Mini face lift

Are you looking for an answer to sagging cheeks or a drooping face, but are not sure about having a full surgical face lift? A mini face lift may be just the answer you are looking for. Also known as the ‘weekend face lift’ because of the instant results and rapid recovery, this has become a firm favourite with our clients. You may also hear the mini face lift referred to as the mini lift, S lift (short scar face lift) or macs face lift.

How does the mini face lift differ from a full face lift?

A mini face lift consists only of tightening and redraping lax skin tissue, whereas a full face lift also tightens the underlying tissues. A short scar face lift is much less traumatic than full face lift, which means that you will have less pain, bruising and swelling than if you’d opted for a full surgical face lift. The scars of are much shorter and less noticeable so you can wear your hair just as you want after a mini face lift (many men find this a major advantage). You’ll be able to get back to your normal routine within a week or so, letting you get on with whatever else is important in your life.

A macs face lift can be repeated if necessary and is often combined with other surgical or non-surgical procedures as required. Because it is quicker and does not need general anaesthesia or an overnight stay, the cost of a mini face lift is typically less than one third the cost of full face lift.

Who is suitable for a mini lift?

The ideal patient is in the 35 – 55 age range who is looking for an improvement in sagging jowls or a sagging jawline. The mini lift does not improve the upper face. However, one of the great advantages of the mini lift is that it can easily be combined with other procedures such as brow lifting or eyelid surgery to provide a complete solution to your concerns. You can also choose from our range of non-surgical options to complement your new profile. The mini lift procedure can be repeated as necessary and doesn’t rule out a full face lift further down the line.

Patients on aspirin type medication or who are unable to stop smoking are not suitable for mini face lift surgery. If you smoke, it is especially important to stop at least a week or two before and after surgery; smoking inhibits blood flow to the skin and can interfere with the healing of your incision areas. If your hair is very short, you may want to let it grow out before surgery so that it is long enough to hide the scars while they heal.

Ultimately, the decision to operate will rest with the surgeon, who will take into account your wishes and balance those against what is feasible and appropriate.

What happens during the procedure?

All surgery takes place in a fully equipped operating theatre in a hospital in central Bristol. You will need to come with a responsible adult who can drive you home and look after you overnight. Ideally, you will have someone to look after you for the first few days, so that you can rest quietly.

The surgeon will numb the skin with local anaesthetic so you do not feel any pain during the procedure. You may choose to have your surgery under sedation if you wish. The incisions run from just above the ear to below and a little behind the ear. The skin and soft tissues are delicately mobilised and pulled up about an inch before being sutured. You will need to wear a special head bandage for a day or two after the procedure.

What is the recovery period after a mini face lift?

Rapid and uneventful recovery is the norm after mini face lift. Most people get back to normal after 7 – 10 days, some people take much less time. Any discomfort is minor and can be treated with simple painkillers. Be especially gentle with your face and hair, since your skin will be both tender and numb and may not respond normally at first.

Your surgeon will wish to see you 2 weeks after surgery to check that healing and progress are satisfactory and stitches are removed. When appropriate, dissolving stitches are used instead.

Typically people return to work between 1 and 3 weeks after a mini face lift. You will need to wait 2 – 3 weeks until you resume strenuous physical activity or exercise.

What are the potential complications of a mini face lift?

The risks and potential complications of a mini face lift are the same as that of a full face lift. However, they occur much less frequently and tend to be less severe. The possible risks include haematoma (blood collection) formation, infection, nerve damage, pain, bruising and swelling. Poor skin healing and wound breakdown is more likely in patients who smoke. The commonest complaint is of tightness or difficulty in opening the mouth – this settles down within a few days.

In order to minimize the chance of complications, it is important to:

• Keep your head elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling – a few extra pillows may be necessary
• Apply ice packs to the area for the first few days
• Rest quietly and avoid exertion for 2 – 3 days
• Avoid smoking (including passive smoking)
• Avoid aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight for 6 weeks – you should use a physical sun block such as SkinCeuticals Physical UV defence routinely
• Some numbness of the skin is quite normal; it will disappear in a few weeks or months.

When will I see the final results of a mini face lift?

The final result is seen 1 – 3 months after the procedure. Any scarring will naturally fade and become scarcely visible with time. Having a mini lift doesn’t stop the clock; it merely turns back the hands. Your face will continue to age, but it is perfectly possible to have another mini lift or even a full face lift at a later stage, should you so wish.

What is the cost of a mini face lift? A mini face lift costs £3270 inclusive of all hospital fees and an overnight stay at the Spire Hospital (£3670 including sedation if desired). An overnight stay at the Spire Hospital costs an additional £88.

You may also be interested in information on our advanced mini face lift or full surgical face lift.

For more information on other procedures to help correct a sagging neck, please click here.

If you would like to speak to our surgeon about a mini face lift, please phone me on 0117 3250325 to arrange a free consultation.