What can I expect from mini face lift? Results, recovery, incisions?

Dear Doctor,

What do you think of the lifestyle lift or, for that matter, any minilift, if a person does not require a complete facelift? Is it lasting, and where are the incisions made? How long is the usual recovery time? Many thanks for your opinion.  

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6 answers to “What can I expect from mini face...”

A: Mini facelift is a right operation for the right patient

Stella Desyatnikova, MD

As you can see, the doctors vary in their opinion in what a mini facelift will achieve. One reason for that is the patient: the results will be different for different patients. A younger (40's or 50's) patient who is thin, has good bone structure and some sagging skin will do great with a regular facelift,... more

A: Facial Rejuvenation - No two surgeries are alike

Michael Law, MD

FACIAL REJUVENATION: no two surgeries are alike I prefer the term 'facial rejuvenation' over the more antiquated term 'facelift', as many patients that I see who seek a more youthful and refreshed facial appearance undergo a set of surgical procedures very different from what would have been considered a... more

A: Expect mini results, almost the same down time.

Brent Moelleken, MD

Mini-lifts including the Lifestyle Lift offer minimal pulling through usually traditional facelift incisions.  The downtime is slightly less than for an actual facelift.  Many patients are very disappointed to learn that their mini-lifts had the same incisions as if they had a real facelift, but half... more

A: A mini facelift gives a mini result for a mini length of time

Richard P. Rand, MD

If you are young and are seeing early signs of facial aging, perhaps a mini facelift is adequate to treat your situation. Far too many patients, however, are tempted by the allure of a mini lift thinking it will give them the same result as a properly done facelift and that the results will last as long. ... more

A: Mini face lift expectations

Fred Suess, MD

A mini face lift or limited incision face lift produces a rejuvenation of the face, jowl, and cheek area. The results are quite good and recovery takes about 10 days to 2 weeks. The incisions heal well and quickly.

A: Thes so-called name brand facelifts that offer minimum...

Steven Wallach, MD

Thes so-called name brand facelifts that offer minimum down time done in a dental chair under local anesthetic are not very good. They are great marketing tools to have patients come in. A quality facelift, whether it is a full facelift or a short scar facelift done under adequate and safe anesthesia, will... more

Comments

drpancholi
13 posts
27 Jul 2008

Debra, The mini facelift is an excellent facelift for those with mini changes in their face- slight drooping of the jowls, minor loose skin around the neck line can be improved. Mini face lifts certainly have a role for the right candidate - one with mini changes. They will last as quickly as you age and will likely require 'touch up' surgery along the way. The usual recovery time is about a week. Remember the mini lift has mini downtime, mini discomfort, and mini results compared to a full facelift. Usually, people who are disappointed with the mini facelift are those who needed a full face lift but opted for or were 'sold' the mini. For this reason, be careful with the branded mini lifts. The concern isn't with the technique, but with the hard sell. You don't want to be offered a mini lift as your solution because all that facility performs are mini facelifts! Also, the performing surgeon should be a part of your consultation and have met with you prior to surgery to ask questions. Many of the brand name commercial outfits don't have the surgeon see you until the day of surgery. This isn't good if you are being over-promised results by your consultant that the surgeon can't provide. Again, you can certainly have a lasting, quality result if you are the right patient. Just remember as far as facelifts go, mini facelifts equal mini changes, full facelifts equal major changes. It all depends on how much changes is in order.

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