Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is a procedure that allows a surgeon to reposition or alter the skin and muscles of the face in order to minimize blemishes, wrinkles, and other defects that accompany aging. A mini facelift is similar to a full facelift but corrects minor problems and allows for minimal to no scarring to form on the patient following the operation. Scarring is only created behind the patient's ear and along the hairline. Both of these locations are generally hidden from the public view. Mini facelift surgery is especially advantageous because it provides excellent results but requires much less recovery time. The mini facelift is also much less costly than the conventional facelift.

The process of receiving a mini facelift involves small incisions to be made but is almost entirely noninvasive. Incisions are made along the hair line and continue downward along the ear towards the earlobe. In some cases the incision is made behind the ear itself. The location of the incisions and eventual scarring depends on the patient's anatomy and the surgeon's preference. In either case the scarring will be virtually unnoticed by others. Patients who receive a conventional facelift will typically receive a general anesthetic that puts them "out" during the operation. It is common for mini facelift patients to only receive a local anesthetic that is similar to the numbing feeling you get when you have a cavity filled. The procedure does not require any large bandages and there is virtually no risk of any nerve injury, unlike conventional facelifts.

Following your mini facelift procedure the surgeon will recommend that you rest for at least one week and possibly more, though some patients are able to return to work within 2 to 3 days. Your face may look and feel much different then you were expecting due to swelling and stiffness, but these effects will subside quickly. You may also experience some bruising in the weeks that follow. Within 3 weeks after the procedure your face should look more normal, but will also look much younger and healthier than before. Physicians recommend that most patients take about two weeks off of work after the surgery and that they avoid intense physical activity for a week or so longer than that.

Results from a mini facelift are almost always pleasing. Your face will look younger and more toned because the skin has been stretched. The operation should remove most of the excess skin. Another advantage to the mini facelift is that the treatment does not need to be repeated on a regular basis. The facelift results should last for many years after the operation.

Mini facelifts are becoming increasingly more popular because it is quicker, easier, and more cost effective than conventional facelifts. A mini facelift operation will leave you with not only tighter skin but also looking younger and healthier.