A mini facelift may be the answer if you are interested in enhancing the appearance of the bottom section of your face but do not require a full facelift. Daniel Man, M.D., a Florida board-certified plastic surgeon, performs mini facelifts on individuals living in and around Boca Raton, FL, and the surrounding communities who want to look refreshed and more youthful.

What is a Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift is one that targets the midface area and neck. It is not as invasive as a full facelift and results in a younger, more natural appearance. This procedure is often combined with other treatments, such as fillers and fat transfers, to create a more defined facial structure on the lower portion of the face specifically the chin.

Benefits of a Mini Facelift

Mini facelifts are much less invasive and designed for individuals who need minor corrections on the lower part of their face. They are often preferred because of the following benefits:

  • Smaller incisions
  • Fewer side effects
  • Less scarring
  • Less downtime and recovery
  • More rejuvenated appearance
  • More positive self-image

Is a Mini Facelift Right for Me?

Mini facelifts are ideal for those who have not had success with dermal fillers but still do not need the extent of a full facelift. If you feel like your facial skin has begun to sag, especially under the chin, and you want to pull that up so that your jawline and neckline look younger, a mini facelift may be right for you.

How Involved is the Mini Facelift Procedure?

With a mini facelift, incisions are made from the bottom of the earlobes up to the hairline, usually behind the ears. At that point, the surgeon pulls the skin and underlying tissue back to a point that the excess skin and jaws are no longer apparent, and the skin looks smooth and natural. Once the skin has been pulled into a natural position over the bone structure of the lower face, the incisions are sutured closed, and excess skin is cut away. The entire procedure typically takes about two hours to complete under a local or twilight anesthesia.

Preparing for a Mini Facelift

To fully prepare for a mini facelift, Dr. Man lays out a plan detailing exactly what he recommends to achieve the desired look. He also provides a comprehensive list of preoperative instructions and requires medical clearance from a patient’s family physician or internist. Lastly, he asks that each patient:

  • Stop smoking six weeks before your surgery
  • Stop taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs: Advil, Motrin, Aleve) and vitamins/homeopathic regimens about two weeks prior to surgery
  • Start hydrating several days before the surgery
  • Arrange for help during the first 24-48 hours following the surgery

After the Facelift

Immediately following a mini facelift, surgical dressings are applied to support and protect your face. Patients are taken to a recovery area where they are closely monitored while the anesthesia wears off.

For the first 24 to 48 hours, we urge patients have someone stay with them to allow as much rest as possible. Patients may elect to stay overnight at our center the first night following surgery to receive care during that time and allow for complete rest. Our nurses are all ACSL certified, and our facility has specialized recovery options, including chest wall cooling methods to reduce pain and swelling, a hyperbaric chamber, and oxygen treatments to speed healing.

There may be some pain and discomfort for the first 48 hours, which can be controlled it with oral medications, such as prescription pain relievers or over-the-counter medicines. Any bruising and swelling typically begins to subside after about 36-48 hours. There may also be some drainage for the first 48 hours.

How Involved is the Face Lift Recovery?

Dressings are typically applied around the face to help with swelling and bruising. Most patients take a week to recover from the procedure before they return to work; however, there may still be some swelling and bruising, which lasts for a couple of weeks. It is important to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities or anything that raises blood pressure during the first week or two following the surgery.

How Much Does a Mini Face Lift Cost?

A mini facelift varies in terms of cost as it is based on the goals of the procedure and whether it is combined with other procedures. During a consultation, Dr. Man is more than happy to discuss the costs, as well as payment options and financing.

What Do I Do Next?

To determine if a mini facelift is the right facial surgery for you, we recommend a consultation with Dr. Man. He needs to get to know you and your goals, evaluate your face, and, ultimately, recommend whether a mini facelift or another treatment is the best option for your desired look.

Dr. Man wants you to know about and understand all aspects of your surgery, including your options, what your expectations should be and what a mini-facelift can do for you.

A full medical history is required along with the following:

  • Any past or present medical conditions
  • Medical treatments you have received in the past
  • Past surgeries or hospitalizations
  • Allergies or sensitivities
  • Current medications
  • Any plans for weight loss

Florida board-certified plastic surgeon Daniel Man, M.D., performs mini facelifts on the residents of Boca Raton, FL, and the surrounding communities who want a smoother complexion that looks natural and younger. Please contact us to set up your consultation today.