Quick Summary
- An endoscopic mid-facelift lifts sagging cheek tissue to restore youthful contours and soften early signs of facial aging.
- The procedure may improve nasolabial folds, early jowling, the corners of the mouth, and the transition between the lower eyelids and cheeks.
- Small incisions are concealed behind the hairline and inside the mouth, avoiding visible facial scars.
- Most patients return to work and regular activities within approximately one to two weeks, although recovery varies.
- Fante Eye & Face Center personalizes each cheek lift based on the patient’s facial anatomy, degree of aging, and overall rejuvenation goals.
An endoscopic mid-facelift, also called a cheek lift, is a minimally invasive facial rejuvenation cosmetic procedure designed to lift sagging cheeks, soften the folds that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth, improve early jowling, and restore more youthful cheek contours. By lifting the midface rather than only tightening the lower face, this procedure can help create a more refreshed appearance while avoiding visible incisions.
Fante Eye & Face Center offers endoscopic mid-facelift surgery for patients in Denver, Greenwood Village, and the surrounding Colorado communities. Dr. Robert Fante is among the innovators who helped create and refine the endoscopic mid-facelift and has published peer-reviewed articles and lectured on the subject to physicians in the United States, South America, and Europe. Both Dr. Levitt and Dr. Huang are ASOPRS-trained surgeons and ASOPRS Candidate Members, enabling patients to receive thoughtful, highly specialized care for facial rejuvenation.
What is a Mid-facelift (Cheek Lift)?
Also known as a cheek lift, this procedure lifts sagging cheeks, smooths out the furrows that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth, and lifts the corners of the mouth. It helps improve early jowling and also helps reverse and camouflage aging changes below the eyes. For many of us, aging causes the shape of the face to become more oval. The mid-facelift restores a more triangular shape with the youthful appearance of higher cheekbones. Since the procedure involves no visible incisions, this minimally invasive midface lift is very popular among both men and women.
It can be done on its own or in combination with other procedures, such as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), a brow lift, a full facelift, or laser skin resurfacing.
To learn more, review the different facelift variations available at Fante Eye & Face Center.

Mid-facelift Vs Full Facelift
Candidates for a Mid-facelift
You are are a good candidate if you’re:
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Over 30
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In good general health
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Realistic in your expectations of the outcome
The Endoscopic Mid-facelift Procedure
“Endoscopic” means using an endoscope, a narrow surgical tube with a tiny fiber-optic lens and a tiny camera at one end. It’s connected to a television monitor, and our doctors can see a close-up view of what they’re working on.
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Tiny incisions are made, inside the mouth on each side, and at each temple, behind the hairline.
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The fat pads and muscles of the cheeks are lifted up to the cheekbones, where they belong. This also lifts the corners of the mouth, smoothes out those furrows at the sides of the mouth (called nasolabial creases), and improves the junction of the cheek and lower eyelid.
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Special sutures are inserted to hold the tissues in place.
Depending on your specific circumstances, your procedure can take anywhere from 60-90 minutes.
What Are the Benefits of an Endoscopic Facelift?
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Smaller, hidden incisions
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Rapid surgery: 1-2 hours
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Less bleeding
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No hair loss
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Minimal numbness
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Quicker recovery
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Natural appearance
Is Anesthetic Used During Mid-facelift Surgery?
It can be done with either a local anesthetic combined with some IV sedation, or with general anesthesia. Our team will discuss this with you.
Can Cheek Lift Surgery Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Yes. A mid face lift is often done in conjunction with other procedures, such as:
You can ask our doctors about combinations you’d like to have, and discuss the possibilities before anything is done.
Alternatives To An Endoscopic Mid-Facelift
An endoscopic mid-facelift may not be the best option for every patient. Depending on your concerns, our doctors may recommend alternatives such as a full facelift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, skin resurfacing, fillers, Botox, or other nonsurgical facial rejuvenation treatments.
For example, patients with more advanced lower-face or neck laxity may benefit more from a facelift or neck lift, while patients with volume loss or fine lines may be better suited for fillers or skin treatments. During your consultation, our doctors can help determine whether a cheek lift or another option is most appropriate for your anatomy, goals, and recovery preferences.
