What is the Mini Facelift Procedure for?
The mini facelift procedure (sometimes called the limited incision facelift) is an anti-aging cosmetic procedure used to correct sagging skin around the face and neck, including the cheeks, jaw, and jowls. The overall procedure is performed by a plastic surgeon. The facelift focuses on removing and pulling up sagging skin around the neck and jawline. This may include removing excess skin to tighten the face, such as the cheeks and chin, as well as to reduce excess skin and fat that cause sagging jowls. The following is a list of concerns that the mini facelift addresses:
- Sagging jowls and double chins.
- Facial volume.
- Fine lines and wrinkles.
- Marionette lines.
- Facial skin laxity.
Compared to a traditional facelift, the mini facelift uses fewer incisions and typically results in less scarring and bruising as well as a shorter recovery time. However, unlike the traditional facelift, this procedure does not directly address the neck. Despite being less invasive than a traditional facelift, this procedure still requires some incisions and is therefore still considered an invasive surgery.
In a traditional facelift, the incision is typically made from the temples and around the ears to the lower scalp. In contrast, the incision for the mini facelift typically starts are the earlobe to travel upwards along the natural curves of the junction between the cheek and ear. The incision then continues into the hairline, moving along the temple approximately 3-5 cm. In some cases, an alternate incision is made that follows the hairline along the bottom of the sideburn.
Who is a Candidate for the Mini Facelift?
Candidates for the mini facelift are typically people in their 40’s or 50’s who are exhibiting the typical signs of aging, such as loose and sagging skin. However, younger patients who wish to achieve a natural, youthful looking face may undergo this procedure instead of a traditional facelift.
The mini facelift may be right for you if you want to look more youthful through facial rejuvenation but are not as concerned about the appearance of your neck. You may be a candidate for mini facelift surgery if you are looking to correct sagging skin around the neck or jawline with fewer incisions. This is possible for patients with less skin to remove, otherwise a traditional facelift may be a more appropriate.
This procedure may also be right for you if you have recently undergone substantial weight loss. Losing a significant amount of weight can often result in sagging of the facial skin.
Overall, facelift patients should be healthy and relatively fit. Patients who smoke must quit at least two weeks prior to the procedure and may not smoke again afterwards.
How is Mini Facelift Surgery Performed?
Initial Consultation
The procedure begins with a consultation with our board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Brandon Kallman. During this appointment, Dr. Kallman will ask you about your medical history including any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and whether you have had any past surgeries. It is extremely important to share this information with Dr. Kallman to ensure that this procedure is safe for you.
During the consultation, you will discuss your desired surgical outcomes and whether these results can realistically be achieved through a mini facelift. This consultation is also the time when photographs may be taken of the target location to help Dr. Kallman plan the surgical process and decided which surgical techniques are right for you.
Mini facelifts are often carried out with additional cosmetic procedures to maximize results and help the patient achieve a youthful appearance. Since the facelift targets the neck and jawline, these additional cosmetic procedures often involve making corrections to facial structures, such as an eye lift or brow lift.
Preparing for Surgery
Before your scheduled appointment, it is important to:
- Cease taking any blood thinning medications, including aspirin, for up to two weeks prior to your scheduled appointment.
- Refrain from smoking approximately two weeks prior to surgery and must not resume smoking anytime after the procedure.
- Limit sun exposure for at least two weeks prior to your scheduled appointment.
- Do not eat or drink anything six hours before your scheduled procedure.
Since general anesthesia is typically used, we ask that you plan to have a family member or close friend pick you up after surgery.
The Surgical Process
The entire surgical process takes approximately two to two and half hours to complete. Before the procedure begins, general anesthesia is administered to the patient. In some cases, local anesthesia and a sedative are administered to the patient intravenously if general anesthesia is not deemed to be an appropriate option for that individual.
The surgeon then begins the procedure by making incisions that expose the underlying layer of muscle tissue. Dissecting the skin in this way allows the tissue to be re-draped. Your surgeon will then tighten the underlying muscle layer thereby elevating the fallen tissues of the cheek and jowls. Next, the skin is re-draped, elevated, and tightened to achieve a natural, youthful appearance. This process is repeated on both sides of the face. Incisions are then closed with sutures and dressings are applied.
The mini facelift is an outpatient procedure. This means patients can return home the same day. Be sure to have a family member or friend drive you home as you may still be experiencing drowsiness from the anesthesia. Your board certified plastic surgeon may also prescribe pain medication to limit any discomfort.
Recovery
Recovery time for the mini facelift is less extensive than traditional facelift surgery. Following your mini facelift, you will be sent home with dressings over your stitches. These dressings will either be removed by your doctor the following day, or your doctor may give you instructions to remove them yourself. Swelling and bruising will likely occur in the first one to two weeks following the mini facelift.
Depending on your surgeon, dissolving sutures may be used. If temporary stitches are used, your doctor will schedule an appointment with you to remove them after approximately ten days. Swelling and bruising may remain after your stitches are removed.
Most patients are able to return to work within one to two weeks following a mini facelift. Light exercise can typically be done about two weeks following your facelift. Strenuous activities should be avoided during this time. Heavy exercise can typically resume within four to six weeks.
Overall, most patients are back to their normal daily routines around the one month post operative mark. Minor swelling, bruising, tightness, and numbness can take up to a year to subside. However, these symptoms are likely to be too minimal for you to notice. Be sure to follow the care instructions provided to you by your doctor.
FIRST CLASS FACILITIES FOR FACELIFT
Dramatically improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck such as jowls, excess or lack of fat, and wrinkly, loose skin.
DR. BRANDON KALLMAN, Miami's Best Facelift Surgeon
Face Miami’s Dr. Brandon Kallman, MD. is Miami’s best facelift surgeon. He brings over 27 years of experience as an Aesthetic, Cosmetic, and Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to his prestigious practice. Miami men and women trust his extensive expertise in a diverse range of facial cosmetic procedures, and he’s renowned as a rhinoplasty specialist.
When choosing a board certified surgeon, it is important to select a doctor with skill and experience. Dr. Brandon Kallman is rated 5 stars on ratemd, healthgrade, vitals, and real self, can help you create a result that fits in with your other features and looks natural. He can also help you understand the benefits and limitations of your chosen procedure, so that you can make the decision that is right for you.
Tips to recover from your mini facelift
Before you receive your mini facelift, there are a couple things you can do ahead of time to make your recovery safe and easy. These include the following: If you are in charge of cooking for yourself, be sure to stock your freezer with ready-made meals that are high in protein and low in sodium. Get comfortable clothing that fastens at the front as opposed to shirts and sweatshirts that must be pulled over the head. Create and prepare a recovery space, placing any items you may require in close proximity. Following your mini facelift, there are a few things you can do to aid in the healing of your incisions as well as to reduce the appearance of scars. These include the following: Keep your head elevated at all times, even during sleep. Take multivitamins. Drink lots of water. Eat high-protein meals that are low in sodium. Use any and all ointments provided by your doctor as instructed. Keep the incisions clean and dry to prevent infection and scarring. Avoid direct sunlight to promote healing of the incisions.
Factors that May Affect Recovery Time
Recovery time may vary from person to person depending on the surgical techniques used to meet your desired goals as well as individual physiological differences. The following factors may affect the length of your recovery:
- The extent of your facelift and the techniques used on you.
- Your overall health.
- Genetics.
- Age and skin elasticity.
- How well you follow any post-operative recovery instructions.
Potential Side Effects and Associated Risks
Like any surgical procedure, including plastic surgery, there are some mild side effects associated with the mini facelift. These include:
- Bruising.
- Pain.
- Swelling.
Severe side effects are rare. However, be sure to call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Excessive bleeding.
- Infections, which can be identified by the following symptoms:
- Increasing swelling.
- Severe pain.
- Oozing and bleeding from your stitches.
- Fevers and chills.
- Loss of feeling or nerve damage.
How Long do the Results Typically Last?
The results of a mini facelift are considered to be permanent, although they typically last approximately seven to ten years. Results may be adversely affected due to weight changes, aging, smoking, or sun exposure. However, other non-invasive anti-aging treatments, such as those listed above, may help maximize your results.
BOARD CERTIFIED SURGEON IN MIAMI
Face Miami’s very own Dr. Kallman specializes in Aesthetic Surgical procedures. These include Rhinoplasty, facial rejuvenation, eyelid and eyebrow lift surgeries, fat transfers and more. Watch the video to learn more!
Dr. Kallman is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He re-certified his Plastic Surgery Board Certification in April 2005 and 2015- one of the first doctors in South Florida with this recertification.
An active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and The Greater Miami Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, he’s in an elite class.
Because of this wealth of knowledge and passion for cosmetic surgery, he has lectured extensively around the world- particularly on the intricacies of primary and secondary rhinoplasty , ethnic rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty.
An avid researcher, he continues to study innovations in lip augmentation, brow lifts, state of the art blepharoplasty, fat transfer surgery, breast implants surgery, nasal reconstruction, and anti-aging therapeutics.
Skill & Experience
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