The mini facelift gives an overall lift to the neck and lower third of the face. As one ages, skin loses its elasticity and many people develop loose skin fords creating a heavy, jowly, and tired appearance. Performed under local anesthesia, this minimally invasive outpatient procedure can restore a more youthful appearance, firm and lower facial area, improve jawline definition, and restore the neck-chin angle.

The mini facelift procedures an age-diminishing effect so that patients look younger, rested, and energized. Facial rejuvenation is achieved by repositioning the skin on the lower face to eliminate sagging and droopiness. The mini is safer because it is less invasive than a full facelift and does not require general anesthesia (although general anesthesia is available upon request). This rapid recovery time and lower costs have made it accessible to a wide range of patient who are looking for facial rejuvenation at a reasonable price. Mini facelift patients see rapid, natural-looking results with very little recovery time.

CANDIDATES
Typically between 30 and 65 years old, the best candidates are those in good health with mild to moderate lower facial and/or neck laxity. The mini facelift is ideal for patients who want to stay ahead of the aging process. It is also effective as a follow-up for patients who previously had full facelift, but desire additional rejuvenation of the face and/or neck area. Likewise, it does not preclude undergoing full facelift procedure in the future.

PROCEDURES
There are two basic procedures which can be performed, either individually or combined.

The anterior mini is for patients concerned about their lower face. The procedure is straightforward: an anesthetic solution is injected into the area in front of the ears. This solution will numb the lower face, inhibit bleeding, and gently separate the skin from the underlying tissue. Once the area is numb, small incisions are made beginning just in front of the ear and proceed up into the hairline. Incision within the hair require no shaving. The fascial plane is gently pulled to tighten the skin, and is supported with deep sutures. Excess skin is tailored, and incisions are closed with 6 to 8 fine sutures. The procedure takes between 40 minutes to 1 ½ hours. If necessary, some patients take a mild sedative beforehand.

A posterior mini facelift, sometimes referred to as a mini neck-lift, is for persons concerned about the neck and jowl area. An anesthetic solution is injected behind the ears. This solution will numb the lower face and neck and inhibit bleeding in the area. Once the are is numb, small incisions are made behind he ear and proceed up into the hairline. The skin is elevated and gently redraped. Two deep sutures are made in the fascial plane and excess skin is tailored. Eight to 10 fine sutures close the incisions.

RECOVERY
The mini facelift is often referred to as the “weekend” because that is the approximate duration for post-operative recovery although it could be longer depending on the individual. Immediately after the procedure, an ace bandage will be wrapped under the chin and around the top of the head. This should be worn for the first 48 hours. It can be removed briefly to bathe and wash your hair. It should also be worn for the ensuing 5 nights. Sleeping with the head elevated will aid the recovery process. Post procedure discomfort may be relieved by the application of cold compresses and pain medication. Some patients may experience temporary bruising which can be camouflage with makeup. Makeup may be applied immediately after the procedure. Sutures are removed after one week, and visible scars become very subtle over time.

DURATION
The duration of the results varies with a patient’s lifestyle, sun exposure, skin type, and heredity. For most patients, however, the benefits from the mini facelift last between 5 to 7 years.

RISKS
Because these procedures are not as invasive as the traditional facelift, there is minimal risk of complications. However, as with any surgical procedure the risks of post-operative bleeding, infection of the wound, scarring, and/or nerve damage should be noted.