Double Board Certified · Minimally Invasive Facelift
Endoscopic Mid-Face Lift — minimally invasive, anatomically honest.
Endoscopic mid-face lifting is a real, technique-defined operation: small incisions inside the hairline and mouth, an endoscope, and precise repositioning…
ABFPRS
Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
ABOto
Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery
AAFPRS
Fellowship Director
In Consultation
"The word "incisionless" gets misused. A truly incisionless lift does not exist. What exists are very small, very well-hidden incisions — and an honest conversation about what each technique can and cannot do."
A Note from Dr. Mourad
"Endoscopic mid-face lifting is a real, technique-defined operation: small incisions inside the hairline and mouth, an endoscope, and precise repositioning of the mid-face tissues. It is not a substitute for a full facelift, and it is not for every patient."
— Dr. Moustafa Mourad, MD
Overview
What is an endoscopic mid-face lift?
An endoscopic mid-face lift is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that repositions the soft tissues of the cheek and lower eyelid through small incisions hidden inside the hairline and the mouth, with the operation guided by a small camera (endoscope). There are no visible facial incisions.
It addresses the descent of the mid-face that produces flat or hollow cheeks, a deepened nasolabial fold, a lengthened lower eyelid, and a tired appearance to the eyes. The cheek pad is lifted vertically and resuspended to its original anatomic position rather than pulled obliquely.
The endoscopic approach is well suited to younger patients with early mid-face descent who do not yet need a full lower facelift, and to selected patients who want to avoid pre-auricular incisions. It is not a substitute for a lower facelift when the jowls and neck are the primary concern.
An Established Academic Authority
Double board certification. Fellowship director. Published author. A surgeon's surgeon.
ABFPRS
Board Certified
American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
ABOto
Board Certified
American Board of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery
AAFPRS
Fellowship Director
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Textbook
Published Author
Contributions to the academic literature of facial plastic surgery
Dual board certification in both Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology — a combination held by a small number of physicians nationally.
02 · Ideal Candidates
Who benefits most from this operation.
Candidacy is determined together at consultation. The most satisfied patients share three things in common.
I
Isolated Mid-Face Descent
Patients in their forties or early fifties with descent of the cheek and mid-face but a still-defined jawline and neck.
II
Early Aging Anatomy
Patients seeking modest, natural-looking rejuvenation through a smaller operation with a shorter recovery.
III
Honest Expectations
Patients who understand this is a smaller operation than a deep-plane facelift, with a smaller — and earlier — result.
If this describes you, the next step is a quiet, unhurried conversation — not a sales call.
An Honest Note
When this operation may not be right for you.
Patients with significant jowling, neck banding, or platysmal laxity will not get a satisfactory result from a mid-face-only operation.
Patients seeking the result of a deep-plane facelift through a smaller operation will be disappointed.
Patients in their sixties and beyond with multi-zone aging are typically better served by a comprehensive lift.
Patients whose concerns are primarily skin texture or pigment, not laxity, benefit from a non-surgical resurfacing plan first.
03 · Approaches
Three paths to mid-face rejuvenation.
The endoscopic mid-face lift is an early-intervention option. The right plan depends on whether the rest of the face has aged in parallel, or whether the mid-face is genuinely the only concern.
1 of 3 · Endoscopic Mid-Face Lift
04 · Technique
Endoscopic vs deep-plane facelift.
Two very different operations addressing different anatomic problems. The choice between them is the most important conversation at consultation.
Endoscopic
Mid-face only, smaller recovery
Two small incisions are made inside the temporal hairline and one inside the mouth. An endoscope visualises the deeper tissues and the malar fat pad is repositioned vertically.
Recovery is shorter than a full facelift — typically one week of meaningful downtime — and the scars are essentially invisible. The result is real but limited to the mid-face.
Deep-Plane
Comprehensive mid-face, jawline, neck
A deep-plane facelift addresses the mid-face, jawline, and neck through pre- and post-auricular incisions hidden along the ear. It produces a far more comprehensive — and durable — result.