What Should I Expect After My Endoscopic Mid-facelift Surgery?
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You can go home the same day, though you’ll need someone to drive you.
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A pressure dressing stays on for a couple of days.
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There’s mild bruising, swelling and numbness which goes away within a couple of weeks. You will use icepacks for the first day or two to facilitate recovery.
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Most sutures dissolve but you’ll have an appointment for follow-up at about one week after surgery.
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You can be back at work and normal activity after a week or so.
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For the first several nights afterwards, sleep with your head elevated.
Get lots of sleep and rest and don’t worry about things; that will help you heal more quickly.
Typically, the recovery period for most facial surgery lasts about 2 weeks. However, for many people who have endoscopic mid face lift, the recovery time is shorter than 2 weeks.
Will I Have Scarring From My Cheek Lift?
All incisions leave scars. For a mid facelift, skin incisions are placed behind the hairline, so the small residual scars can be easily covered by your hair. Another pair of small incisions are made inside your upper lip, and so are never visible to anyone but your dentist.
We’re all different when it comes to scarring, and it’s partly determined by our heredity. Some of us form small, faded scars rather easily. Others form larger, more pigmented scars. This is not easily predictable.
Your surgeon will make the incisions as small and discreet as possible for the best overall outcome for you. Each mid-face lift is individualized, and you can discuss scarring concerns with our team before any procedure begins.
How Long Do Cheek Lift Results Last?
The results of an endoscopic mid-facelift are long-lasting, and the vast majority people are very pleased with their softened and subtly more youthful look.
The Risks of Mid-Facelift Surgery
Most people have no complications after a mid facelift, and of the problems that do appear, most are minor. Our doctors will discuss possible risks with you before you proceed with the procedure, including bleeding, infection, numbness, and asymmetry. You can further minimize risk by following your doctor’s advice and instructions during your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
It may soften under-eye hollowing and improve the transition between the lower eyelids and cheeks by lifting descended midface tissue. However, prominent under-eye bags, excess eyelid skin, or significant volume loss may require eyelid surgery, fat grafting, or another complementary treatment.
A mid-facelift primarily repositions the deeper tissues of the cheeks rather than removing substantial amounts of loose skin. Patients with more advanced laxity along the jawline or neck may benefit more from a full facelift, neck lift, or combination procedure.
Initial improvement becomes more visible as bruising and swelling subside. The cheeks and surrounding tissues may continue to settle over the following weeks and months. Results can remain noticeable for years, although the face will continue to age naturally.
Why Choose Fante Eye & Face Center for an Endoscopic Mid-Facelift?
Endoscopic mid-facelift surgery requires a detailed understanding of facial anatomy, facial aging, and the relationship between the cheeks, lower eyelids, and mouth. At Fante Eye & Face Center, our doctors approach cheek lift surgery with the goal of restoring natural midface support rather than creating a pulled or overdone appearance.
This procedure is a particular area of distinction for the practice. Dr. Robert Fante helped innovate and refine the endoscopic mid-facelift technique and has taught other physicians about the procedure nationally and internationally. Alongside Dr. Alexandra Levitt and Dr. Amy Huang, the practice offers patients access to a team with advanced training in oculofacial plastic surgery and a strong understanding of both cosmetic facial balance and functional anatomy.
Because the midface is closely connected to the eyelids, cheeks, and lower face, our doctors can also evaluate whether a cheek lift should be performed alone or combined with another procedure, such as eyelid surgery, brow lift, facelift, or laser skin resurfacing.
Endoscopic Mid-Facelift Consultation in Denver, Greenwood Village, Castle Pines and Highlands Ranch
If sagging cheeks, deep nasolabial folds, early jowling, or aging changes beneath the eyes are affecting your appearance, Fante Eye & Face Center can help you explore whether an endoscopic mid-facelift is right for you. Our doctors will evaluate your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and review your surgical and nonsurgical treatment options so you can make an informed decision.
To book a consultation with Fante Eye & Face Center in Denver, CO, serving patients from Greenwood Village, Castle Pines and the surrounding communities, call (303) 839-1616 today.