Mini Facelift Austin, TX
The mini facelift is known by various names, like a short scar facelift, baby boomer lift, or the s-lift. It is appropriate for people who notice aging in the mid to lower face but do not show severe amounts of excess skin around their neck and jawline. Facial aging changes occur from laxity of the skin, gravity and loss of facial volume. This minimally invasive technique with less down-time than traditional facelift can turn back the clock on facial aging by resolving its most visible effects. A mini facelift can be done as a standalone operation or concurrently with other treatments.
Mini facelifts are particularly valuable for younger patients or patients with mild to moderate laxity around their their jawline. If you are contemplating a short-scar facelift, this page will give you a basic understanding of the operation.
If a Mini Facelift sounds as if it might be for you, Dr. Malena Amato and Dr. Marie Somogyi would like to discuss how the procedure may be beneficial for you. Call (512) 501-1010 or contact us for a consultation.
Best Candidates for Mini Facelift in Austin, TX
The mini facelift is popular with younger patients from their mid-30s on up. It may also be employed as a secondary facelift if you have already had facelift surgery in the past. The short scar facelift can be combined with other cosmetic procedures like blepharoplasty, cheek or a brow lift to maximize rejuvenation.
Your Mini Facelift Consultation
During your initial visit, facial plastic surgeon Dr. Malena Amato or Dr. Marie Somogyi will evaluate your face, including underlying bone structure and skin of the face and neck. She will discuss with you your goals for the operation. It often helps to bring old photographs of your self for review. She and her team will check for medical conditions that may cause problems during or after the procedure. These issues include high blood pressure, scarring issues, and blood clotting problems.
Be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke or take any medications, especially blood thinners like aspirin or ibuprofen. If you choose a mini facelift, Eyelid & Facial Plastic Surgery Associates will explain the anesthesia they will use, the facility where the surgery will be performed, and the risks and costs.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions or state your concerns, especially those regarding your expectations about the outcome.
Preparing for Your Mini Facelift
Your expert surgeon, Dr. Amato or Dr. Somogyi will provide specific instructions on what to do before surgery, including guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and avoiding particular medications and vitamins. It’s critical to stop smoking at least a week or two before and after surgery. Smoking inhibits the blood from flowing to the skin and can interfere with your incisions healing correctly. Supplements such as arnica, Vitamin C and Bromelin can be helpful to minimize bruising.
Also, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after the operation. You will still be under the influence of anesthesia and should not be behind the wheel. And it’s wise to have someone with you for a day or two during the initial healing phase.
Ready to book your procedure?
If you are ready to take the next step, or simply want more information about a procedure, please contact our team! Dr. Amato and Dr. Somogyi look forward to speaking with you soon!
Types of Anesthesia for A Mini Facelift in Austin, TX
Most mini facelifts are performed under local anesthesia with a sedative through an IV and you will feel no pain. If you are put under general anesthesia, you will be asleep for the duration of the procedure.
The Mini Facelift in Austin, TX
A mini facelift includes repositioning portions of the lower face showing signs of aging. The incision is about half the length of a traditional facelift just in front of the ear and wraps behind the ear. The bruising, swelling and discomfort is minimal compared to conventional facelifts, according to most patients.
Your surgeon begins by separating the skin from the underlying muscle and fat then contouring the fatty tissue. Your doctor tightens the underlying tissue called the SMAS, redrapes the skin, and removes any excess. Sutures secure tissue layers and close the incisions with little tension to minimize scarring. She may use metal clips on the scalp.
Once the incisions are closed, Dr. Amato or Dr. Somogyi will dress the incision with bandages before sending you to recovery.
After Your Mini Facelift in Austin, TX
There should be little discomfort after surgery and prescribed pain meds will be available. Expect some numbness in the incision area, which will diminish in a few weeks.
