The old adage “good things come in small packages is usually true”—especially during the holiday season. Whether it’s an engagement ring or the keys to a new car, the best things in life often come in a deceptively diminutive form. But can the same thing ever really be said about plastic surgery? Can “mini” procedures like the mini facelift actually make a big difference in how someone looks? Yes, they can—and we’ll show you how.
What is a Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift is a less-invasive form of facelift surgery that’s also known as a “short scar” facelift. Rather than making lengthy incisions that extend along the hairline, the surgeon will make two shorter incisions just behind the patient’s ears. This allows the surgeon to effectively lift the mid-face area without creating any noticeable scars.
Thanks to modern facelift techniques, the mini facelift can create stunning results. Plastic surgeons don’t simply pull the skin taut when they perform a mini (or full) facelift. They go one step further and work with the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) that supports the face. They manipulate the tissues beneath the skin to make sure all the tissues affected by aging are addressed and lifted.
What Are the Benefits of Mini Facelift Surgery?
A mini facelift is gaining popularity in the world of plastic surgery for all of the following reasons:
- Reduced healing time. While modern facelift techniques have reduced the total amount of healing time needed after a full deep plane facelift, mini facelift surgery is still the more convenient option. Recovery from mini facelift surgery typically takes 7-14 days (though some patients notice residual swelling up to three weeks after their surgery).
- Less scarring. Because no incisions are made along the hairline during mini facelift surgery, patients get to enjoy a lack of visible incisions. To find the scars from a mini facelift, one would practically need to look deep behind the patient’s earlobes—an unlikely occurrence.
- A more comfortable recovery. Because mini facelift surgery is less invasive than a full facelift, patients usually experience less pain, bruising, and swelling after this procedure. This lessens the need for pain medication and allows the patient to enjoy a more pleasant and relaxing recovery period.
- A lower risk of complications. The more invasive a surgery is, the more likely it is that the patient will experience surgical complications (though complications are very rare with all forms of plastic surgery). Because mini facelift surgery is not highly intrusive, it carries a lower risk of post-surgical bleeding and infection. Likewise, because the changes made by a mini facelift are more subtle than those made by a full facelift, patients have a lower risk of cosmetic dissatisfaction. This procedure is excellent for creating natural-looking results when performed by a skilled, qualified plastic surgeon.
- Greater ease and convenience. A mini facelift can usually be performed in just a few hours, and patients can return home immediately after the procedure is completed. Most surgeons will also perform this procedure under local, rather than general, anesthesia. This reduces post-procedure fatigue and grogginess.
Who is a Good Candidate for Mini Facelift Surgery?
As advantageous as a mini facelift can be, it’s not right for everyone. Though this procedure can produce excellent results when performed on the right candidate, it’s not designed to treat more advanced age-related issues. The mini facelift was developed to primarily target the mid-face area, not the jaw or neck region. As such, mini facelift patients must have acceptably firm neck skin. If there’s significant skin laxity present below the chin and jaw, a full facelift (with a neck lift) is recommended.
Due to the aforementioned considerations, the mini facelift is usually most appropriate for patients under the age of 45. However, some patients over 50 who still have relatively firm neck and jaw skin may also be eligible for this procedure.
As is the case with any invasive surgery, mini facelift patients must be in good overall health and either be a non-smoker or be willing to quit a few weeks before and after the mini facelift. Before booking a mini facelift consultation, you should see your doctor for a full physical in order to rule out the presence of any health conditions that might make surgery difficult. You should also discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor in order to verify that they won’t interfere with your ability to have surgery.
If you are a good candidate for mini facelift surgery, why not give this procedure a try? Mini facelift surgery produces long-lasting results that can take five or more years off your age. Most patients who have mini facelift surgery report looking more alert and vibrant, as well as feeling much more confident. Want your mini facelift performed by a true expert? Contact Ritacca Cosmetic Surgery and MedSpa now for a consultation.
