Malar fat pad descent

The fat pad that gives the cheeks fullness and height in youth descends under gravity and ligamentous laxity. Cheeks flatten, and the lower lid-to-cheek boundary becomes visible.

SOOF layer laxity

The Sub-Orbicularis Oculi Fat layer loosens and descends forward — increasing the apparent under-eye puffiness and erasing upper cheek fullness.

Nasolabial fold deepening

As malar tissue descends, it loads onto the nasolabial fold — deepening and elongating it. Filler alone cannot permanently correct this; the underlying structure must be repositioned.

Tear trough shadow

As the midface tissue descends, the lid-cheek junction sharpens and creates a persistent shadow beneath the eye — giving a chronically tired appearance.

Facial skeletal resorption

Bone volume loss in the facial skeleton creates less structural support for the overlying soft tissues — compounding the descent of the malar fat pad.

Skin quality change

Collagen and elastin loss reduces skin resilience — accelerating soft tissue descent and making surface changes more visible.

SOOF Lift

The Sub-Orbicularis Oculi Fat layer is directly addressed, suspended upward and laterally. Smooths the lower lid-to-cheek junction, restores upper cheek contour — the defining step that surface-only techniques cannot achieve.

Malar Fat Pad Elevation

The flattened and descended malar tissue is elevated to its anatomical position. Restores the natural cheek height and light reflection the face had in youth.

Endoscopic Mid Facelift

Using an endoscope via temporal scalp or lower lid access, deep midface layers are addressed with minimal scar. Preferred for early-to-moderate midface ageing.

Open Mid Facelift (Combined with Lower Blepharoplasty)

Access via the lower lid incision allows simultaneous correction of under-eye bags and midface laxity — both addressed through a single approach in one session.

Approach selection

Based on the patient's anatomy, the access route is chosen: transconjunctival or subciliary lower lid incision, temporal scalp incision, or endoscopic entry. Each has distinct advantages — no single technique suits every patient.

Deep layer dissection

Dissection proceeds to the periosteal or deep fascial plane — releasing the malar fat pad and SOOF layer. This is the step that superficial techniques omit, and the step that determines longevity.

Vector determination and tissue elevation

The midface tissue is repositioned upward and slightly lateral — toward its youthful anatomical position. The correct vector produces a natural result; an incorrect one creates a swept or operated look.

Deep fixation sutures

Tissues are secured in their new position with deep fixation sutures — load is borne by the deep structures, not the skin. Without this step, tissue re-descends over time.

Closure and volume assessment

Incisions are meticulously closed. If volume deficit is present, fat transfer is added in the same session to complete the three-dimensional rejuvenation.

Cheek descent and flattening

Patients who have lost the cheek projection and height they had in youth — cheeks that have flattened and descended, erasing the natural convexity.

Deep nasolabial folds

Folds between the nose and mouth corners that have deepened as malar tissue descended — not amenable to permanent correction by filler alone.

Visible lid-cheek junction

A pronounced demarcation between the lower lid and cheek — caused by midface tissue descent — creating a persistent shadow beneath the eye.

Early-moderate ageing, healthy lower face

Patients with significant midface ageing but no marked lower face or neck laxity — mid facelift alone may be sufficient without full facelift.

Good general health

No uncontrolled systemic conditions affecting anaesthesia or healing.

Non-smoker / willing to stop

Smoking must stop at least 4 weeks before and after surgery — it directly impairs tissue circulation and healing.

Three-dimensional rejuvenation

Not just skin tightening — the malar fat pad and SOOF are repositioned, re-establishing the three-dimensional structure of the youthful face.

Natural appearance

Tissue lifted in the correct anatomical vector does not look tight, swept, or operated — the patient simply looks fresher and younger.

Permanent nasolabial fold improvement

The nasolabial fold that filler can only temporarily soften is surgically and permanently reduced when the malar tissue is repositioned upward.

Smoothed lid-cheek junction

SOOF elevation softens the sharp lid-cheek demarcation and reduces the persistent shadow beneath the eye.

