surgeon proficient in facial anatomy.

- A plan must be established after accurately analyzing the cause of sagging (fat, muscle, ligament).

✅ Managing Side Effects

- The extent of dissection must be carefully controlled to prevent damage to facial and trigeminal nerves.

- To prevent dry eyes,

an ophthalmological examination (tear secretion, etc.)

is required beforehand.

✅ Post-Surgical Care

Wear a compression bandage for 3-7 days to

minimize swelling.

Avoid rubbing eyes and using a hairdryer's

heat for 2 weeks.

Lower blepharoplasty addresses ‘only the under-eye area’, while a mid-face lift addresses ‘the entire mid-face’!

Depending on age and the extent of sagging,

choosing one or combining them

can create a more natural and youthful face.

The under-eye and mid-face areas influence

70% of one's facial impression.

By understanding the differences between the two surgeries

and choosing the method that suits you,

we hope you regain bright and vibrant eyes😊

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