Mini Facelift

When you begin noticing wrinkles and sagging skin, you may wonder about your options for slowing the aging process. A mini facelift, often called a short scar facelift, can be ideal for men and women in their 30s or 40s who aren’t quite ready for a traditional facelift. While a mini facelift does not provide the dramatic results of a full facelift, it can benefit younger patients who want to address early signs of aging.

Men and women seeking a mini facelift in Las Vegas, NV, can visit board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Roth to explore their facial rejuvenation options.

What Is a Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift is less invasive than a SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) flap or deep plane facelift and addresses early skin laxity in the lower face. Compared to a full facelift, Dr. Roth uses much shorter incisions during this mini facelift procedure, making them primarily in front of the ear. Using a few sutures, he lifts and tightens the skin and removes excess skin to restore youthful contours. This approach is limited to the lower face and does not treat neck laxity or neck bands. Patients opting for a mini facelift should have realistic expectations that their results will be subtle and less transformative than a comprehensive facelift.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Mini Facelift?

Ideal candidates for a mini facelift are typically men and women in their 30s or 40s who want to minimize early signs of aging. These patients are generally concerned about mild sagging and minimal jowling. If you have more advanced signs of aging, including neck laxity, you are probably a better candidate for a full facelift or neck lift. During your consultation, Dr. Roth will thoroughly examine your skin and discuss your concerns before recommending the facelift option best suited to your needs and goals.

Benefits of a Minimal Incision Approach

When only a small amount of correction is necessary, patients can benefit from a minimal incision facelift approach. These smaller incisions usually result in less scarring and a faster recovery. Mini facelift scars are easily concealed and hidden around the ears and in the natural contours of the face. It’s important to remember that there can be a trade-off between the incision length and the potential amount of correction. That’s why patients who require only minimal rejuvenation can benefit from a “short scar” mini facelift approach.

What To Expect From Your Mini Facelift Recovery

Recovery from a mini facelift is usually briefer than with a full facelift. You will need to follow your post-op protocol carefully, but most patients require only 1 week of downtime, and side effects are typically minimal. We recommend sleeping with your head elevated at first to reduce swelling and protect your incisions. You may experience minor discomfort during the first few days after surgery, including swelling and bruising around your incisions. Makeup can help mask any residual bruising you may experience.

Enjoying Your Mini Facelift Results

While a mini facelift won’t halt aging, it can help you look younger and more refreshed. Results from a mini facelift typically last 5 to 10 years, depending on the specifics of your surgery and how well you take care of your skin. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing a good skincare routine, and protecting your skin from sun exposure can help prolong your results. Many patients also choose to augment their mini facelift with noninvasive skin rejuvenation treatments such as dermal fillers or facial resurfacing to maximize their outcomes.