Mini Facelift

What are the differences between a facelift and a mini facelift? They are both types of cosmetic surgery, procedures that lift and tighten sagging skin in the face and neck. Patients who have moderate amounts of excess skin, or who want to improve their appearance and limit the number and size of incisions, might be candidates for a mini facelift procedure. At Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas, patients can receive services from Dr. Charles Guy, a board-certified plastic surgeon, in Waco, TX.

A mini facelift uses only incisions around the ears to tighten the skin of the face. Because the incisions are smaller compared to those in a traditional facelift, a mini facelift doesn’t address as much neck sagging, neck bands or excess skin. However, a mini facelift does still tighten the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), the layer of connective tissue found below the skin, improve the jowls/jawline and improves moderate amount of skin to the neck. Still lift the lower face and neck but can have less swelling and down time.

As with a standard facelift, the skin will smooth and tighten in the lower part of the face, giving a more youthful appearance. Usually, a person who has experienced less visible aging is an ideal candidate for a mini facelift. Depending on the results you want and where you are starting from, a mini facelift could offer just the change you need.

A mini facelift can be done in the operating room (OR), where patients are placed under general anesthesia and are asleep during the procedure. Patients can also choose to have plastic surgery in the office, where the area is made numb with a series of injections. They receive oral medications to facilitate relaxation, as well. Dr. Guy will work with patients to decide on the best location and choice of anesthesia.

Once the mini facelift is complete, patients can expect the following to happen:

• You will have a wrap around your head when you leave the procedure. This will be removed at the office the next morning.
• You will need someone to drive you home from the procedure.
• There will be incisions around the ear that will extend into the hairline in front of the ear and behind the ear.
• There will be some dried crusts along the incision that will need to be cleaned two to three times a day. Occasionally some crusting will get into the ear canal, which can be irritating, but it will not cause any problems.
• There will be temporary swelling in the cheeks, jaw, and neck. This will slowly go down over time, but you can expect that 80% will be gone in two weeks.
• For those with anatomically longer faces, the rest of the swelling will be gone in two to three months. However, those who have more of a round shape to their faces can sometimes have swelling that lasts longer.
• Occasionally there is swelling in a fold, or folds, behind the ears. This will flatten with time.
• It is common to have some bruising around the ears after surgery. This will usually spread down to the upper neck over time, before disappearing.
• Mini facelifts are usually not particularly painful. However, you will be given pain medication to help with any discomfort.
• You will also be placed on an antibiotic after the procedure.
• The sutures will be removed at the office. This usually takes place seven days after your procedure.
• Most people go back to work within seven to ten days after the surgery.

Take a look at our photo gallery showing the results obtained with mini facelifts from patients ranging from 35 to 60 years old. These patients were pleased with the outcomes of their surgeries at Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas.

50-60 y/o female underwent a short scar facelift, “minilift”.

Since there are fewer incisions with a mini facelift, there is usually less scarring than with a traditional facelift procedure. Patients who want to reduce minimal signs of aging by tightening the skin of the face and removing excess skin may find a mini facelift the right type of cosmetic surgery for meeting their needs.

Some patients schedule an eye lift or brow lift to be performed at the same time. Patients can consult with Dr. Guy if they wish to have multiple procedures at once. Specializing in plastic surgery services from the collarbone up, he has the insight required to help patients make the right decision.

Receive expert cosmetic surgery from a board-certified plastic surgeon in Waco, TX, and the central Texas area. Our team at Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas makes sure each patient gets the care and attention they deserve. Discover excellent care close to home in Central Texas without needing to travel to Dallas or Austin for services. For more information about mini facelifts or other procedures for the face and neck, contact us to request a consultation.