What Is a Mini Facelift and How Does It Work?

If you are starting to notice some sagging and jowling on the lower half of your face and you are considering surgery, you may be a good candidate for a mini facelift. This type of procedure can provide subtle lifting while reducing the time that you spend in recovery. 

At Legacy Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, we understand that each patient needs a unique treatment plan to address signs of aging. For some patients, minimally invasive procedures can provide the results they are looking for. But for others, a more minor surgery such as a mini facelift is the best choice for refreshing their appearance. We will help you find the right treatments and procedures for you through our consultations. 

What Is a Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift, sometimes called a short scar facelift or an S-lift because of the shape of the incision, is a surgery that can address minor sagging in the lower half of the face. During a mini lift, a smaller incision is made starting at the hairline and moving around the ear. Incisions are carefully hidden to help minimize scar visibility once they heal. 

Next, the underlying tissues and muscles are lifted and tightened to provide underlying support. The surgeon drapes the skin over the newly tightened contours in a way that restores a more youthful position of the skin without making it look tight and unnatural. Excess skin is removed and the incisions are closed. 

How Does a Mini Facelift Compare to a Traditional Facelift?

An S-lift or a mini facelift is a less invasive facelift than a traditional surgery. While a traditional facelift is designed to address more advanced signs of aging including the cheeks, jawline, neck, and some concerns in the upper face, a mini facelift will only address laxity in the jaw and neck area. 

What Are the Benefits of a Mini Facelift?

Shorter Recovery Time

Mini facelifts offer a shorter recovery time, allowing patients to go back to work sooner than they would with a traditional facelift. Depending on the patient and individual circumstances, initial recovery can take as little as one or two weeks. 

Less Invasive With Less Scarring

While a traditional facelift can provide very effective results, the incision is longer than the one used during an s-lift. During a full facelift, the incision goes up further into the hairline and can extend further into the hairline behind the ear. A mini lift will involve less scarring as well as less downtime because of the short s-shaped scar. It is also a quick facelift that requires a shorter surgery.

Suitable for Patients With Mild to Moderate Concerns

For younger patients who have only just started to notice signs of aging, a mini facelift can provide satisfactory results for years before patients begin considering a more invasive option. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Mini Facelift?

While many patients are interested in a less invasive facelift, the best candidates for mini facelift are often younger patients (in their early 50s or younger) who have slight sagging and jowling on the jawline and neck. The best candidates are also those who are in good overall health, are non-smokers or willing to quit before and after surgery, and who understand the benefits and potential results of a short scar facelift. 

Preparing For Your Mini Facelift Procedure

It is important to spend time with your plastic surgeon before your procedure. At our practice, we get to know you over a long consultation and develop a personalized treatment plan. We will discuss your concerns to find out if a mini facelift will be able to provide the right treatment. It is also an important time for us to get a thorough medical history and assess your overall candidacy for the procedure. 

While a mini facelift doesn’t require complicated preparation, it is important to take care of your body both before and after the procedure. Eat healthy food, reduce stress, and stay away from smoking and alcohol. 

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery from a mini facelift can take several weeks. Most people are able to return to normal activities after one week but your body may still be in the process of healing. Because of the smaller incision, swelling and bruising will likely be minor. You’ll want to take it easy right after your procedure and you may have wraps and bandages. While you can move around, you will be advised to avoid heavy lifting or bending over. 

While the results of your facelift may become visible within the first week as the swelling goes down, results can continue to improve over the following weeks and months. To get the best results from your surgery, be sure to follow all of our post operative instructions and take care of yourself. While everyone is different, most patients are able to enjoy their results for many years before considering a full facelift. 

Mini Facelift Consultations in Exton, PA

For mild cases of sagging in the neck, chin, and jawline, a mini facelift can provide contouring and lift that can make you look younger and more refreshed without a long downtime. This less-invasive surgery fills a gap in the cosmetic treatment industry by providing an option in between non-surgical facelift treatments and a full face and neck lift. If you are looking for a quick facelift that allows you to spend less time in surgery and a shorter time in recovery, you can talk to us about our mini facelift procedures at Legacy Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics. You can schedule a consultation through our website or by calling 610-756-1789.