Who is a Good Candidate for a Mini Facelift?

Hello!  Thank you for your question! I hope that these answers help!  The facelift procedure is an excellent method for shaping the face and create a sculpted face and jawline as well tightening the laxity of your skin and soft tissue. This will rid much of the wrinkles and laxity while adding volume to your face which has been lost with normal facial aging.  It is a popular procedure for facial rejuvenation and restoration of a more youthful and invigorated appearance that will last for several years.   Women of all ages are candidates for these surgical procedures. There is a trend for younger patients to do smaller procedures at earlier ages and maintain the appearance, rather than a drastic result later in life which is very noticeable.  Short scar and mini facelifts are excellent for those who need mild to moderate tightening. It has the benefits of a shorter scar, shorter downtime, with a very natural result by lifting Ina vertical direction. The traditional facelift is also an excellent modality with a more conventional tightening of both the skin and underlying tissue as well. Both should address the jawline and the cheek areas to add fullness. Fat grafting has also been a wonderful adjunct to add fullness into the cheeks, malar area, and periorbital region.  Other procedures that are commonly performed together are with the blepharoplasty, brow lift, mid-face lift, and neck lift. You should consult with a plastic surgeon well-versed with facial aesthetic surgery at anytime to go over options in order to assist you in deciding which procedure(s) would be right for you. Best wishes!

FaceTite can internally tighten the skin in the lower face and neck. After all the skin has been heated and contracted, we shape the neck with liposuction to give definition and remove stubborn pockets of fat. In one quick treatment, we can tighten skin, remove fat, and contour the lower face, jawline, and jowls with only a weekend of downtime.​ Keep in mind that combination approaches will give you a more significant improvement as opposed to a single procedure. I recommend getting a consultation with a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Thanks for the question. Although it varies from person to person but in generally it’s applied in men and women over the age of 30 who want to get rid of their tired appearance but do not want to lose their skin elasticity and require a full facelift surgery. I wish you all the best.

Patients with gravitational aging of the face are candidates for surgical facial rejuvenation.  In my practice, I associate the "mini" procedure with a short scar technique and no need for a platysmaplasty (neck incision).  Usually patients in your age range (late 40s or early 50s) are good candidates for the mini facelift.

Patients who desire facial rejuvenation that is affordable, quick, and effective should consider the Lite-lift™. The LiteLift™ is an innovative facelift developed by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Larry Nichter and myself which benefits many male patients. The goal of the #LiteLift is to provide a less invasive natural looking option for both men and women desiring to refresh their appearance with less downtime and risks. The LiteLift® is a “real” facelift, which does address the underlying muscle, tissue and overlying skin.The technique requires limited incisions and takes a vertical lifting approach, in contrast to the traditional facelift, which requires extensive incisions and lifts or pulls the face towards the ears horizontally. The modern techniques used allow us to perform most LiteLift® procedures in the office under local anesthesia. Also, removing the risk of general anesthesia opens the door for more people to pursue facial surgery. All too often people do not move forward with undergoing the desires facelift surgery due to their overwhelming fear of the risks associated with general anesthesia.This is a modified facelift that can be performed in the office with a local anesthetic and improve signs of aging around the neck, jawbone and lower face. These procedures are not "Thread-lifts" or "String-lifts". We do not use the "barbed" sutures employed in these other lifting operations. The Lite-lift™ uses longer lasting techniques that are discussed below. Because the incisions are limited, there is less bruising, swelling and healing time for most patients. Many patients can be back to work in one to two weeks looking rested and more youthful.The best candidates for #LiteLift are non-smoking patients 35-60 years old with stable skin elasticity, well-defined bone structure but showing early changes of the lower face and the neck. Older patients who cannot or do not wish to have a longer operation or general anesthetic can be improved with a Lite Lift™. All in all, Lite Lift™ surgery is individualized for each patient.

Thank you for your question.Facial aging changes start to become noticeable in the late 30’s for most people. In the process of aging the skin folds and loss of facial volume cause deep furrows and facial lines. By the age of 55 -60 years they are permanent changes already, that are difficult to correct with a facelift alone. We should take in mind the general rule, which states that prevention is always easier than correction.At that point I would like to implement the reply for your particular question. Taking action early, in your 40’s or 50’s, will help prevent these permanent changes. Besides, younger patients normally have better skin elasticity, which may promote a longer lasting result. It would be great to have the chance to review your face photos to give the best answer for you.

