Mid-Face Augmentation in Korea

“What Is Mid-face Augmentation?”

Mid-face augmentation is VIP’s premium surgery created by Dr. Myung Ju Lee at VIP Plastic Surgery Center. This unique surgery improves the sunken mid-face, protruded mouth, and deep laugh lines by elevating the basement of the nose structure. Small pieces of rib cartilage or silicone implants are inserted into the nostrils and/or philtrum, creating an aesthetic profile line of the columella. This surgery gives a “two-jaw surgery” similar effect but performed in a much simpler way. It is recommended for people who want to achieve more elegant and sophistcated profile line from nose line to lips. This Mid-face Augmentation is commonly performed along with the rhinoplasty; the combination is called Harmony Rhinoplasty at VIP.

Dr. Myung Ju Lee’s Message

“I have realized many Asians and African Americans have sunken mid-face and protruded mouth compared to their nose basement creating an unbalanced profile view after the general rhinoplasty. Due to the unbalanced profile view, many of patients consider two-jaw surgery or protruded mouth surgery, which are the major surgeries to undergo. However, many VIP patients are satisfied with mid-face augmentation since it gives a “two-jaw surgery” similar result and is simple and safe to undergo the surgery. When mid-face augmentation is performed along with the rhinoplasty, it creates a synergistic effect giving a harmonized profile view line. This surgery is recommended for whoever wants to look more sophisticated and to achieve more elegant profile view.”

Operation Information

  • Surgery Time :    1 Hour
  • Anesthesia Type :    IV sedation or general anesthesia – combined with rhinoplasty
  • Hospitalization :    None
  • Stitch Removal :    None
  • Recovery Time :    1-2 Days

VIP Harmony Rhinoplasty Surgery Method by Dr. Myung Ju Lee

mid-face augmentation


White color: Rhinoplasty
Blue and yellow color: Mid-face Augmentation

Mid-face augmentation can be performed using two different materials: silicone implants or rib cartilage. While this procedure is typically combined with rhinoplasty, it can also be performed as a standalone treatment.

For patients undergoing septal cartilage rhinoplasty, ear cartilage rhinoplasty, or mid-face augmentation with silicone, two small silicone implants are used. These implants are inserted through the nostrils and/or beneath the philtrum to elevate the base structure of the nose.

For patients undergoing rib cartilage rhinoplasty, the VIP doctor custom-designs two small rib cartilage implants for the mid-face augmentation. These cartilage implants are then inserted through the nostrils and/or beneath the philtrum in the same manner.

Illustration Simulation for Harmony Rhinoplasty

Harmony Rhinoplasty: Rhinoplasty with the mid-face Augmentation surgery

Mid face augmentation and rhinoplasty before and after

Before & after

Mid-face augmentation and Rhinoplasty Before and After

* Side effects such as inflammation after the surgery may vary by each individuals and may require appropriate treatments. Please check the guideline with the doctor

Ideal Candidates for Mid-face Augmentation

01   People with a protruded mouth

02   People with deep laugh lines (nasolabial folds)

03   People with a sunken mid-face

04   People who wish to achieve a sophisticated and elegant appearance

05   People who wish to have a beautiful profile view

06   People who wish to have more beautiful lip line and refined overall beauty

Related Surgeries

Asian Rhinoplasty
Autologous Cartilage Rhinoplasty
Nose Surgery by Type
Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty
Minimal Rhinoplasty

FAQ

It is possible to have mid-face augmentation before your rhinoplasty. However, as mid-face is closely related and connected to your nose structure, there may be another change when you have your rhinoplasty. It is best for the doctor to consider and structure your mid-face and nose closely together at the same time.
The answer depends on the case. Please consider that when the midface augmentation is done separately from rhinoplasty, Dr.Lee will use silicone instead of rib cartilage as he will not be harvesting rib cartilage solely for midface augmentation. When using silicone for midface augmentation, there are certain limitations to what can be done. Please note that if the nose doesn’t have enough support and has a weak structure, midface augmentation cannot be done without rhinoplasty.
Although it depends on the case, most cases would be quite complicated. Midface augmentation has to be connected to the nose as a comprehensive structure, and rearranging the structure with an existing implant or a cartilage can lead to unpredictable results. Dr.Lee would need to see you in person to decide if it can be done or not.