Mini Facelift
As we grow older, signs of aging begin to become more apparent. Facelifts are often considered the go-to cosmetic rejuvenation procedure to reverse the signs of aging and restore the appearance of smooth and youthful skin. While a full facelift offers a dramatic improvement for many people, others are looking for something a little less extensive. For those patients, a mini facelift may be a better option. At Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery – a division of U.S. Dermatology Partners, we work alongside our cosmetic surgery patients to find the right facelift option and cosmetic treatments to achieve their goals.
What Is a Mini Facelift Procedure?
A mini facelift procedure is designed to effectively lift the skin on the bottom portion of the face to remove and smooth sagging skin around the neck and jaw. Unlike a traditional facelift, there are fewer incisions, and almost all of them are hidden by the hairline. This delivers facial rejuvenation with a less invasive cosmetic procedure that can heal more quickly. A mini facelift is an ideal option for people who notice mild to moderate loose, sagging, or crepey skin around the jaw, cheeks, and neck.
Benefits of Mini Facelifts
There are numerous benefits of a mini facelift, including:
- Fewer incision sites. This minimizes the risk of scarring and infection.
- May be performed under local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia. This means the procedure can be performed more quickly with a shorter recovery period.
- Because the procedure is less extensive than a traditional facelift, it can help patients achieve similar results at a lower cost.
Recovery After the Mini Facelift Procedure
Mini facelifts are designed to be less invasive. This means the recovery process isn’t as extensive as traditional facelifts. There will still be some swelling, bruising, and discomfort as your body heals following treatment, but in most cases, people start looking and feeling better within a week after their mini facelift procedure. The appearance will continue to improve for the next several weeks. As your skin heals following your mini facelift, be sure to follow your plastic surgeon’s care instructions closely. You’ll likely need to keep the surgical sites covered for several days. You may also have stitches or drains that need to be removed during a prescheduled follow-up appointment.
Risks Associated with Mini Facelifts
The main benefit of mini facelifts is that there are fewer incisions, which minimizes the risk of adverse side effects. Even so, this is still a surgical procedure that can have complications. Any side effects are typically very mild and will vary from patient to patient based on history and post-procedure care. Additional questions and concerns can be discussed in greater detail at a consultation to help you to feel comfortable.
