Mini-Facelift

A mini-facelift is a popular, limited version of a standard facelift. The incisions are placed below sideburn and in the crease around the ear and are generally well concealed. These incisions permit the surgeon to mobilize the loose skin in the cheek, jaw line, and upper neck, remove the excess skin from these areas, and lift the remaining skin upward and backward to achieve a more youthful appearance.

Ideal Candidates

The best candidates for a mini-facelift are in good physical and psychological health, have realistic expectations, are non-smokers, and are primarily interested in improvement of the cheek, jaw line, and upper neck. It is an excellent procedure for a patient seeking a refreshed look and a shorter recovery time and less expense than a standard facelift.

If these are your circumstances, it is likely that you are a good candidate for a mini-facelift. Please call Bowers Plastic Surgery at telephone number 336-907-7980 or Contact Us to arrange a consultation with Dr. David Bowers.

Techniques or Options

A patient seeking improvements in the appearance of the face often finds the variety of options somewhat confusing. The options include filling agents, such as Juvederm, for lines and creases around the mouth and cheek, liposuction for excess fatty tissue in the neck, and facelift or mini-facelift for the removal of excess skin that has developed with age. Sometimes the best results can be obtained with a combination of these procedures.

For example, a patient may have a mini-facelift to rejuvenate the cheek, jaw line, and upper neck, and an injection of a filler agent to minimize wrinkles of the lips, the corners of the mouth, and nasolabial fold (the deep fold that extends from the nose down the cheek). This combination can improve the appearance of the lower half of the face and avoid any pulling at the corners of the mouth that would appear unnatural.

The most important aspect of the planning process is to be certain that the choice of procedure or combination of procedures addresses the patient’s concern. Dr. Bowers is very experienced in this process that employs a personalized approach for each patient.

The Surgery

A mini-facelift is performed in the office under local anesthesia. One of the advantages of this procedure is that it does not require general anesthesia or sedation. Dr. Bowers may prescribe an oral pain medication to be taken prior to the procedure. There is no need for an IV or to be fasting overnight. Dr. Bowers will be careful to communicate with you during the procedure so that you will feel confident and relaxed.

Once the area in front and back of the ear has been anesthetized with the local numbing agent, incisions are placed under the sideburn and in the crease around the ear. Scars in these sites heal nicely and are usually easy to conceal. The skin is elevated and the deeper tissues tightened with a few sutures. The excess skin is trimmed so that the remaining skin can be lifted upward and backward in a manner that restores a more youthful appearance. Although there may be an awareness of some pulling or tugging, there is no pain during this process. A light dressing is applied at the conclusion. It should remain in place until the next day.

Recovery

It is normal to experience some swelling and bruising in the skin in front of and behind the ear and in the skin of the upper neck. The swelling will begin to improve in about 2 days and the bruising during the first week. The application of ice is not helpful and could even be harmful. Dr. Bowers usually will allow you to shower the day after surgery. A soft diet is helpful for the first week. Regular activities may be resumed gradually at the end of the second week.

Most patients enjoy their new look within a matter of days because there is much less swelling and bruising as compared to a standard facelift. The sutures are removed from the incision in front of the ear about a week after surgery and from behind the ear at two weeks.

Risks

Every surgery has risks. The mini-facelift is a less extensive procedure than a standard facelift. The chance of a complication is low but possible, nonetheless. These include bleeding, infection, healing problems, scarring problems, loss of sensation, and damage to underlying nerves. Dr. Bowers will discuss these risks with you and answer any questions you may have.

Commonly Combined Procedures

A mini-facelift performed in the office can be combined with blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), injection of a filler agent such as Juvederm for wrinkles near the mouth, and injection of Botox for wrinkles in the upper face and forehead. Dr. Bowers will discuss these procedures with you at the time of your consultation if you are interested.

Get in Touch

Phone: 336-907-7980

1002 North Church Street, Suite 203

Greensboro, NC 27401

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