Facial Procedures - Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension

Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension

A MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension) is a minimally invasive cosmetic plastic surgery procedure that improves the appearance of the mid face and lower thirds of the face by repositioning the face soft tissues of the cheeks to a more youthful natural looking position (“Face Lift-like effect”). This procedure improves the descend of the midface that starts happening with aging; laugh lines (nasolabial folds) and the jowls. This procedure is often combined with fat transfer to the cheeks to enhance the appearance of the midface and lower lid cheek junction transition. MIMS is indicated in patients with midface soft tissue descend who don’t have significant excess of facial skin or excessive skin laxity.

Dr. Long performs the surgery usually under local anesthesia, but also can performs it under general anesthesia. MIMS usually takes about 2 hours to complete depending on the extent of the procedure.

Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension FAQ:

What is a MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension)?

A MIMS is a surgical procedure to rejuvenate the midface and lower face by reversing the changes caused by the natural process of aging and gravity on the midface. With a MIMS the midface is vertically repositioned to a more youthful position, thus “turning back the clock” and making you look and feel years younger.

How can a MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension) enhance my appearance?

A MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension) can help you look as good as you feel, younger than your age, and restore smoother, more pleasing contours to your face. This is accomplished by:

Repositioning the midface soft tissues to a more youthful location
Improving the midface soft tissue fullness
Improving the laugh lines (nasolabial folds) and jowls
Giving you a more convex midface appearance

Who is a candidate for a MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension) Dr. James Long, MD?

You are an ideal candidate for a MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension) with Dr. James Long, MD if you are in good health and do not smoke. If you have mild to mild/moderate midface soft tissue sagging and/or mild to mild/moderate jowl formation you will have excellent results. If you have strong facial bones and features (e.g., chin and cheekbones), you will most likely have an even better result.

Although a MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension) can temporarily set back the clock, no cosmetic procedure can permanently prevent the effects of aging.

In combination with your MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension), you may select other procedures to achieve the results you desire, e.g., fat injections (autologous fat transfer), chemical peel (TCA Chemical peel), etc.

How is a MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension) performed?

Dr. James Long, MD will perform your MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension) with a complete medical examination in advance of planning surgery. Your skin will be evaluated based on thickness, texture and elasticity along with the severity of the midface soft tissue sagging and skin excess and laxity. Dr. James Long, MD will evaluate your facial structure and shape. This is a crucial element in facial aging and therefore, rejuvenation.

Generally, Dr. James Long, MD performs your MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension) with a discreet, well-hidden ¼ inch incision inside temporal hair bearing scalp line few inches above the ear. The incision is designed to allow you to show off your beautiful results without being worried about or having to hide your scar. Through this incision, Dr. James Long introduces the MIMS needle and the suspension sutures that ultimately will restore your midface and to a more youthful position, while improving your laugh lines and jowls at the same time. After repositioning the midface, the small incisions are closed and a small dressing is applied to the face to minimize swelling. The MIMS procedure is not a “Russian Thread lift”.

Where is MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension) plastic surgery performed?

Dr. James Long, MD almost always performs your MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension) as an outpatient surgical procedure. Most of the patients are comfortable undergoing the procedure under local anesthesia without general anesthesia or IV sedation. You will recover quickly after surgery and normally go home the same day. If you are having multiple procedures, you may need to stay overnight. You will need to have a close friend or family member drive you to and from the surgery center and care for you for the first 24-48 hours.

What other procedures may be performed along with a MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension)?

Neck Lift: to repair of visible neck muscle bands, removing excess fat deposits, and smoothing loose skin.
Fat injection (autologous fat transfer) is a wonderful, minimally invasive way to restore shape and fullness to areas around the eyes, the cheeks, the temples, and lips.
Eyelid Lift surgery (blepharoplasty) is often performed to reduce heaviness and loose skin in the upper eyelids. Treatment of the lower eyelids will include filling out the deep creases to eliminate the tired look. This along with fat injection will brighten your eyes and energize your whole face.
Chemical peels may be done to smooth wrinkle lines in the lips, cheeks and forehead.
After facial rejuvenation, maintaining and improving the quality of your skin is very important. Periodic use of microdermabrasion, and peels along with daily use of a good skin care regimen are essential to maintaining your result. Skin care is often discussed as part of your surgical plan.

How long does MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension) plastic surgery operation take?

A MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension) Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon Dr. James Long may take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. Dr. James Long will consult with you to fully outline any pre-surgical requirements, what procedures we will be performing and what you can expect afterward.

What can I expect after a MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension)?

Bruising and swelling are common after your MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension). Each patient is different, but for most, these side effects normally resolve within 2-3 weeks. We remove your bandages the next day after, and place you in a face and neck garment that should be wore for at least 7 days. Sutures are usually removed 5 or 7 days after surgery.

It is extremely important that your newly rejuvenated midface to be protected from sun damage after surgery. Avoid sun exposure, wear a broad-brimmed hat, and liberally apply SPF 50 or stronger sunscreen as instructed by Dr. Long.

How long is recovery a MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension)?

Very likely, you’ll be able to return to work in about 2 weeks. You should wait 4 to 6 weeks or longer before participating in strenuous activity and exercise. You may need special makeup to camouflage any bruising for a short time. Final healing may take up to 3 months and will continue to improve over the next year. We will closely follow your progress to ensure a smooth recovery.

When will I see results MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension)?

Within a week, you should see a significant improvement. Once the swelling and bruising are gone, you may have minor scars that are hidden by your hair. These too, will fade over time. Gradually, your new, younger face will emerge a few weeks after surgery. Most of our patients enjoy the benefits of a MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension) for many years. Depending on your age, you may have more than one MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension) in your lifetime.

Why choose Dr. Long for my MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension)?

Dr. Long is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, neck, breast and body. His residency and fellowship training followed by teaching at prestigious institutions have given him a unique set of skills to perform cosmetic surgery. Dr. Long wants his patients look their best and is dedicated to helping them achieve their personal, social, and professional goals by providing natural looking results.

Why go to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for your MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension)?

Practitioners who are not residency trained and Board Certified to perform MIMS (Minimally Invasive Midface Suspension) have been found to have a higher rate of surgical complications. Among the most common patient complaints are minimal to no improvement, asymmetries, wound healing problems or worse. Always look for a surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Look for the ASPS logo, The Symbol of Excellence.