Over time, it is natural for the skin to lose elasticity and volume, especially in the central region of the face, known as the midface. This loss of support can result in a tired, aged appearance.
Midface filling has emerged as a solution to restore volume and improve facial contour, providing visible rejuvenation.
In this article, we discuss who this procedure is indicated for, how it is performed, what its benefits are and the postoperative care needed to achieve the best result. Read on!
What is the midface?
The midface is a central region essential to facial harmony and aesthetics, located between the eyebrows and the base of the nose and encompassing the cheekbones.
This region is responsible for supporting the facial structure and is the first to suffer from the loss of volume and skin firmness as we age.
When is midface filling indicated?
Midface filling is indicated in cases of facial volume loss, which is common with aging or after significant weight loss.
Volume loss in this region can accentuate the nasolabial fold and create a tired, aged appearance.
The procedure is recommended for people who want to soften expression lines and improve facial contour.
How is the filling performed?
Midface filling can be performed with hyaluronic acid or through facial fat grafting. Each technique has its own particularities and benefits; see below:
Filling with hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid filling is performed by injecting the substance at strategic points, such as the cheekbones, with the aim of redefining the contour and providing a rejuvenated appearance.
It is applied after local anesthesia, using fine needles or cannulas. The process takes between 30 minutes and one hour, with immediately visible results that can last from 6 to 18 months.
Filling with facial fat grafting
Facial fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, is a procedure that uses the patient's own fat to restore facial volume. First, the fat is harvested from an area of the body where there is excess, such as the abdomen or thighs, through gentle liposuction.
After harvesting, the fat is processed and purified before being injected into the face. Fat grafting offers natural, long-lasting results, since the grafted fat integrates with the existing tissue.
The procedure also takes about an hour, depending on the amount of fat to be transferred, and the results are visible immediately, although the final effect is seen after a few weeks, once the swelling subsides.
Hyaluronic acid filling is ideal for those seeking immediate, reversible results, with the possibility of precise adjustments to the volumization. Facial fat grafting, on the other hand, offers a longer-lasting, more natural solution, using the body's own fat to rejuvenate the face with a personalized touch.
Therefore, both techniques are effective for restoring volume and rejuvenating the midface, and the choice between them depends on the patient's characteristics and the surgeon's recommendation.
Benefits of midface filling
Midface filling restores lost volume, softens lines and wrinkles, and improves the contour of the cheeks, resulting in a rested, more youthful expression.
In some cases, blepharoplasty alone may not be enough to correct sagging or volume loss around the eyes; in these cases, midface filling can be combined with it, providing a smoother transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek.
Postoperative care
After midface filling, it is essential to follow specific care to ensure a smooth recovery and optimize the results. The main recommendations include:
- avoiding intense physical activity for at least 24 hours;
- protecting the treated area from direct sun exposure;
- not massaging the area in the first few hours after the procedure.
Mild swelling and bruising are common and can be relieved by applying cold compresses. Most patients can resume their normal activities quickly, usually the day after the procedure.
If you want to rejuvenate your face and restore facial harmony safely and effectively, consider midface filling. Book a consultation with Dr. Rogério Leal for a personalized assessment!
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation. Whether any procedure is indicated depends on an in-person assessment, case by case. CRM SP 90.116 | RQE 11.350.
