Midface Implants

Dr. Rad is considered a world expert in midface augmentation using porous polyethylene implants, a gold standard in permanent facial skeletal contouring. His approach centers on restoring and enhancing the structural foundation of the midface to achieve natural, harmonious, and enduring results.

In patients with a “negative vector” midface—where the underlying skeletal support of the infraorbital rim and cheek is relatively recessed—there is often an associated appearance of under-eye hollows, eyelid prominence, deep nasolabial folds, and imbalance between the midface and lower face. Dr. Rad’s technique precisely augments these foundational contours, improving support of the lower eyelid and soft tissues while refining overall facial balance.

By addressing the architecture beneath the skin rather than relying solely on soft tissue manipulation, this approach creates a more youthful, elegant contour that integrates seamlessly with each patient’s natural anatomy.

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“In facial aesthetic surgery, details are everything.”

- Ariel N Rad, MD, PhD, FACS

Real Patient Results Gallery

Facial Implants before and after photos by Sherber and Rad in Washington DC

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01 Artistry

Dr. Rad has performed thousands of midface implant surgeries, and his artistry is customized for each patient whose anatomy and needs are unique. In Dr. Rad’s experience the key to artistry is to view a face holistically and artistically rather than in individual parts or by following some “recipe” or rote formula. The reason behind this is because changing one area will influence the relative contour of adjacent areas and change the overall balance of a face. Furthermore, following a “recipe” for every face rarely works well. Overall, Dr. Rad’s artistry is rooted in his deep experience treating thousands of patients and his deep focus on facial aesthetics at the highest level!

02 Safety

Experience is everything when it comes to safety. Dr. Rad has performed thousands of facial operations and prides himself in achieving beautiful, natural results for both women and men, and he operates with safety at top of mind by working with expert anesthesia and nursing teams at DC’s top hospital-based surgery centers. In Dr. Rad’s hands, midface implant surgery entails low risk and safety is always top of mind. Dr. Rad’s innate familiarity with facial anatomy, knowledge of safe navigation of the delicate nerves, muscles and blood vessels, and working with expert anesthesia and nursing teams, all translate to keeping patients safe.

03 Technique

When performing a midface implant surgery, Dr. Rad uses the following technique:

The midface implant augmentation must be done with light sedation/general anesthesia. Therefore the initial safety steps focus on reviewing your medical history to ensure no major health concerns such as heart, lung, or kidney disease. You will need a preoperative medical clearance by your primary physician and/or cardiologist or other specialists if indicated.

Dr. Rad makes exact incisions along natural contours in front and behind the ears, in the mouth, lower eyelid, along the temple so they are hidden from view. Through these incisions, Dr. Rad then places implants to create a fuller and more youthful midface.
Dr. Rad releases osteocutaneous ligaments to mobilize tissues and elevates the SMAS layer. He then tightens and resuspends the deeper muscles in a lifted position.

After underlying facial tissues are restored to a lifted position, excess skin is removed and the incisions are closed in a tension-free manner.
A light dressing is applied after which you can return home, driven by a friend or family member. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in almost all cases.

04 recovery

Recovery is a process of tissue healing and feeling back to normal that requires time. The length of time depends on which facial areas are treated, the complexity of surgery, and individual healing factors. The key principle of surgery that Dr. Rad always adheres to is minimizing surgery to achieve best results, thus minimizing healing and recovery time. Since each case is different, Dr. Rad will make sure to guide each patient through the recovery process with comprehensive information based on your unique situation.

Recovery is not painful after a midface implant augmentation and mild/moderate tightness is normal. Swelling peaks in 2-3 days then rapidly decrease. Patients can resume most normal activities, except heavy lifting, almost immediately. Most patients taper off stronger pain medicine in a few days. You will see Dr. Rad within a day or two, then again one week after surgery. During the first through second weeks swelling and bruising rapidly resolve and patients look very good at the 2-3 week mark. Returning to work in 1-3 weeks is common.

05 Aftercare

Care post-surgery is important for both your recovery and results whether at your home or at a hotel. For your safety, as you’ll be somewhat sleepy, you will need a responsible adult to stay with you for at least the first night. If you’re interested in having an experienced private duty nurse, we can help facilitate this care.

