Minimally invasive facial rejuvenation procedures have risen in popularity throughout recent years.
Often sought after as an alternative to a full facelift procedure, the mini facelift is a good option for those who wish to improve their appearance.
The mini facelift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is also known as the weekend facelift or “S” lift. The mini facelift is less invasive, less expensive, and requires less recovery time than the traditional facelift.
How is a mini facelift performed?
There are a variety of techniques that can be involved in the mini facelift. Most procedures classified as a mini facelift dissect and re-drape the skin, with minimal work on the deeper structures of the face that contribute to aging.
This is in comparison to an extended deep plane facelift that extensively dissects the deeper structures, known as the SMAS and muscle layers, to improve the results.
Who is a candidate for a mini facelift?
A mini facelift tightens the face and ensures that definition is properly restored. This procedure is very popular among patients under 40 years old who are not concerned about their neck. The results of a mini facelift will not be as effective in patients who have a large amount of excess skin on their neck.
A mini facelift is designed to correct some of the sagging that exists around the lower portion of the face, specifically around the jawline, to soften some of the harsh lines around the mouth. These lines are often referred to as marionette lines.
In general, this procedure provides patients with a more youthful appearance and a boost in confidence.
However, the mini facelift does not address sagging neck skin or tissue.
Even in younger patients with less signs of aging, the extended deep plane facelift will give a natural result that addresses aging of the face in many different areas including the under eyes, midface, jowls, and the neck.
Why choose a mini facelift?
Patients looking for a minimally invasive procedure that still provides natural, youthful results, may be a good candidate for mini facelift surgery. The incisions made for a mini facelift are shorter and easy to conceal within the standard hairline and contours of the face.
This procedure also comes with very few side effects when compared to a more extensive facelift. With a mini facelift, there is less swelling, bruising, and a lower amount of tenderness you experience compared to a full or extended facelift.
How do I know if I am a candidate for a mini facelift?
Whether you are a good candidate for the less-invasive mini facelift depends on your goals, desired results, budget, and areas of improvement.
Aligning patients’ anticipated mini facelift results with a realistic outcome is our priority.
During your consultation, a full assessment will be performed to determine the best procedure for you and imaging software will be used to give you a realistic idea of the results you can expect.
Schedule a Facelift Consultation
For more information on the extended deep plane facelift performed at The Williams Center, contact us today.
About the Author: Dr. Edwin Williams
Dr. Edwin Williams is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who founded The Williams Center in 1993. He has performed over 10,000 facial plastic surgery procedures and has pioneered the deep plane facelift. He served on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery for over a decade, and served as President from 2015-2016. In 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, Dr. Williams earned the Castle Connelly Top Doctors award in New York Facial Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Edwin F. Williams III attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. He began medical school at the State University of Buffalo School of Medicine and received his Doctor of Medicine in 1986.
Dr. Williams is actively involved in teaching facial plastic and reconstruction surgery to the residents of the Albany Medical Center and is former Chief of the Section of Facial and Plastic Reconstruction Surgery at Albany Medical Center where he received an academic appointment of Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery.