A "mini-facelift" is an innovative anti-aging procedure that uses the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques to remove years of facial age. Although relatively new, this technique is rapidly increasing in popularity as an effective anti-aging procedure. It is replacing the much more invasive and heavier traditional facelift.
Patients for whom the procedure is suitable meet the following characteristics:
- A mini facelift is the ideal procedure for any patient around the age of 40 - 50 who is looking to erase the noticeable signs of puberty. Skin changes over time. The earliest visible "signals" of advancing age stand out where the area is most delicate - the face and neck. Fine lines and excess tissue usually begin to appear in the 30s. They turn into deeper wrinkles and a gradual loss of volume, in the 40s and 50s.
- Patients in whom lifestyle and aggressive external factors such as more intense sun exposure, stress, smoking, eating and sleeping play a role in further progressing the aging process.
- Patients seeking a minimally invasive alternative to traditional facelift surgery. The "mini-facelift" surgery is not suitable for older patients who have more advanced skin sagging in the neck and chin area. For them, the deep facelift is recommended. The mini-facelift rejuvenates the lower face in patients with mild to moderate sagging around the jawline and excess skin in the neck area.
- The Mini-Facelift is an ideal solution for people who want to achieve a more youthful appearance and wish to do so with minimal discomfort, scarring and risk.
Procedure:
The Mini-Facelift procedure uses very tiny incisions. Depending on their size and shape, the technique of application and whether they are placed so as to be hidden behind the natural curves of the ear, the mini facelift can go by different varieties and names, such as:
- S-lift
- MACS lift
- Lifting with a small incision
- Short scar facelift
- Lifestyle Lift™
Mini lift is a customized procedure. The first step for all patients is to meet with the plastic surgeon for a thorough discussion. During the discussion, it is determined which facelift surgery is best for the individual patient. This is of course according to the patient's stated personal wishes. The goals and expectations of the procedure are discussed in detail, taking into account the anatomy and individual characteristics of the candidate's face and skin.
Because mini facelift surgery targets only the lower face, many patients choose to combine the procedure, most often with fat transfer, to restore lost volume in the desired areas. The fat is procured through liposuction and then used to augment the cheekbones, cheeks, temples, eyebrows, chin, and anywhere else to improve facial balance and structure.
Operative intervention and recovery:
Incisions are made behind and in front of the ears to minimize and hide scars as much as possible. In some cases, they extend over the scalp. From there, the surgeon reaches the deeper layers of the face. The goal is to reposition and lift the skin and soft tissues and restore the underlying muscles to the desired position. Excess skin is removed and carefully closed with fine plastic sutures.
The procedure takes between 1 - 1.5 hours. It can be performed under local anaesthetic or sedation and is treated as a day case.
Facelift surgery is a safe procedure. However, as after any surgical procedure, patients may experience mild pain and discomfort reminiscent of bruising, temporary numbness, and mild facial swelling. These conditions resolve quickly and no further medication is required.
Specialists find this procedure ideal as the recovery time is a few days, compared to a few weeks as with more invasive interventions. At the same time, it achieves many of the goals of a traditional facelift. Although significant rapid improvement is noted, it is advisable to take a week off to ensure optimal physical recovery.
Mini facelift incisions are small and almost imperceptible. They are placed close to the hairline so they can be easily concealed. The scars fade and almost disappear over time.
The results:
The final results are usually visible six weeks after the procedure, when the swelling from the intervention has completely disappeared. The healing process completes completely over the next 12 months or so.
Through Mini-Facelift surgery, natural results are achieved that allow a youthful and fresh version of the patient to be restored. The defined goal is achievable with minimal time and a final look that is truly worth it.