Concealed incisions

Depending on the approach, incisions are hidden inside the lower lid, within the temporal hairline, or through endoscopic ports — all become invisible in daily life.

Highly combinable

Combines with blepharoplasty, fat transfer, or deep plane facelift in a single session — one anaesthetic, one recovery period, comprehensive result.

Days 1–3

Swelling and bruising peak around the cheeks and eye area. Head kept elevated. Discomfort is mild-to-moderate and managed with oral medication.

Days 4–10

Bruising begins to yellow and fade. Sutures removed at days 5–7. Light indoor activities are manageable.

Weeks 2–3

Most swelling resolves. International patients are typically cleared to fly home at days 12–14. Return to work and daily activities begins.

Weeks 4–6

Swelling largely resolved. Full return to social life. Visible improvement in cheek contour begins to be appreciated.

Months 3–6

Final result established. Cheek contour, lid-cheek junction smoothing, and nasolabial fold improvement are fully visible.

Surgeon's fee

EBOPRAS-certified surgeon, chosen technique

Anaesthesia & theatre

Specialist anaesthetist, accredited hospital

Accommodation if needed

Same-day or one overnight stay

Post-operative follow-up

Suture removal, dressing checks, 12–14 day monitoring

Coordination service

English-speaking team, transfers, 24/7 contact

Fit-to-fly clearance

Final check-up and travel clearance at days 12–14

EBOPRAS Certified

European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery — the highest board certification in European plastic surgery.

ISAPS Member

International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery member.

Facial Aesthetics Only

Not a generalist clinic — a practice focused exclusively on the face.

Three-Dimensional Rejuvenation Philosophy

Not just skin tightening — structural layers are addressed, delivering long-lasting, natural results.

How long does mid facelift surgery take?

As a standalone procedure, approximately 1.5–2 hours. When combined with blepharoplasty or deep plane facelift the duration extends accordingly. Most patients are discharged the same day or after one overnight stay.

How long do mid facelift results last?

According to Op. Dr. Necdet Urhan, deep-plane midface lift results typically last 5–8 years. Natural ageing continues, but the face remains visibly ahead of where it would have been without the procedure.

What is SOOF lift and why does it matter?

SOOF (Sub-Orbicularis Oculi Fat) is the fat layer beneath the orbicularis muscle around the eye. According to Op. Dr. Necdet Urhan, when this layer loosens and descends it increases apparent under-eye puffiness and erases upper cheek fullness. Directly addressing and suspending the SOOF — something superficial techniques cannot achieve — fundamentally improves the lid-to-cheek transition.

Mid facelift or filler — which is right for me?

According to Op. Dr. Necdet Urhan, filler injections offer a temporary solution to volume loss but cannot correct tissue descent. When significant malar descent and nasolabial fold depth are present, surgical repositioning is required. For some patients, a combination of both approaches delivers the best result.

Can mid facelift be combined with blepharoplasty?

Yes — this is one of the most effective combinations. The lower blepharoplasty incision line can simultaneously serve as the access route to the midface; both the under-eye area and cheek are addressed in a single session through a single approach.

Is mid facelift enough, or do I need a full facelift?

According to Op. Dr. Necdet Urhan, this is determined by a full assessment of the face. When mid facelift ageing is present without significant lower face or neck laxity, mid facelift alone is sufficient. If both areas are involved, a more comprehensive plan is indicated.

When can I fly home after mid facelift in Antalya?

International patients should plan a 12–14 day stay in Antalya. Sutures are removed at days 5–7, and a fit-to-fly clearance report is issued at the final check-up at days 12–14.

Is there an age limit for mid facelift?

There is no fixed age limit. Candidacy is based on the degree of malar descent and midface ageing. Due to genetic predisposition or early-onset ageing, patients in their mid-30s can be appropriate candidates; there is no upper age limit.

Will scars be visible?

Depending on the approach, scars are hidden inside the lower lid (transconjunctival — no external scar), within the temporal hairline, or via endoscopic ports within the scalp. In all cases they become invisible in daily life.