It seems like it happens overnight sometimes. You’re washing your face in the evening and you notice new laugh lines near your mouth, or that your jowls seem to suddenly hang a bit. It can be very frustrating—and you wonder how did that happen so quickly? The good news is, you can fix these issues just as quickly. With a small and simple procedure called a mini facelift, you can say goodbye to wrinkles and loose skin, reclaim your youthful appearance, and feel great in your skin.
What Is a Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift tightens the lower-middle part of the face including, but not limited to, the jowls and the jawline area. Typically its area of scope does not include the neck or nearby sagging areas. Since the procedure focuses on less of the face, mini facelifts tend to promote a more natural appearance.
Why Get a Mini Facelift?
Most people seeking a mini facelift are looking to restore the former tightness of their skin for a younger appearance. Unfortunately, our behavior from years ago may have caused premature aging. If we only knew what we know now, we would have stayed away from baby oil on the beach and instead slathered on the sunscreen, But alas, the science behind skincare and sun protection was lacking as recently as 20-30 years ago—and your skin, like many others, may now be paying the price through visible fine lines and wrinkles. You have certainly earned those lines, but you might not want to keep them!
Dr. Beverly Fischer and the Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) team often hear comments like these from their patients getting mini facelift procedures:
- Skin has lost elasticity and is looser and beginning to sag, perhaps creating “jowls” around the cheeks or a loss of definition along the jaw.
- Skin is beginning to show wrinkles and fine lines.
- Comfortable with how the neck and browline appear and do not feel a full facelift is needed, but are frustrated with the lower-middle portion of the face.
- Are not comfortable going under general anesthesia, which is required in a full facelift.
RELATED: Am I a Good Candidate for a Mini Facelift?
Since they do not require general anesthesia and only affect part of the face, mini facelifts are a less invasive way to help you achieve the skin you want. People in their 40s and 50s are typically best suited to receive a mini facelift and this also provides an added benefit. Addressing aging skin in your 40s and 50s usually means less invasive procedures will be needed later down the road, since you’re keeping up with changes as they happen. Mini facelifts can last up to ten years, so they can be a good investment if you’re trying to combat aging.
A Mini Facelift Versus a Full Facelift: What’s the Difference?
No matter your reasons for pursuing a mini facelift, you’ll want to make sure that you understand your options. The main differentiator between a mini facelift and a full facelift is the amount of skin that is tightened in the face. With a full facelift, you will likely receive treatment to the forehead and brow, midface and cheek lift, and/or along with the lower face and extending down to your neck. As mentioned, full facelifts typically require general anesthesia due to their complexity and severity.
If you’re unsure which is right for you, rest assured that Dr. Fischer will consult with you to understand your objectives. She uses her 20+ years of experience to determine the best choice for her patients based on their desired outcomes, and can help you become familiar with all of your options.
RELATED: What Are the Different Types of Facelifts? Which Is Right for You?
Mini Facelift Procedure
Although getting a mini facelift is considered a “major” or “invasive” surgery, it is far less complex than a facial reconstruction or a full facelift. In almost all cases, local anesthesia and topical numbing are applied prior to small incisions around the hairline and ears. From there, the underlying skin tissues are manipulated by pulling and lifting them up and then removing any excess tissue that is no longer needed. Sutures will then be used to close the incisions—and voila! Your skin will have been tightened, removing years from your face.
No matter where you get the procedure, it’s imperative that you go to a board certified plastic surgeon to ensure the safest and best work. Oftentimes, patients also elect to receive injectables and dermal fillers to accompany their mini facelift. Fillers and/or injectables will provide you with complete facial rejuvenation, so it can be worth considering!
Why Wait?
Getting a mini facelift is a safe and quick way to love your face again. Reach out to an experienced board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Beverly Fischer and the team at ACPS and get started with the mini facelift treatment and process. It’s so easy and effective, you’ll wish you had done it sooner!
