All Procedures
Mini Facelift (Mini Rhytidectomy)
Useful information for patients on Mini Facelift procedures - lifting saggy middle and lower side section of the face.
What Is a Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift, or a mini-rhytidectomy is a less invasive variation of the traditional facelift, designed to target early signs of aging with shorter incisions and more limited dissection. The incision is usually placed just in front of the ear and extended along the hairline to the earlobe. Through this access, the skin and underlying tissues are gently lifted and repositioned, and any excess skin is removed to create a more defined and youthful appearance.
This procedure is often considered by younger patients who have mild to moderate skin laxity, early jowling or lower facial sagging. \When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, mini facelifts are considered safe and effective. As with all surgery, potential risks should be discussed during consultation.
Who Is It for?
A mini facelift may be suitable for patients who:
- Show early signs of facial aging and mild sagging.
- Want a less invasive alternative to a full facelift.
- Are in good health and have realistic expectations.
- Certain medical conditions including hypertension or clotting disorders may require further assessment prior to undergoing surgery.
Preparation
Before surgery, patients usually undergo:
- A full review of medical history and current medications.
- Smoking cessation.
- Temporary withdrawal of blood-thinning medications (e.g.. antiplatelet or anticoagulants), usually 1 week prior to surgery.
- A physical examination will be advised.
Useful Information
Ensure you consider all aspects of a procedure. You can speak to your surgeon about these areas of the surgery in more detail during a consultation.
Length
How Long Is the Procedure?
The procedure takes about 2 hours.
Anesthesia
Do I Need Anesthesia?
General anesthesia or intravenous sedation is commonly used. In selected cases, local anesthesia may be appropriate and allows for a quicker recovery.
Inpatient/Outpatient
Is The Procedure Inpatient or Outpatient?
Can be performed as either an outpatient or inpatient procedure, depending on whether additional surgeries are being performed at the same time.
Additional Information
Following the procedure, you may experience:
- Swelling and bruising (temporary)
- Numbness (usually temporary)
- Itching
- Scarring
- Hematoma (collection of blood beneath the skin)
- Nerve injury
- Infection
- Skin necrosis
- Asymmetry
- Hair loss around the incision site
- Unfavorable or thickened scars
- Possibility of revision surgery
A light dressing or bandage may be applied for the first few days. Patients are advised to sleep with their head elevated during the first nights to reduce swelling. Driving and showering are usually avoided during the first 48 hours. Stiches are typically removed after 1 week.
Bruising and swelling usually resolve within 2 weeks. Most patients return to work and daily activities within 7 to 14 days. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least 3 weeks. Smoking should be discontinued for 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery to optimizehealing.
Final results continue to refine over time and are usually visible between 6 and 9 months after surgery.
Mini facelift results are often long-lasting, but the degree and duration of improvement can vary depending on genetics, lifestyle and the natural aging process. Following your surgeon’s postoperative care instructions, and maintaining good skincare with adequate sun protection, will help preserve the results over time.
Please note: Individual results vary from patient to patient due to varying factors such as age, skin quality, bone structure, and overall health. To understand what results you can expect, please consult with a qualified aesthetic plastic surgeon.