A mini facelift is great for younger patients with jowling but without excess skin.  Likely, there are as many types of facelift techniques as facelift surgeons.  In general, the "brands" of lifts are all variations on the same theme.  Instead of searching for a specific type or brand of facelift, seek consultation with a facial plastic surgeon who can evaluate your concerns and goals, and pair that with their expertise to give you the type of facelift that fulfills these things. Here is some basic information about types of facelifts:--A mini, or short scar facelift.  Best for patients with some jowling, without excessive amounts of extra skin.  The incision is usually limited to in front of and behind the ear.  The SMAS (strong layer of the face below the skin) is folded upon itself with sutures, improving the jowls.  Advantages are short scar and maybe slightly faster recovery.  Disadvantage is inability to fix extra skin, and likely shorter lifespan of the lift, sometimes requiring tuck-ups within a couple of years--SMAS Facelift.  Great all-around lift.  The incision is the same as above, but extends into the hairline in front of and behind the ear.  This allows redundant skin to be removed, improving jowling and bagginess to the lower face.  The SMAS layer usually is trimmed, and sutured back together to provide strength and durability to the lift for several years beyond the mini lift.  It may have slightly longer recovery than the mini lift, and the incisions are well hidden so as not to be easily visible--Deep plane and subperiosteal lifts.  These are advanced facelift procedures which have the ability to substantially improve the melolabial fold and elevate midfacial fat pads, which are not improved dramatically with the above lifts.  They have some increased risks and definitely an increased recovery period, but can offer dramatic results.  

Frequently Asked Questions about the LiteLift™ Mini Facelift:
What is the Lite Lift and how does it differ from a traditional facelift?
The Lite Lift provides:

less scaring (short scar technique)
a quicker recovery
no need for general anesthesia
a more natural look (pull is vertical in direction)
Not everyone requires a traditional facelift to provide beautiful, long lasting results. The Lite Lift is a minimally invasive option that addresses aging of the face and neck. Patients are offered a personalized experience from their first consultation, through recovery and on.

Who are the best candidates for a mini facelift such as the Lite Lift?
Any healthy individual wishing to address the signs of aging in the lower face and neck. Anyone interested in a refreshed look.

Here are some of the most common questions we receive and their answers regarding mini facelifts and specifically the Lite Lift:

How does the Lite Lift differ from a mini facelift?
“Mini Facelift” is a generalized “catch all” term that can mean different things depending on the doctor you ask. This often makes the real definition difficult for a patient to pin down. It typically only addresses the skin. The, Lite Lift, however, addresses the deeper muscle layer providing the patient with a thorough, natural, long lasting result.

 

Does the Lite Lift offer natural results?
YES! This is one of the best attributes the Lite Lift offers. You will still look like yourself, but with a more youthful and rested appearance. Because of the vertical nature of the pull, it simply re-positions the facial tissues back where they were prior to the aging process resulting in a very natural look.

Is general anesthesia necessary?
Absolutely not. Our primary goal is to ensure the comfort and safety of our patients. About 75% of our patients choose to have the Lite Lift with an oral sedation and local anesthetic. However, we’re happy to offer other anesthesia options so our patients are able to choose which one they’re most comfortable with.

IV Sedation (aka Twilight)
Oral sedation with local anesthetic
General anesthesia
How long will the results of the Lite Lift last?
Forever. You will continue to age which depends on many factors including genetics, lifestyle, and skin elasticity, but you will always look younger. The effects of the Lite Lift will be with you forever.

What is the recovery like? How soon will a patient feel comfortable being seen in public?
Patients usually feel some tightness, firmness under the skin, and moderate swelling & bruising during the first week. Most patients feel comfortable being out in public shortly thereafter. It’s best to allow one to two weeks depending on the individual.

How does the Lite Lift differ from the Life Style Lift that you hear so much about?
Life Style Lift is a national chain with surgeons of various training & experience; not all have been board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Our surgeons offer several anesthesia options to ensure the patient’s optimal comfort.

We’re an aesthetic practice with board certified plastic surgeons who have been serving Orange County for over 25 years. They are both credentialed at Hoag and Long Beach Memorial.
We strive to give our patients individual attention and care – While the Lite Lift is a vertical shortscar facelift, each one is customized to meet the patients unique needs.
Why don’t all plastic surgeons perform this procedure?
Our doctors have pioneered the Lite Lift procedure. It is individualized for each patient; not one a “one size fits all” approach.

How long have Drs. Horowitz and Nichter been performing the Lite Lift?
For more than 10 years. We’re proud that our doctors are passionate about continuing their education; they are always researching the latest in plastic surgery techniques to ensure their patients are getting the best possible care and results. Our doctors paid attention to their our patient’s comments about wanting a procedure with a quick recovery, shorter incisions, local anesthetic, and a more natural looking result.

  I respectively disagree with the last doctor who replied. Certainly, 47 is not too young and a mini lift may be a superb procedure for anyone 30-60 depending on the extent of the problem.  The key is to select an experienced surgeon who will tailor the procedure to the patient and what they wish corrected. Avoid choosing a "trademarked" procedure name and instead choose a reputable, experienced doctor in whom you have trust.

It all depends on how your face has aged and whether skin and muscle laxity (looseness) are the primary factors in your appearance. You should schedule a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon who can determine the type of surgery you need (mini v. SMAS facelift).