Causes and Treatments for Mid-Face Depression | Makeup Tips and Cosmetic Medicine Solutions

"Mid-face depression" is a condition where the mid-face area from below the eyes to the upper lip appears sunken.

Mid-face depression can make hollows in the cheeks, a low nose bridge, and protruding mouth more noticeable, giving the overall face a tired or aged appearance.

In this article, we explain the main causes of mid-face depression along with tips for covering it with makeup.

We also introduce cosmetic medical approaches to fundamentally improve mid-face depression, so if you are troubled by mid-face depression and want to achieve a brighter, more youthful appearance, please use this as a reference.

Main Causes of Mid-Face Depression

The main causes of mid-face depression are "bone structure" and "aging."

Underdevelopment of the Maxilla (Upper Jaw Bone)

Many people develop mid-face depression because they are genetically born with a low maxilla (the bone beside the nose and below the eyes that forms the nose's base), causing the center of the face to appear sunken.

Fat Descent Due to Aging

As we age, the fat in the cheeks sags downward, making the cheeks appear gaunt.

In addition, as the underlying bone thins, the hollowing accelerates, leading some people to develop mid-face depression.

[On Your Own] How to Cover Mid-Face Depression with Makeup

Because mid-face depression is caused by bone structure, it cannot be fundamentally corrected on your own, but it is possible to cover it to some extent with makeup.

The makeup method to lift the mid-face depression is as follows.

• Edge of the nostrils (alar base):
  Apply a bright color in a "C" shape to push the nose base forward, reducing the protruding appearance of the mouth and nasolabial folds
• Under the eyes (triangle zone):
  Place highlight below the inner corner of the eye to lift the center of gravity of the cheeks, eliminating the flat and "dull" look of the face
• Edge of the mouth corners:
  Erase shadows around the mouth and lift the corners upward to give the entire face a lifted appearance

By dotting and blending a matte concealer slightly brighter than your skin tone on these three areas, you can create a three-dimensional effect.

KAI CLINIC TOKYO's Cosmetic Medical Approach to Mid-Face Depression

KAI CLINIC TOKYO offers cosmetic medical approaches for those troubled by mid-face depression.

Here we introduce the cosmetic medical treatments available at our clinic.

Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

For mid-face depression, rhinoplasty using a prosthesis or autologous tissue can raise the nose and create facial dimension.

The downtime, risks, and side effects of nose surgery (rhinoplasty) are as follows.

• Downtime: Swelling and bruising may occur after the procedure
• Side effects/risks: Swelling, redness, bruising, pain, tightness, unevenness (improves over time)

View details of Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

Noble Surgery (Alar Base Augmentation)

Noble surgery is a procedure that lifts the nose from its base using a prosthesis or cartilage, with effects that last semi-permanently.

Scarring is also minimal, and by projecting the nose base forward, the sunken appearance can be corrected.

The downtime, risks, and side effects of noble surgery (alar base augmentation) are as follows.

• Downtime: Swelling and bruising may occur after the procedure
• Side effects/risks: Swelling, bruising, pain, edema, redness, scarring, infection, etc.

At our clinic, we may also suggest combining this with nose surgery (rhinoplasty) for more noticeable results.

View details of Noble Surgery (Alar Base Augmentation)

Hyaluronic Acid Injection

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that naturally exists in the human body, functioning to retain moisture and maintain skin firmness and elasticity.

By injecting this hyaluronic acid, you can expect the effect of adding volume to sunken areas and brightening your facial impression in a short time.

Since no incision is required, downtime is minimal, and there is the benefit of effects lasting approximately 1 to 2 years.

The downtime, risks, and side effects of hyaluronic acid injections are as follows.

• Downtime: Swelling and redness may occur but will subside within about 2 to 3 days
• Side effects/risks: Swelling, bruising, and rarely vascular complications (intravascular injection), infection, or allergic reactions

View details on hyaluronic acid injections

Mid-face Lift

A mid-face lift is a procedure that incises the skin below the eyes and repositions the orbital fat to an appropriate location.

By repositioning the orbital fat, you can expect improvement of dark circles caused by under-eye sagging while simultaneously achieving overall facial rejuvenation.

In addition, it gives the cheeks a natural volume and roundness, and makes the corners of the mouth appear lifted, providing a three-dimensional look.

The downtime, risks, and side effects of a mid-face lift are as follows.

• Downtime: Swelling and bruising are most noticeable for 2 to 3 days after surgery. They gradually subside over 1 to 2 weeks and fully settle after about 3 months
• Side effects/risks: Swelling, redness, pain, bruising, edema, numbness, ectropion, infection, allergic reactions, etc.

View details on mid-face lift

How to Choose a Clinic You Won't Regret for Treating Mid-face Hollowing

Choosing the right clinic is important for treating mid-face hollowing.

When selecting a clinic, keep the following points in mind.

• Does the clinic offer suggestions tailored to your specific cause:
  Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach like "hyaluronic acid for everyone," choose a doctor who can tell you "this method is best for you" based on your facial type and give you a convincing reason
• Do the before-and-after photos look natural:
  Clinics that show "cases from various angles" and "natural appearance during movement" tend to have higher credibility
• Does the clinic honestly explain the downsides:
  You can feel at ease with a doctor who thoroughly explains negatives such as risks and works with you to consider countermeasures

For Mid-face Hollowing Treatment, Please Consult KAI CLINIC TOKYO

At KAI CLINIC TOKYO, we sincerely listen to each patient who wishes to fundamentally improve mid-face hollowing, propose treatments through careful counseling, and do our utmost to help you achieve the beauty you desire by utilizing our high-level skills backed by an extensive portfolio of cases.

Furthermore, we do not simply perform the treatment and send you on your way — we provide thorough aftercare support as well.

If you are troubled by mid-face hollowing and wish to brighten your appearance, please feel free to visit our clinic for a counseling session.

Summary

Many people are troubled by mid-face hollowing, which can make the entire face look tired or older than it is.

While makeup techniques can cover it to some extent, there are limits, and aesthetic medical treatment is necessary for fundamental improvement.

At KAI CLINIC TOKYO, we sincerely listen to each patient struggling with mid-face hollowing and provide careful counseling before proposing appropriate treatments.

In addition, since all of our doctors are certified specialists in plastic and reconstructive surgery, we bring anatomy-based reliable techniques and extensive knowledge to every procedure for all facial concerns including mid-face hollowing, providing high-quality aesthetic medical care.

Furthermore, we will make the most of our continually refined advanced skills and extensive knowledge to do our absolute best to help as many patients as possible gain greater confidence.

If you are considering resolving the complex feelings caused by mid-face hollowing and living each day with confidence, please feel free to consult our clinic.