WHAT IS A MINI FACELIFT?

The mini facelift is a surgical procedure that tightens loose, sagging skin along the jawline and beneath the chin, resulting in a firmer facial contour and a more youthful appearance. The mini facelift is popular among men and women and may sometimes be performed in conjunction with blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery. In some cases, injectable fillers may also be used to complete the procedure.

BENEFITS OF A MINI FACELIFT

The primary benefit of the mini facelift versus the conventional facelift is the fact that the procedure is less complicated and expensive, as well as the fact that many find the results to look more natural than those achieved via a conventional facelift. The mini facelift results in a tightening and firming of the lower facial area, a noticeable definition of the jawline, and a firmer, more streamlined neckline.

IS A MINI FACELIFT RIGHT FOR ME?

Mini facelifts are performed on patients who have started to notice visible effects of aging. This technique may be right for you if most of the wrinkles and sagging skin are located in the lower portion of your face, such as the cheek, neck, and jaw area. Many patients are busy professionals who are not prepared to undergo the more invasive full facelift surgery or commit to a lengthy recovery process.

HOW INVOLVED IS THE MINI FACELIFT PROCEDURE?

The mini facelift surgery requires general anesthesia and takes two to three hours to perform. While this procedure is less invasive than the full facelift, it is still a fairly involved surgical procedure since it is performed on a large portion of the face. First, Dr. Eberle will make short incisions behind the hairline and in natural skin creases. Then, the skin, muscles, and fat of the face and neck are lifted, trimmed, and sculpted. Finally, sutures are used to hold the incisions closed.

HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY AFTER A MINI FACELIFT?

As the name suggests, the recovery following a “weekend facelift” is shorter than that of a full facelift. Most patients spend about a week recovering, and feel healed within a month. Side effects including tenderness, discomfort, bruising, redness, and temporary skin numbness are common. The results of this surgical procedure are permanent. However, a facelift will not prevent your appearance from continuing to age naturally. Most patients find that the results of this technique remain visible for up to 10 years.

HOW MUCH DOES A MINI FACELIFT COST?

The cost for a mini facelift can vary considerably from patient to patient due to the variety of surgical techniques used during this procedure. Many patients opting for a mini facelift do so because it is a more economical option than full-facelift surgery. Financing is available.

WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?

If you live in Fort Lauderdale or Broward County, and you’re seeking a way to reduce your wrinkles without spending weeks recovering, consider a mini facelift. To learn more about this facial rejuvenation surgery, contact double board-certified plastic surgeon Nathan Eberle, M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.S
at the Weston Center for Plastic Surgery today for your consultation.