What's a 'Mini Facelift'? Here's Everything You Need to Know
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Aging comes with a handful of changes, many of which are related to your skin. As we get older, our skin loses the tautness and firmness it once had.
"The progression of time causes our bodies to go through many different changes. Many of these changes take form in the development of loose, saggy skin and weakened muscles in the facial region," says Dr. Demetri Arnaoutakis, MD, facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Tampa, Florida.
If the signs of aging that show up on your skin bother you, you have tons of options to help restore it. Non-surgical options include lasers, fillers, and other treatments. But if you're truly looking to address sagging skin, you may want to consider a mini facelift. Never heard of it? Here's everything you need to know.
What Is a Mini Facelift?
Like a regular facelift, a mini facelift still requires surgery.
"A mini facelift is also called a short scar facelift," says Dr. Samuel Lin, MD, FACS, board-certified plastic surgeon and Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School. "During mini facelift surgery, the surgeon makes an incision right in front of the ear to address loose skin and tighten tissue located just below the skin. Excess skin will be removed and the remaining skin is repositioned to lay smoothly. Then, the incision is closed so that the scar is hidden just in front of the ear."
According to Dr. Lin, the surgery takes around two hours.
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What Are the Benefits Of a Mini Facelift?
According to Dr. Lin, one of the best things about a mini facelift is that it results in a shorter scar than a regular facelift.
"In a mini facelift, there is only a scar in front of the ear. In a regular facelift, the scar extends around the bottom of the earlobe and behind the ear," says Dr. Lin. "Because the scar is shorter in a mini facelift, a mini facelift cannot lift loose skin around the neck as well as a regular facelift."
Mini facelifts are also the best option for those who have minimal loose skin around the neck, but desire improvement in the midface (the area between the corners of the eye and the corners of the mouth) and jowls, adds Dr. Lin.
Related: What Is Laser Skin Resurfacing, and Should You Try It?
What Is Recovery Like?
Like many cosmetic surgeries, results from a mini facelift may not be immediately noticeable and will require healing time. Full recovery from a mini facelift can take up to a few weeks.
"It is very common to have bruising and swelling after surgery. You will likely go home with bandages on your face and may have drains," says Dr. Lin. "If you have drains, they are usually removed 24-48 hours after surgery. You will need to see your surgeon the morning after surgery and several other times to monitor your healing. Sutures are usually removed one week after surgery."
For the first two weeks, lifting and bending are strictly limited, and strenuous exercise should be avoided for the first six weeks after surgery, according to Dr. Lin.
"Most patients feel ready to return to work after three weeks," says Dr. Lin.
Are There Any Risks Involved With a Mini Facelift?
With any surgery, there are risks for complications, and some people may not be good candidates.
"The main risks associated with facelift surgery include discomfort, bruising, swelling and temporary numbness," says Dr. Arnaoutakis. "If a patient has health issues such as cardiac disease, diabetes, or pulmonary hypertension, they may not be a candidate for this procedure."
Depending on the state of your skin, you may benefit more from a regular facelift. "If a patient has significant loose skin around the neck, they might be a better candidate for a regular facelift than a mini facelift," says Dr. Lin. "Additionally, patients who smoke cigarettes are not good candidates, since they may have trouble healing after surgery."
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Dermaplaning
How Much Do Mini Facelifts Cost?
The average cost of a mini facelift is about $8,005, according to 2020 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
"This average cost is only part of the total price—it does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses," says Dr. Arnaoutakis. "A surgeon's fee for facelift surgery will be based on his or her experience, the type of procedure used and the geographic office location."
Should You Get a Mini Facelift?
If you're interested in getting a mini facelift, the first place to start is with a consultation.
"Any patient interested in a mini facelift should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to learn more about the process and their options," says Dr. Lin. "Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is a sign that the surgeon has undergone extensive training in plastic and reconstructive surgery, so patients can feel confident they are choosing an experienced, safe surgeon."
If you're not into the (still) invasive mini facelift, there is another type that is less invasive called FaceTite by InMode.
"This minimally invasive procedure involves radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis to destroy fat cells under the skin," says Dr. Arnaoutakis. "When performing FaceTite, a small cannula is inserted just underneath the surface of your skin. By activating the cannula or probe, we can then 'melt' away excess fat with radiofrequency energy and then can suction it all away."
There's no question that there's a lot to consider when getting a mini facelift, from the price to the recovery time. But with the right information in your back pocket, you can make a decision that's well-suited to your wants and needs.
Next up: How to Keep Your Hands Looking Young
Sources
Dr. Demetri Arnaoutakis, MD, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Tampa, Florida
Dr. Samuel Lin, MD, FACS, board-certified plastic surgeon and Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School