When the anatomy calls for it, a deep-plane lift is the right operation. A smaller operation in the wrong patient is not a kindness.
Illustrative diagrams. The right operation is determined by the anatomy presented at consultation.
01 · Why Dr. Mourad
Diagnosis first, then a plan that fits.
Dr. Mourad does not market techniques that do not exist. The endoscopic mid-face lift is offered when it is the right answer — not when a flashy name will sell.
Patient selection is rigorous: the right candidate has mid-face descent without significant neck or jawline change.
When fuller facial rejuvenation is needed, a deep-plane facelift is recommended candidly — even when the patient came in asking for the smaller operation.
Begin the conversation
A careful, honest evaluation is the right first step.
Cost, Financing & Insurance
Endoscopic Incisionless Facelift Cost, Financing & Insurance in NYC
The cost of an endoscopic incisionless facelift depends on the areas being treated, the extent of lifting required, whether it is combined with other facial procedures, the type of anesthesia, and the surgical setting. Each plan is individualized after facial evaluation.
This procedure is generally considered cosmetic and is typically self-pay. After consultation, our office provides a personalized estimate based on the recommended plan. Financing may be available for qualified patients through third-party healthcare financing providers.
What May Affect Cost
- Areas being treated
- Extent of lifting required
- Whether combined with other procedures
- Type of anesthesia
- Surgical setting
- Postoperative care
This information is educational and is not a guarantee of pricing, insurance coverage, reimbursement, financing approval, or surgical candidacy. A personalized estimate is provided after consultation. Insurance coverage depends on the patient’s plan, medical necessity, documentation, and carrier requirements. Financing terms are determined by third-party financing providers.
05 · In Dr. Mourad's Words
Educational videos.
Short educational films and patient perspectives from the Manhattan practice.
Dr. Mourad in Practice
An overview of the practice and philosophy.
Patient Perspective
A patient discusses her experience before, during, and after surgery.
Inside the Consultation
How Dr. Mourad evaluates anatomy, goals, and candidacy.
Before & After
Real results, real patients.
Every case is unique — tailored to individual anatomy and goals. Browse representative outcomes from the Manhattan practice.
06 · Recovery
What healing actually looks like.
Stage 01
First 24 Hours
Initial recovery focuses on rest, hydration, and following all post-operative instructions exactly. Pain is managed with multi-modal non-narcotic protocols where appropriate.
Stage 02
Week 1
Swelling and bruising peak in the first few days and improve steadily through the first week. Most patients are presentable for casual social activity by the end of week two.
Stage 03
Weeks 2 – 4
Through weeks two to four the early result begins to settle. Light cardio resumes around three weeks; vigorous exertion and contact activities are deferred per the operative plan.
Stage 04
Months 1 – 6
The final refined result emerges progressively over the following months as residual swelling continues to resolve. Follow-up visits are scheduled across the first year.
Have a specific question?
Send a brief note describing your anatomy or concerns — the office will route it directly to Dr. Mourad for review.
Before You Arrive
Your consultation, prepared.
Bring photographs relevant to your concern, when available.
Bring records from any prior surgery, when available.
List current medications, supplements, and blood-thinning agents.
Note any prior anesthesia issues or chronic medical conditions.
Allow 60 minutes for the first consultation.
Bring questions; no decisions are made at the first visit.
Frequently Asked
Patient questions, honestly answered.
An endoscopic mid‑face lift is a camera‑assisted surgical approach that targets descent of malar soft tissues, the mid‑face SMAS, and retaining ligaments. It primarily improves cheek projection and reduces nasolabial prominence rather than treating marked neck laxity. Access is through small hairline or temporal incisions that allow subcutaneous or sub‑SMAS release under direct visualization. The operative plan is individualized based on bony support, fat distribution, and skin quality determined at consultation.
The Most Important Step
Your expert consultation.
A careful evaluation by a double board-certified physician is the right first step. The conversation is unhurried, the diagnosis is honest, and the operative plan is built around what your anatomy can sustain and what you actually want.