A self-anchoring tissue lifting device for use with facial cosmetic reconstructive surgery includes an implant and a removable foil cover disposed on the implant. The implant includes an elongated mesh strip having a distal end on which is situated a tissue anchoring fleece material. Opposite lateral edges of the mesh material are preferably laser cut during the manufacturing process of the implant to provide a plurality of tissue engaging prickles along the longitudinal length of the implant. For treating the mid face and jowl, a stab incision is made within the hairline of the temple region of the patient and the device is applied from the temporal area to the peak of the ipsilateral cheek to capture the malar fat pad to correct midface abnormalities or the ptotic tissue causing the jowl.