MINI FACELIFT SURGERY: EASY DOES THE TRICK!
A mini facelift is an alternative to the traditional full facelift. It is far less invasive and can give you subtle and natural results.
If you are in your 40s and getting troubled by some lines and wrinkles, maybe it is time to give plastic surgeries a try. Nothing extreme, though. The idea is to slow down the ticking clock and age gracefully (and slowly too, if possible).
A well-timed mini face lift can erase the tell-tale signs of ageing and repair some of the damage if caught early enough. Also, by giving you a fresh-faced and youthful appearance, this surgery can be an instant boost to your self-confidence.
The procedure carries less risk than a traditional facelift with a minimal recovery time.
It’s perfect for those who want to see a change in their appearance but don’t want major surgery! What else could you ask for?
Medically reviewed by Dr Osama Bahsas Zaky
Written by Joaquín Pineda
Updated on September 9, 2021
Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Mini Facelift Surgery?
Also referred to as a ‘weekend facelift,’ a mini facelift is simpler than a traditional, full-on facelift. It is suitable for individuals with well-defined bone structure and good skin elasticity, though.
This lift procedure is ideal for those patients in their 40s and 50s with minor signs of ageing. It can easily turn the clock back some ten years, creating a younger, smoother, and beautifully uplifted contour.
However, if you are older, you may wish to discuss alternative treatments with your consultant. A mini face lift does not address severe signs of facial ageing. Jowls that are heavy or deep folds of skin may not improve as much as you desire!
Also, patients with a dramatic weight loss, resulting in lots of loose skin around the face, should go for a traditional facelift rather than a lower facelift.
What Will a Mini Facelift Improve?
In common with a full facelift, a mini facelift improves skin laxity in the lower face and neck, although at a minor degree, by:
- Tightening sagging skin
- Firming the neck area underneath the chin
- Defining the jawline
- Improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
What Are the Benefits of a Mini Facelift?
While many of us are used to having regular cosmetic procedures, cosmetic surgery is a big step, even if it is only neck lift surgery. Thus, the mini face lift has several advantages over a full facelift in terms of downtime.
However, you must remember that a mini facelift is not as extensive and has some limitations. Results are not as long-lasting, although genetics and lifestyle also play an important role.
This procedure has several benefits:
- A shorter recovery time
- Local anaesthetic is an option
- Little pre-operative testing required
- Recovery is quicker and fewer side effects
- Going back to work in days rather than weeks
- Cost is considerably less than full facelifts
Remember that while a full facelift targets deep folds and wrinkles, improving your face as a whole, a mini facelift just targets the lower part of the face. However, it is a modern approach to lifting the lower portion of the face, which is far less invasive, a lot safer, and can be performed in around half the time.
As the procedure focus on the lower part of the face, it can be combined with other procedures. Hence, you can get a tailor-made result.
For example, eyelid surgery or a brow lift can improve wrinkles in the upper face and give you a wide-eyed appearance. So, you get a much more youthful look overall!
A mini face lift also translates into more natural results! Indeed, even though this procedure can be subtle, small changes can make a big difference.
Also, to maintain the youthful results, you may wish to consider ongoing non-surgical procedures, such as dermal fillers, Botox, lasers, or chemical skin peels.
What is the Difference Between a Mini Facelift and a Lower Facelift?
The lines between a mini facelift and a lower facelift are somewhat blurred. Also, the answer may depend on the personal opinion of plastic surgeons. After all, they are both surgical neck lift procedures performed in the same way, with the same incision technique.
Essentially, a mini-facelift is a modified version of a traditional facelift!
The lower facelift concentrates on the jawline and neck. However, the mini facelift can provide some tightening in the cheeks (mid-face area) and the neck and jawline, but to a minor degree. In general, this procedure is a less invasive procedure that involves shorter incisions. It gives you much more subtle results compared to a traditional facelift.
Scars can be discreetly hidden and fade over time. Usually, they can be very difficult to see for untrained eyes.
What Is the Procedure for a Mini Facelift?
The mini facelift is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. The surgery lasts for around 1.5 hours, and most patients qualify for local anaesthetic with conscious sedation. Although, it is possible you may need general anaesthetic.
