Mini Face Lift

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Introduction

A mini face lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to reverse the signs of aging skin.  A mini face lift is used to make the lower one third of the face look younger, rested, and refreshed.  It can firm the lower facial skin, improve jaw line definition, and refine the neck-chin angle. 

Mini face lifts are popular among people that are not quite ready for a full face lift but would benefit from facial rejuvenation.  It is also used as a follow up procedure by people that have already had full face lifts.  A mini face lift has shorter recovery time and the results can last for several years.

There are a few options for a mini face lift.  You may choose to receive an anterior mini face lift, a posterior mini face lift, or both procedures.  An anterior mini face lift is for the lower face.  A posterior mini face lift is for the neck, jawline, and jowl area.  After examining your skin and listening to your concerns, your doctor will help you select the most appropriate procedure to meet your expectations.

 

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Treatment

A mini face lift is an outpatient cosmetic surgery procedure that is performed at a doctor’s surgical suite, hospital, or outpatient surgery center.  It may be performed with local or general anesthesia.  The surgery time varies from about 40 minutes up to 3 hours, depending upon your anatomy and the procedure that you and your physician select.

For an anterior mini face lift procedure, small incisions are made from in front of the ears and into the hairline.  The hair does not need to be shaved.  The skin is gently tightened and excess tissue is removed.  The tissue may be supported with deep sutures.  Tiny stitches close the incisions. 

A posterior mini facelift uses incisions made from behind the ears and into the hairline.  The neck and jowl areas are elevated, and excess tissue is removed.  Tiny stitches close the incisions. 

Following your procedure, the area is gently covered with bandages and wrapped with an elastic bandage.  After the procedure discomfort, if present may be relieved by oral pain medication, elevating your head.  Your stitches will be removed in about a week.  The mini face lift is referred to as a “weekend procedure” because of the short recovery time.  Most people resume their regular activities within a week. Your physician will help you decide if you're a good candidate for this procedure.
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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.