A youthful face is defined by smooth lower eyelid-cheek contours, natural cheek projection, and balanced support through the midface. Over time, the deeper tissues of the face gradually descend, causing flattening of the cheeks, deepening of the nasolabial folds, hollowing beneath the eyes, and early facial heaviness.
An endoscopic facelift offers a minimally invasive approach to facial rejuvenation by elevating deeper facial tissues through small, carefully hidden incisions. When treatment is focused specifically on the central face, the procedure is commonly referred to as an endoscopic midface lift or endoscopic cheek lift.
With more than 30 years of experience in oculofacial plastic surgery, Dr. Kristin Tarbet performs advanced facial rejuvenation procedures with special expertise in the delicate relationship between the eyelids, cheeks, and upper face.
What an Endoscopic Facelift Treats
Unlike traditional facelift surgery, which primarily addresses the lower face and jawline, an endoscopic facelift is designed to reposition deeper tissues through limited incisions and endoscopic visualization.
In the upper and midface, this technique improves:
- Descent of the malar fat pad
- Flattening of cheek contour
- Deepening smile lines
- Lower eyelid hollowing
- Early facial heaviness
Because tissue repositioning occurs beneath the skin surface, correction is achieved without the tension sometimes associated with older lifting techniques.
Endoscopic Midface Lift Anatomy
The midface contains several critical support structures, including:
- malar fat pad
- suborbicularis oculi fat (SOOF)
- orbicularis muscle
- retaining ligaments
As these structures descend, the lid-cheek junction elongates and facial contours lose youthful support.
Through an endoscopic midface lift, these tissues are released and elevated to restore:
- cheek volume
- lower eyelid support
- softer nasolabial folds
- smoother facial contour
Surgical Technique
Small incisions are placed within the hairline or natural upper facial creases. Using endoscopic magnification, the deeper facial tissues are released and elevated under direct visualization.
The lifted tissues are secured in a superior position to restore structural support while preserving natural facial expression.
In selected patients, bioabsorbable Endotine fixation may be used to stabilize the repositioned tissues during healing.
This support allows:
- even tissue fixation
- reduced focal tension
- stable healing during tissue attachment
The fixation device gradually dissolves as healing progresses naturally
Why Oculofacial Expertise Matters
The midface and lower eyelids function as one anatomical unit.
Because of this, facial lifting in this area requires precise understanding of:
- lower eyelid support
- orbital anatomy
- cheek projection
- facial symmetry
Dr. Kristin Tarbet applies 30 years of oculofacial plastic surgery expertise to preserve natural expression while restoring youthful support.
Recovery After Endoscopic Facial Lifting
Patients typically experience:
- swelling for 1–2 weeks
- bruising through the cheeks and lower eyelids
- temporary tightness
- mild numbness near incision sites
Most patients return to normal social activity within 7–14 days depending on the extent of correction.
Final tissue settling continues over several months.
Ideal Candidates
Patients often benefit from endoscopic facelift surgery when they notice:
- cheeks appearing flatter
- deepening smile lines
- hollowing beneath the eyes
- early facial descent without major neck laxity
This procedure is particularly effective when aging is concentrated in the upper and midface.