We also have a relationship with The Jefferson Hotel, the only privately owned 5 star boutique hotel in downtown DC, close to our office. Their back-door access allows patients to go straight to their room without crossing through the main lobby. Dr. Rad has personally trained hotel staff to help his patients enjoy a private and comfortable recovery. They can help meet any needs and requests, from private dining to helping obtain basic supplies. We have a private room rate arrangement with The Jefferson for patients to enjoy 20% off best rates. (Note that we do not receive any payments for patient stays at The Jefferson – it is purely for patient comfort and convenience.)

Once home or in a hotel, you will mostly rest, although you should be able to perform “activities of daily living,” meaning being up and about and doing basic self care. Since your head will be wrapped, you’ll defer showering until your first post-op appointment with Dr. Rad 1-2 days after surgery.

During the daytime you should walk 10-15 minutes each hour and should not be on bed rest. Pain is relatively mild and most patients need a mild pain medicine to help them sleep. Tissues react with swelling and bruising that distorts facial appearance and causes facial muscles not to work normally, but this is normal and temporary. Cold compresses and head elevation helps with comfort and swelling.

Since nausea is not uncommon after anesthesia, no matter how light the anesthesia given, nausea prevention is essential and straightforward by taking an anti-nausea medicine such as Zofran (Ondansetron). Nausea side effects typically wear off in 24-48 hours. Other side effects of anesthesia include feeling a bit groggy or “out of it”, but this is relatively mild and wears off quickly. Dr. Rad recommends not planning important work-related activities or phone calls as you will not feel your sharpest.

Drinking liquids is most important to maintain hydration. Dr. Rad recommends Gatorade, or Drip Drop and Liquid IV electrolyte replacement powders mixed in water. If deep neck sculpting has been done then patients often feel some neck tightness that is normal, common and temporary. You will see Dr. Rad within the first few days to check on your early healing.

06 Longevity

Your vision for your results will emerge through detailed consultation with Dr. Rad, meticulous examination of your anatomy, and careful pre-surgical planning. While Dr. Rad’s surgical approach is unique for each patient, the goal of naturalness remains constant.

Moderate bruising and swelling will distort your facial features for the first week after a midface implant surgery. However, visible signs of surgery dissipate over 2 weeks, and with concealer, patients can feel confident to return to work within 2-3 weeks.

Over the course of 2-6 weeks post surgery, results will continue to develop with long-term recovery experienced around 6 + months after the procedure. By this point, the majority of swelling and bruising should have resolved, and you should start seeing the full results of your Midface Implant Augmentation facelift. However, it’s important to note that individual healing rates can vary, and it may take several months for all swelling to completely dissipate and the final outcome to be evident. To see Before & After results, visit our gallery page.

Midface Implants FAQs

Can I achieve similar results non-surgically?

No: the midface implant augmentation is unparalleled in the results that can be achieved in skilled hands.

Where does Dr. Rad have hospital operating privileges?

You may hear that the safest plastic surgeons have “operating privileges” at major hospitals. “Operating privileges” allow surgeons to perform surgery at that hospital, and they are granted following a 6-month process of evaluating a surgeon’s background.

Dr. Rad’s credentials have rigorously been vetted by the top hospitals in DC and northern Virginia, specifically Sibley Hospital (DC), Inova Fairfax Hospital and Fair Oaks Hospital (northern VA), and George Washington University Hospital (DC). This means that his training, board certification and safety record meet the high standards of these top hospitals in DC and northern Virginia.

Testimonials

“Dr. Rad is not only a skilled and talented surgeon but a kind and compassionate doctor, who treats the whole person. For me, he exemplifies medical excellence.”

“He is the most gifted physician that I’ve ever met. Dr. Ariel Rad is in the top-echelon of physicians. He has a brilliant brain and a big heart. His skills as a surgeon are unparalleled.”

“He was very thorough, knowledgeable and most of all empathic to my situation.”

“He is not only a great surgeon, but an artist.”

“He is very skilled, his manner is absolutely delightful, and he is a truly kind, considerate person”

“He is an expert in his field. He is brilliant and very caring. I will never forget how compassionate he was on the day of my surgery”

“Dr. Rad is one of the world's best! His artistic eye and incredible skill shows in my incredible face lift results. His ability as a surgeon is surpassed only by his kindness and approachability as a person.”

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Related Procedures

Midface Implants

Real Patient Results Gallery

01 Artistry

02 Safety

03 Technique

04 recovery

05 Aftercare

06 Longevity

Midface Implants FAQs

Can I achieve similar results non-surgically?

Where does Dr. Rad have hospital operating privileges?

Testimonials

Next Steps

PLAN YOUR VISIT

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