The focus of the surgery is to lift and smooth out sagging skin. This is addressed by making small incisions in the hairline above each of the ears.
The skin is separated from the underlying soft tissues, including fat and muscles. Then, they are rearranged, tighten, and pulled upwards through the cheeks.
Rather than just “lifting” the top layer of skin, the surgeon tightens the underlying tissues to their original places. In that way, you get more natural results.
Then, the skin is pulled taught too, and the excess is cut away. The remaining soft tissues are joined together and sutured back in place. Scars are minimal because of the smaller incisions.
What is the Downtime?
After surgery, you should take things easy for at least a day or two. You will be able to resume your daily activities after just one week post-surgery.
In comparison, a patient may need about two to four weeks to recover from a traditional facelift. You will have stitches that may need to stay in place for up to 10 days.
You can gently shower and wash your hair 48 hours after the surgery. However, be gentle when brushing your hair, not to catch your comb in the suture lines by mistake.
You will likely have some bruising and swelling for a week or so. Do not panic! Arnica can be very helpful.
It is possible to start wearing makeup again two weeks after your procedure. You can use it to camouflage or conceal any remnant bruising you may still have.
Do not participate in strenuous exercise or contact sports until your doctor has cleared you! You may have to wait 2-3 weeks. Also, avoid direct sun exposure for 2-4 weeks to minimize the risk of scarring.
Typically, it may take two weeks to recover fully. However, most people continue with their everyday activities after just a few days. You should start to see the results after the swelling subsides, at six weeks or so.
Overall, the healing process could take up to 12 months to complete and see the final results.
How Do I Know If a Mini Facelift Procedure is For Me?
The first consultation is the best way to determine if a mini facelift is right for you. It’s crucial you discuss your goals with a plastic surgeon with expertise in facial surgery. They will perform a thorough evaluation of the excess tissue in your face to determine the best solution.
With more than 20 years of experience, Doctor Jesús Benito is an internationally renowned aesthetic specialist. His expertise lies in plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. He is a member of several international professional societies, including the:
- American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
- International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
- American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS)
Dr Benito Ruiz is a sought-after speaker at international congresses, he has published work in dozens of scientific magazines. Additionally, he has participated in research projects and clinical trials.
He will discuss all the risks and benefits of the most appropriate types of surgery. You are free to talk through every aspect of the surgery with him. In fact, it is preferable that you do so that you feel comfortable and assured you are in good hands.
Cosmetic surgery is a big undertaking. Feeling confident is paramount to you having a positive experience and a good outcome.
HOW MUCH DOES A MINI FACELIFT COST?
The mini facelift cost depends on many factors, including the time of surgery and the costs associated with admission to the clinic.
Without knowing the patient, we do not offer approximate prices since each patient is different. But we know that the economic factor is important when making the decision.
For this reason, we offer the patient the possibility of coming to the clinic facilities for a free and no obligation first visit. You will be able to consult with the surgeon all your doubts or concerns. The medical team will offer the best solution and the best price for your mini face lift.
Ask for a quote today and we’ll help you decide which method of facial rejuvenation is best suited for you.
Doctor Jesús Benito
Specialist in plastic and cosmetic surgery.
- Secretary of the ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery).
- Former president of the Spanish Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (AECEP).
- 2013 Gold Medal (Forum Europa)
Bibliography & Publications:
- Lifting medio facial. VI Reunión de la Sociedad de Cirugía Plástica, reparadora y Estética de la Comunidad Valenciana. 28-29 de octubre de 2005. Valencia
- Are lifting techniques for midface rejuvenation outdated? Congreso de EASAPS, Madrid 28 y 29 de noviembre de 2014.
Do you want more information about mini facelift?
The first visit is free and without obligation.
You can contact us on WhatsApp or Viber at +34 657 460 421.
If you wish, you can send us some photos to have an estimate quote. Photos will not be stored and will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Please explain the results you wish to obtain.
Antiaging Group Barcelona
Ronda del General Mitre, 84, 08021 (Barcelona, Spain)
Nearest Metro Stations: Les Tres Torres / La Bonanova
