A mini face lift is a limited facelift that tightens the lower face, jowls and jawline through shorter incisions than a full facelift, with the aim of refreshing early signs of facial ageing. It is usually considered for mild to moderate laxity, and it does not treat marked neck laxity or deep forehead lines.
The surgeon typically makes short incisions in front of or just behind the ear. The deeper facial tissue layer is lifted and secured, excess skin is trimmed, and the incisions are closed with fine stitches. It may be done under local anaesthesia with sedation or under general anaesthesia, depending on the plan.
Surgery usually takes one to three hours. Swelling and bruising commonly peak in the first week, stitches are generally removed after about a week to ten days, and many people return to light activity within about two weeks, while strenuous exercise is postponed for several weeks. Final facial contours typically settle over three to six months, and the result is not permanent because ageing continues.
The final cost is set after a medical consultant reviews your case and photos.
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It may soften early jowls and lower-face laxity, and it often involves shorter incisions and a shorter recovery than a full facelift in suitable patients.
Healthy non-smokers with mild to moderate laxity, good skin elasticity and realistic expectations are usually suitable. Marked neck laxity or a large amount of loose skin may need a more extensive procedure, which the surgeon decides after examination.
The surgeon reviews your medical history and medicines. Never stop a prescribed drug on your own; the doctor decides what, if anything, to adjust. You will usually be advised to stop smoking for the period the surgeon specifies and to arrange for someone to help you afterwards.
Short incisions are made near the ear, the deeper facial tissue layer is tightened, excess skin is removed and the incisions are closed with fine stitches. A small drain may be used in some cases.
Swelling, bruising and a feeling of tightness are common in the first days. Light activity is often allowed after about two weeks, while strenuous exercise is usually delayed for several weeks according to the surgeon's instructions.
The result improves gradually as swelling settles over a few months. It often lasts for years, but it does not stop ageing, and its duration varies with skin quality, genetics and lifestyle.
Risks include bleeding or blood collecting under the skin, infection, numbness or weakness of the face from nerve injury (usually temporary, rarely permanent), asymmetry, poor skin healing particularly in smokers, anaesthetic risks and blood clots. Your surgeon should explain these before you decide.
Fine linear scars remain, usually hidden in the natural creases around the ear and in the hairline. They commonly fade over time, but their appearance varies with skin type and healing.
People are commonly advised to wait about one to two weeks, and the treating doctor confirms the right time after checking the wound. Long flights add a clot risk that should be discussed.
A mini face lift focuses on the lower face with shorter incisions and a more limited effect, while a full facelift usually addresses the face and neck together. The surgeon recommends the better option based on the degree of laxity.