Your surgeon will instruct you to keep your head elevated during rest and sleep. Make sure your incision is above your heart. Any bandages or dressings will be removed within five days, and sutures and staples will be removed after one to two weeks. A soft chin support to wear during your recovery may be recommended, which helps with overall swelling and bruising.
Recovery After Your Mini Facelift in Austin, TX
Though mini-faclift surgery is typically not painful during recovery, plan on taking it easy for the first week after surgery. It is okay to shower and gently clean the area after 48 hours. Be incredibly gentle with your face and hair since your skin will be tender and numb and may not typically respond at first. Ice packs can help with bruising, swelling and discomfort.
Dr. Amato and Dr. Somogyi will provide you guidelines for resuming normal activities. These may include:
- Avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks (walking and mild stretching are fine).
- Avoid alcohol, saunas, and steam baths for several
- Get plenty of rest to aid the healing process.
Most patients are back at work within one to two weeks after the operation. If necessary, wearing makeup is allowed by then. Majority of the healing occurs in the first few weeks after surgery but final results are typically seen 6-12 months after surgery.
Benefits of a Mini Facelift in Austin, TX
A mini facelift does not stop the aging process. However, it will give you a younger appearance that will remain as you get older. Here are some other benefits of a mini facelift over traditional face and neck lift:
- Substantial midface rejuvenation
- Small incision, minimally invasive
- Faster healing time
- Less risk of pixie ears (earlobe distortion)
- Less risk of injury to facial nerves
A mini facelift will not move your hairline and can be repeated years later if so desired. Many patients choose maintenance treatments like laser skin resurfacing and dermal fillers to enhance results. Some patients may not be a candidate for this procedure due to advanced aging changes or health risks, Dr. Amato or Dr. Somogyi will review your options during your consultation.
Ready to Book Your Procedure?
If you are ready to take the next steps, or simply want more information about a procedure, please contact our team online! Our expert surgeons are looking forward to speaking with you soon!
Mini Facelift FAQs
A mini facelift is a plastic surgery procedure designed to tighten sagging skin and muscles on the lower region of the face and neck. With a mini facelift, nearly everything is smaller. In addition, the incision used is smaller than that used for a traditional facelift; therefore, the recovery process is shorter. The results are the only thing that are not mini about this procedure. Your results will be every bit as dramatic as a full facelift, just in the areas where patients need them the most.
The primary difference between a mini facelift and a traditional facelift is the area being focused on. For example, a mini facelift focuses from the bottom of the ears down to the neck, whereas a full facelift focuses from the top of the ears down to the neck.
A mini facelift is a much less invasive procedure than a full facelift, meaning you won’t have to spend as long recovering. In fact, most patients require only a week off work before feeling well enough to return and use makeup to cover up any residual bruising. Most swelling won’t entirely resolve until after a month has passed, so it’s recommended that patients plan their mini facelift in advance, especially if they have an important social event. It’s important to give yourself at least eight weeks to recover fully.
Any operation you undergo will involve some degree of cutting and suturing. However, as the name implies, a mini facelift surgery involves small incisions neatly hidden in locations where scarring will be less noticeable, like within the hairline or behind the ears. When closing your incisions, your surgeon will also use methods that hasten wound healing and lessen scarring. You’ll also be given post-operative incision care instructions that can increase the likelihood that your incisions will swiftly heal and go unnoticed.
The durability of your mini facelift results relies on several factors, including your lifestyle, habits, skincare regimen, and amount of sun exposure. On average, the results last between 12 to 15 years. The younger you are when you undergo your procedure, the longer your results will last. This is because those who choose to have their facelift earlier in life have younger, healthier skin to work with.
The right age to undergo any facelift is whatever age you believe your appearance and self-esteem could be best improved by lifting and tightening the skin and underlying facial muscles and tissues. Most patients choose to enhance their appearance with a mini facelift between 30 and 40, as this is when signs of aging start to appear. At this time, a mini facelift can also prevent signs of aging from becoming more apparent as you age. However, some people don’t consider cosmetic surgery until their 60 or 70s.