Investigation of the Longevity of the Endoscopic Midface Lift

Importance: To our knowledge, until now, the efficacy and durability of the transtemporal endoscopic preperiosteal midface lift has not been reported in the literature. Objective: To determine the efficacy and longevity of the endoscopic preperiosteal midface lift using objective measurements and validated aesthetic scales. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective review included patients 18 years or older who were treated for aging midface by endoscopic midface lift by the senior author (A.E.W.) between June 2000 and August 2016. Patients were categorized based on length of follow-up into 3 groups: (1) short-term (1-3 years), (2) intermediate-term (3-5 years), and (3) long-term (>5 years). Interventions or Exposures: Endoscopic preperiosteal midface lift. Main Outcomes and Measures: (1) Objective measurements of midfacial height (the width of the interzygomatic distance of the midface to the medial canthus [WIZDOM-MC]), (2) validated regional aesthetic scales, and (3) global aesthetic scoring systems measured preoperatively, 3 to 6 months postoperatively, and at the most recent follow-up visit. Results: Adult patients 18 years or older (median [range] age, 59 [31-79] years) who were treated for aging midface by undergoing an endoscopic midface lift were included in this study. The medical records of 143 patients were reviewed (135 women and 8 men). The endoscopic midface lift resulted in objective improvement in midfacial height. The median WIZDOM-MC decreased by 3.4 mm after the endoscopic midface lift (interquartile range [IQR], 2.3-4.4 mm; P <.001), thus shortening the elongated lower eyelid. At 5 to 15 years after surgery, there was a sustained decrease in median WIZDOM-MC of 2.1 mm (IQR, 0.8-3.1 mm; P <.001). Improvement in the infraorbital hollow was also sustained in patients at more than 5 years' follow-up (IQR, 0-1.0; P <.001). Improvements in upper cheek fullness and lower cheek fullness were maintained at 3 to 5 years and tended to be at baseline at more than 5 years. Global aesthetic improvement scores remained significantly improved at 5 to 15 years' follow-up. Conclusions and Relevance: There is a significant, objective improvement in midfacial height after the endoscopic midface lift that persists for up to 15 years. Validated midfacial scales and global aesthetic scoring systems demonstrate sustained improvement in midface appearance over time. Surgery that minimally disrupts the zygomatic and orbicularis retaining ligaments can provide long-lasting aesthetic improvements. Level of Evidence: 4.