MID FACELIFT IN NYC

Lift Your Cheeks. Restore Your Glow. Look Like You.

As we age, gravity and time take a quiet but steady toll on the face. One of the first areas to show it? The midface—the region stretching from your lower eyelids to your upper lip. When the natural fat pads in the cheeks begin to descend, you lose youthful volume, your under-eyes may appear hollow, and deeper folds begin to form around the nose and mouth. If your cheeks feel flatter or you look more tired even when you're not, a mid facelift in NYC could be the ideal solution.

Dr. Robert Schwarcz, a double board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon, performs the mid facelift with surgical precision and artistic restraint. Focused on subtle, natural-looking enhancement, this procedure targets sagging in the middle third of the face by lifting the cheeks, smoothing nasolabial folds, and restoring fullness to the under-eye area. Performed in his private JCAHO-accredited surgical suite on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, the procedure is designed to help you look refreshed, not different.

What Is a Mid Facelift?

A mid facelift—sometimes referred to as a cheek lift—is a surgical procedure that elevates the tissues of the midface to a more youthful, lifted position. Unlike a traditional facelift, which focuses on the lower face and jawline, a mid facelift targets the area from the lower eyelids to the corners of the mouth. This makes it especially effective for treating deep nasolabial folds, flat or sunken cheeks, and early jowling that doesn't yet require a full facelift.

Over time, the fat pads in the cheeks begin to slide downward. This not only deflates the upper cheek area but also contributes to a shadowed or hollow look beneath the eyes and increased heaviness around the mouth. The mid facelift addresses these changes by repositioning the underlying facial structures—not just the skin—back to their original, youthful placement. By lifting the cheeks vertically rather than pulling the skin laterally, Dr. Schwarcz creates a natural result that brightens the entire face without distortion.

Why the Midface Ages First

The midface is composed of fat pads, ligaments, and muscles that work together to support facial volume and expression. Unfortunately, this region is one of the earliest to experience the effects of aging. With time, the fat pads lose their structural support and begin to descend, creating a sunken or hollow appearance. The result is a flattening of the cheeks, deeper smile lines, and tired-looking eyes—even when your forehead and jawline still look youthful.

The aging process in this area can be especially frustrating because it's difficult to treat non-surgically. Fillers can temporarily restore volume, but they don’t address the actual descent of the tissue. And when used improperly, they can lead to puffiness or an unnatural look. For patients in their 40s, 50s, or early 60s who aren’t yet ready for a full facelift but want more than temporary filler solutions, a mid facelift offers the perfect in-between.

Are You a Good Candidate?

A mid facelift may be right for you if you’ve noticed a deflated or sagging look in your cheeks, prominent nasolabial folds, or hollowing under your eyes. Ideal candidates are those in good general health, who don’t smoke, and who have realistic expectations for improvement. Many patients are looking to refresh their appearance, not to look dramatically different.

During your consultation, Dr. Schwarcz will assess your facial structure, review old photos, and discuss what changes have occurred over time. He’ll evaluate whether your aging is isolated to the midface or if a combination of procedures—such as lower eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat transfer—might give you the most balanced result. He'll always guide you toward a plan that looks natural and feels authentic to who you are.

How the Procedure Is Performed

A mid facelift with Dr. Schwarcz is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your comfort level and whether additional procedures are being done at the same time. Surgery takes place in our fully accredited JCAHO-certified surgical suite in Manhattan, ensuring safety, privacy, and personalized care.

The surgical technique may vary slightly depending on your anatomy and goals, but most mid facelifts involve small incisions hidden either within the lower eyelid (transconjunctival approach) or just inside the hairline. Through these discreet entry points, Dr. Schwarcz lifts and repositions the cheek fat pads and surrounding structures to restore volume and smooth out creases. If needed, he may also remove small pockets of fat or tighten the surrounding muscle for added support.

This vertical elevation is key—it lifts the cheeks upward, rather than pulling them outward, which is what gives the result its subtle, natural elegance. The incisions are then meticulously closed and bandaged, and you’ll be moved to recovery for monitoring before being released home—or to private post-op care—for rest.

The Recovery Experience

Healing from a mid facelift is typically straightforward, especially when performed on its own. Mild to moderate swelling and bruising around the cheeks and eyes is common during the first week. Any discomfort is usually manageable with oral pain medication, and patients are encouraged to rest with their head elevated and avoid bending or heavy lifting during the early phase of recovery.

Most patients feel ready to return to light social activities and work in about 10 to 14 days. The incisions, whether inside the hairline or lower eyelid, are nearly invisible once healed. Swelling continues to subside over the course of several weeks, with final results typically visible by the two to three-month mark.

You’ll attend follow-up appointments with Dr. Schwarcz to monitor healing, remove sutures if necessary, and discuss any additional treatments or skincare guidance to support your results long-term.

What Results Can You Expect?

The results of a mid facelift are often described as subtle but powerful. You’ll notice a brighter, more youthful expression—cheeks that appear fuller, under-eyes that look smoother, and folds around the nose and mouth that are softened. Because the lift is focused on the structural tissues, not just the skin, the effect is both natural and long-lasting.

What’s more, because the midface plays such a central role in the overall balance of your features, a mid facelift can enhance the look of your entire face. Patients often find they look more rested, more approachable, and even a little happier—without looking like they’ve had anything “done.”

Complementary Procedures

To further refine your results or address other areas of the face, you may consider combining your mid facelift with:

• Facial Fat Transfer

• Lower Blepharoplasty

• Upper Blepharoplasty

• CO2 Laser Resurfacing

• Endoscopic Brow Lift

Alternative Procedures

For patients looking for less invasive options, or for those with early signs of aging, alternatives include:

• Dermal Fillers to the cheeks and under-eye area

• Morpheus8 for skin tightening and collagen stimulation

• Sculptra to gradually rebuild facial volume

These options can delay the need for surgery but cannot reposition tissues like a surgical mid facelift can.

Why Choose Dr. Robert Schwarcz?

Dr. Schwarcz is a double board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience in facial rejuvenation. With practices in both Manhattan and Rye, NY, he’s known for his ability to blend surgical skill with a deep understanding of facial aesthetics. His patients seek him out for his nuanced approach—he enhances without altering, lifts without exaggerating, and always prioritizes results that honor your unique features.

Every surgery is performed by Dr. Schwarcz himself in a private, hospital-grade operating suite with concierge-style care from the moment you arrive. From consultation through recovery, you’ll have his undivided attention and expert eye guiding your transformation.

Take the Next Step Toward Subtle, Stunning Rejuvenation

If your cheeks have started to sag or your eyes look more tired than they feel, a mid facelift may be the perfect procedure to restore balance and youthfulness to your face. Click the Request an Appointment button below to schedule your consultation with Dr. Schwarcz and take the first step toward a lifted, luminous you.