How this facial plastic surgeon treats the mini-lift and treats for a faster recovery.
What makes a “mini” facelift?
The term “mini-lifting” is not medical, so its definition is a bit ambiguous. The simplified version is that this is a less complicated and invasive surgery than a full facelift.
A traditional full facelift, or rhytidectomy, involves an incision that starts at the hairline at the temples, goes around the ear, and ends at the bottom of the scalp. It may also include a secondary incision under the chin to further lift the neck area. Once an incision is made, a surgeon will sculpt, redistribute, and reattach the underlying fat and tissue. Often, the deeper layers of the face and muscles are also lifted.
Kirkland, WA facial plastic surgeon Daniel J. Liebertz, MD explains that this is often just the beginning of a full facelift.
“Many people think that a ‘full’ facelift doesn’t just involve facelift surgery,” said Dr. Liebertz, “but also brow lifts, mid-face lifts, eye surgery (blepharoplasty), facelifts and liposuction.”
In contrast, a mini facelift focuses precisely on that initial wrinkleectomy incision at the hairline and does less work under the skin. The SMAS muscle (the muscle layer of the lower face) is still elevated and work underneath is often done to lift the jawline. “In our practice, a mini-lift still uses the same incision, but there is less dissection under the skin,” explains Dr. Liebertz. “Because there is less surgery, healing is usually faster.”
Who Should Consider a Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift can help with smile lines and sagging jawline, which are all early signs of facial aging. This means it’s a great choice for men and women in their 40s and 50s who want a more refreshed look without the renewal and long recovery of a full facelift.
“The age of my average mini-lift patient has gotten younger in recent years,” notes Dr. Liebertz. “Traditionally, mini-lifts were done on people in their mid-to-early 50s, but now most of my mini-lift patients are in their 40s.”
Patients in good health, who do not smoke and do not have many medical problems, and who are beginning to show signs of aging in the areas of the legs, jaw and smile lines are good candidates for a mini-face lift. They may also choose to add a mini neck lift or eyelid lift to further enhance their results.
“Mini-lifts don’t have to wait until you’re 60 and have significant skin sagging,” says Dr. Liebertz. “They work wonders on premature aging along the jawline and are an easy recovery.”
How is the recovery?
If you decide to have a mini facelift, you will need about a week off from socializing. Dr. Liebertz explains that the cheek and the area around the ears will be a little swollen during this time. “Most patients feel confident and look good enough to go out to eat a week after surgery.”
It is important to follow post-operative exercise and weight-lifting restrictions to achieve the best results. Dr. Liebertz is strict with his restrictions and advises patients not to engage in vigorous activity for four weeks after their procedures.
You can expect to feel some pain during your recovery, but nothing too serious. “It’s not a very painful procedure—we usually hear people say they feel tightness or pain,” says Dr. Liebertz.
