What Is Involved in a “Mini Face Lift”?

We all reach a point in our life where topical skincare treatments are no longer effective. The younger our skin is, the more receptive it is to creams, scrubs, and serums. However, they all fail to work eventually. At Columbus Facial Plastics at The Sullivan Centre in Columbus, OH, we are proud to offer a mini facelift, the perfect procedure for people looking to reverse the signs of facial aging.

What Is Involved in a “Mini Face Lift”?

A mini facelift is a great procedure because it provides many of the same benefits as a full facelift but is far more affordable, and the recovery time is much shorter. While the scope of a mini lift is smaller than a full facelift, there are other techniques that can be used to address cosmetic concerns in your midface or upper face if you have them.

Step 1: An Initial Consultation

The first step in the mini facelift process is attending an initial consultation. This step is crucial because it allows us to determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure. During your initial consultation, we will evaluate your cosmetic concerns to determine whether you will only need a mini lift to achieve your goals. Then, we will discuss your medical history and current health to ensure that you are currently healthy enough to undergo this procedure. You may need to talk to your PCP about not taking certain drugs and supplements temporarily to prepare for this procedure.

Step 2: Preparing for Your Procedure

During your initial consultation, we will give you all of the preparation guidelines you must adhere to so your procedure goes smoothly. Fortunately, you won’t need to do too much to prepare. Among the most important rules you must follow are:

• Not drinking alcohol
• Not taking blood-thinners
• Not smoking
• Staying hydrated
• Eating nutritiously
• Wearing comfortable clothes to your appointment
• Arranging for a ride to and from your appointment
• Arranging for a loved one to stay with you afterward

 

Sedation

There are two ways you may be sedated for your mini lift depending on your health and personal preference. If you opt for general anesthesia, you will not be aware of anything during your procedure. However, your heart and lungs must be in very good health to qualify for a general anesthetic, and you will need to fast for eight hours before your procedure. If you aren’t healthy enough to receive a general anesthetic we can administer a local anesthetic. This will numb the lower portion of your face so you won’t feel any pain. Also, we will administer a milder form of sedation so you will not feel anxious during your procedure but you will not be fully asleep. During your initial consultation, we will discuss your options and determine which anesthetic is more appropriate for you.

Step 3: The Mini Lift

Once you are relaxed and numbed, we will make a tiny incision near your ear in the shape of an “s.” This discreet placement is great because people will not be able to see your incisions as they are healing. However, we also may make a tiny incision near your chin depending on the aesthetic goals you are trying to achieve. Through the incisions, we will lift and tighten loose skin. Also, we will excise excess skin if necessary to help you achieve the smooth, lifted appearance you desire. Once we are finished reversing the signs of aging in your lower face, the incisions will be closed. Depending on the exact scope of your procedure, your mini lift may take around a few hours to complete.

Step 4: Caring for Your Skin

To see your final results as quickly as possible, and to enjoy the best possible results, you must be able to adhere to all post-op care instructions. During your initial consultation, we will explain to you everything you must do to care for your skin post-op. Once your procedure is complete and your sedative has worn off, we will review your post-op care instructions again. For instance, we will advise you on how to keep your incision sites clean during your recovery. Also, we will remind you that you must sleep on your back with your head elevated above your heart for rapid, ideal results. It is very important that you get as much quality sleep as possible during your recovery period because most of the post-operative healing will occur while you are in the rapid eye movement phase of your sleep cycle.

More Care Steps

If possible, you should also have someone stay with you for the first 24 to 72 hours following your procedure to help take care of you so you can get plenty of rest. This is particularly important for people who are considering this procedure who have pets. You can expect to be back to work within a week of your procedure, and you should be able to resume your usual routine in just a few short weeks.

What Are the Benefits of a Mini Lift?

Some of the most compelling benefits of a mini lift are there are fewer incisions required than a full lift, and the recovery period is much shorter. However, there are other benefits. Some other benefits of this procedure include:

• No scarring
• Lifted jowl skin
• Erased wrinkles and lines
• Tightened jaw and chin skin

Another incredible benefit of this procedure is that it is shorter than a full facelift. Therefore, the procedure is more affordable, less sedation needs to be used, and the incisions are smaller. Finally, a mini lift can be tailored to address all of the concerns you have in your lower face.

How Long Will the Results of a Mini Lift Last?

Individual results vary, but you can expect your anti-aging results to last for at least five years. In some cases, the results of this procedure can reverse the signs of facial aging for a full decade. The longevity of your results will depend on several factors, including your age, the health of your skin, and your lifestyle choices. Here are some of the lifestyle choices you can make to extend the longevity of your results:

• Drink alcohol in moderation
• Do not consume tobacco products
• Eat nutritiously
• Stay hydrated
• Get enough sleep
• Get plenty of exercise
• Prevent sun damage
• Maintain a healthy skincare routine

 

Am I a Good Candidate for This Procedure?

If you think you could benefit from eliminating wrinkles and tightening loose skin in your lower face, there is a good chance that you will qualify for this procedure. Typically, the ideal candidate is at least 41 years of age and concerned about loose, sagging skin and wrinkles. However, this procedure can also be right for individuals who are not yet 41 but want to reverse the signs of aging without coming in several times per year for less durable treatments. Once we understand the cosmetic goals you are trying to achieve, we will tailor an anti-aging plan that will allow you to achieve all of your goals. Depending on your unique aesthetic vision, you may also need a midface lift or a traditional facelift. Alternatively, you may benefit from injectable dermal fillers or muscle relaxants in addition to your mini lift.  `

Can This Procedure Be Combined With Other Treatments?

Some people are only concerned about aging signs around their jawline, chin, and mouth. For them, only a mini lift is required to look as young as they feel. On the other hand, other people may have concerns that cannot be addressed by a mini lift, like hollow cheeks. Such people can absolutely benefit from combining this procedure with a complementary treatment, like an injectable dermal filler designed to increase cheek volume.

Find Out Today Whether This Procedure Is Right for You

Do you want to treat the early signs of aging before they get any worse? Are you concerned about the appearance of your lower face? Are you sick and tired of wasting your money on ineffective topical “anti-aging” treatments? If so, a mini lift may be the perfect solution for you. To determine whether this is the appropriate procedure for you, schedule an appointment with us today at Columbus Facial Plastics at The Sullivan Centre in Columbus, OH. We can’t wait to meet you and tailor a plan for you that will help you achieve all of your aesthetic goals.