15 Apr Haute Living Explores the Mini Facelift
When you think about facial plastic surgeries, the “facelift” is probably top on your mind—and it is, indeed, one of the most-requested procedures double-certified Dr. Sudeep Roy at RefinedMD sees. However, there are various techniques used when it comes to facelifts, including the mini lift. Younger and younger patients, men and women alike, have been seeking out facelifts in recent years to look and feel their best. Gone are the days when only those 50 and better were considered good candidates for a facelift, especially now that the mini lift is available. Recently, Haute Living featured the mini facelift as a means of helping educate the general public about why today’s facelifts are a far cry from what your mother or grandparents underwent.
You might be a good candidate for a mini-lift if you want tighter, smoother skin in the midface region. If you are noticing signs of aging around the mouth and jowls, but feel like a “pick me up” is a better option than invasive, aggressive surgery, the mini facelift might be for you. It’s also known as a short scar facelift, and both names tell you exactly what they do—this is a facelift, but on a smaller scale and require shorter incisions. In fact, just one incision per side is needed for a mini lift, and it is artfully hidden around the ear.
What You Get with a Mini Lift
A mini lift, due to its location and technique, does not elevate loose skin on the neck as well as a full facelift. Actually, a full facelift includes a necklift! You will see some improvement in neck laxity with a mini lift, but the real goal of this procedure is to improve the jowls and midface. If you notice that you have significant neck skin laxity, you might actually be better suited for a full facelift. How can you find out which one is for you? By scheduling a consultation with Dr. Sudeep Roy.
During your consultation, you can discuss your needs, goals, and what to expect with your recommended surgery. If you are a mini facelift candidate, the incision tucked will be into the front of the ear and the procedure will address laxity and tighten the tissue both of the skin and the tissue right below the surface. Any excess skin is removed, and the remaining tissue is repositioned so that it is smooth and youthful. In total, a mini facelift takes just 2 – 3 hours, which is a pleasant surprise to many patients. It is much less invasive than most people imagine—both the surgery and the recovery period.
Results You’ll Love
A mini facelift is still a surgery, which means that it is common to experience bruising and swelling after your procedure. Results won’t be visible right away because of these common side effects, and you will almost certainly have bandages on your face (and perhaps drains for a few days). Drains are removed between 1 – 2 days after the surgery, so you do not have to deal with this healing facet for long (and not everyone requires drains). An appointment with Dr. Sudeep the morning after your surgery, followed by several times during the healing process, ensures a safe and relatively comfortable downtime. On average, sutures are removed about one week after your surgery. During the first two weeks post-op, bending and lifting are largely limited, and no strenuous exercise is allowed for six weeks after the surgery, on average. However, most people are ready to return to sedentary work after just 1 – 3 weeks after their surgery.
About one month after the surgery, you can tell what the final results will look like. Skin is tauter yet natural-looking. You might look years younger, but nobody will be able to tell you had anything “done.” If you prefer a discreet recovery and to keep your fountain of youth to yourself, a mini facelift gives you that ability. Friends might notice that you look “refreshed,” perhaps remark that you’ve lost weight, and may ask what your secret is. That’s up to you to reveal… or not.
Whether you are a match for a mini lift or a full facelift, the journey begins by choosing the right cosmetic surgeon. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sudeep Roy at RefinedMD today by calling the office, or simply complete the online contact form for the fastest response.