As we age, our cheeks—also known as the midface—sag and eye bags begin to appear. The loss of volume and weakening of facial muscles causes the midface to drag downward. Other signs of aging include squaring of the jaw, exaggerated nasolabial folds and hollowed cheeks. The Micromidfacelift, a new, minimally-invasive midface lift procedure, addresses these common signs of aging by elevating volumes in the cheeks back into a more youthful position. Patients who qualify for this cosmetic procedure, currently available only at W Cosmetic Surgery® in Philadelphia, notice natural-looking results with minimal scarring and downtime and a long duration of effect.
What is a Midface Lift?
Dr. Allan Wulc, Lead Cosmetic Surgeon at W Cosmetic Surgery, developed the Micromidfacelift, which utilizes a revolutionary technique and small surgical tools. Dr. Wulc and his father, an engineer, designed a patented surgical “wand” that allows for smaller incisions and easier tunneling underneath the skin. His approach to midface lift surgery challenges the preconceived notions surrounding the traditional facelift and other midface lift procedures.
Micromidfacelift is a less invasive alternative to the traditional facelift and the incisions for this procedure are smaller than those in commonly advertised procedures such as the Lifestyle LiftⓇ or the MAC’s lift.
We highly recommend the Micromidfacelift to patients who are:
- Afraid that a traditional full facelift might drastically alter their appearance
- Striving for natural results—not over-correction or over-tightening of the skin
- No longer satisfied or can no longer achieve the desired results from fillers and Botox®
- Looking for a minimal downtime procedure with long-lasting results
Micromidfacelift Surgery Results
View some of the transformative results that a Micromidfacelift procedure has had on our patients. Many of these patients have had additional procedures such as a brow lift, eyelid surgery, or liposculpture, in addition to a Micromidfacelift procedure.
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
Your micro midface lift procedure. What to expect.
Micromidfacelift surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, usually under local anesthesia or with a deeper anesthetic based on patient preference and general health. The procedure is performed by making a few small, hidden incisions around and above the hairline. Using small surgical tools, such as an endoscope (telescope) and sutures, or with a patented device (currently used as an investigative tool in clinical trials), Dr. Wulc tunnels under the skin to find the “sweet spots” that elevate and rejuvenate the lower eyes and cheeks. These are the same spots that we often lift in the mirror and that provide satisfying alterations in any aging face. Once these sweet spots are found, sutures are employed to elevate facial sagging and reverse the effects of gravity. The incisions are then closed.
While the wand is helpful, the technique can be done by a skilled surgeon without it and we have over 20 years of experience with this technique.
Patients who undergo this procedure experience minimal discomfort after the surgery and can usually return to work within seven to ten days. The effects of this procedure in a clinical study that we have coauthored appear to last for more than a decade. However, no single patient or surgery is exactly the same. During the initial consultation with Dr. Wulc, we will design a surgical plan with you to best achieve your desired outcome, which may include more than just a Micromidfacelift. Additional surgical procedures that may be performed with a Micromidfacelift include the following:
- Endoscopic brow lift
- Upper and lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
- Fat injection (liposculpture)
- Laser skin resurfacing
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Case Studies
A physician undergoes the micromidfacelift and shares his experience
Dr. Ted Kline leads a healthy, active lifestyle. He eats well. He exercises. He’s never smoked. But as Ted entered his late 50s and early 60s, he became increasingly aware of his drooping eyelids. After giving serious thought to the idea of cosmetic surgery, Ted decided to consult with his longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Allan Wulc of W Cosmetic Surgery.
“I’ve known Dr. Wulc for years, and I have always admired his meticulous surgical technique and sense of artistry,” said Ted. “He has a great bedside manner and an unwavering conviction that excellent patient care is job one.”
One of Ted’s concerns is common from men who are considering cosmetic surgery: he didn’t want to trade visible signs of age for conspicuous signs of cosmetic surgery. He was familiar with photos of celebrities and public figures where it was apparent that they’ve had some work done. That was exactly what Ted hoped to avoid. “I wanted to look natural but refreshed,” said Ted. “That’s precisely the approach Dr. Wulc pursued, and it’s one of the reasons he is so well respected.”
Once Ted made the decision to have surgery, he met with Dr. Wulc and his nurse Debbie Tuccillo. Over several appointments they addressed his concerns and developed a plan. “ Initially, I felt a little shy about discussing it, but Dr. Wulc and his staff made it very comfortable for me to do so.”
The literal artistry of a great cosmetic surgeon is a key to making corrections that appear natural. Being a bit of a renaissance man , as well as a long-time painter and sculptor, Dr. Wulc uses techniques similar to those of a visual artist, and he blends them with his surgical skills. Like an illustrator or figure painter, Dr. Wulc studied several photographs of Ted when he was in his 20s and 30s. This provided a better understanding of Ted’s baseline anatomy, and it served as an important reference for making corrections to Ted’s eyes that appeared natural.
In addition to looking at photos of a younger Ted, Dr. Wulc took numerous photographs and made detailed measurements of Ted’s face. Most importantly, they asked him what he wanted to achieve with the surgery, as realistic expectations are crucial to a good surgical outcome.”
“Dr. Wulc and Debbie spent a great deal of time with me,” said Ted. “They showed genuine concern for my well being. Additionally, they are meticulous in preparing you for the surgical procedure and recovery. This is so important, as it’s the teamwork between patient and physician that leads to the desired outcome.”
Throughout the entire experience–which also included face tightening and cheek filler–Dr. Wulc and his staff put the patient first, and they were easily reached when questions arose. Ted’s follow-up care included daily contact, selfie photographs to track progress, and regular office evaluations beginning two days after the surgery. Nurse Tuccillo even called on Christmas day to see how Ted was feeling.
Ted returned to work pleased with the results and confident in his natural appearance. He got exactly what he was looking for: an improved appearance that was simply and authentically him. It didn’t create the unwanted attention that might come from a more obvious change.
When people notice a difference without knowing the difference. That, according to Ted, is the highest praise a cosmetic surgeon can get.