Where are the incisions for a mini-lift made?

Question

I want tightening only in the jawline, not the cheek. Where can the incisions be made for such a low area of the face? Does it have to be in front of my ear? Can it be below the ear, since that is where I want the tightening of skin?

Gregory S. Keller, MD, FACS · Answer

There are techniques that can allow you to tighten the jawline without incisions anterior to the ear.  Pictures would help to understand exactly what your problem is.  A reverse vector of pull can sometimes be used with special suturing techniques.  This can help to efface the jowl and tighten the neck.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

I spend a lot of time hiding the incisions along the ridge of the ear and behind the ear (not in front of the ear) so patients get the best results I can give them and it is under local with a little iv sedation. Totally comfortable and safe compared to general.

Ben Lee, MD · Answer

Hi, and thank you for your question. There are so many variations of a “ mini lift “ between surgeons that it’s very important you ask the surgeon who you plan to have do your surgery exactly where your incisions will be, as well as what you can expect both the improvements and limitations of the proposed operation. Mini lifts can be skin only facelifts, with full incisions from the hairline above the ear in the front and continuing all the way around the ear to the back hairline, or something as limited as a small incision in front of the ear alone.

Peter Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

There are so many variations of a “ mini lift “ between surgeons that it’s very important you ask the surgeon who you plan to have do your surgery exactly where your incisions will be, as well as what you can expect both the improvements and limitations of the proposed operation. Mini lifts can be skin only facelifts, with full incisions from the hairline above the ear in the front and continuing all the way around the ear to the back hairline, or something as limited as a small incision in front of the ear alone.
 Isolated neck lifts, when done, tend to have incisions primarily behind the ear, with short extensions in the front when necessary.
 The jawline is the border of the cheek over it, and the neck below it. The jowls tend to require a vertical lift in the cheek, and some lifting in the neck to obtain best results. Harmonious repositioning is always the goal.
I’d say it’s important to thoroughly discuss your wants with the surgeon you choose, make sure he understands what YOU consider your problem areas. Then it’s very important you listen to your surgeon when he describes the best procedure to treat those areas. If there’s any question, have him draw the planned incisions on you at your preop appointment even.  It’s important not to expect a procedure to do something it can’t because you wish to limit the incision, or prefer it to be elsewhere. We spend years or decades even, perfecting our closures to create the best possible scars. Experienced surgeons have been hiding scars in plain sight on faces for decades! It’s always best to pick the appropriate “tool” for the job, and don’t let an excellent scar that results from a well chosen procedure in the correct place scare you into choosing an incorrect procedure, where your results won’t justify your efforts.

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  If you are interested in a facelift the incisions will be in front of the ear to ensure the SMAS muscle and skin is targeted.  These incisions can be hidden in the contour of the ear so once healed they are almost invisible.  Please do ask your surgeon about this before having your procedure.  All The Best

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. If you only want the neck tightened the best option would be a neck lift. The incisions start at the ear lobe, then are tucked behind the ear and extend in to the hair line.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

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

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Yes the incision for a mini lift scan be made behind the ear and only in true crease of the earlobe assuming you have no excess skin in your cheek.

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

Minilift incisions can be customized to give the patient exactly what they want / need. If you only need neck improvement, incisions can sometimes be made behind the ear alone. If you need jowl improvement, most patients will need the incision in front of the ear. Depending on your anatomy, that incision can be short, or it may need to be longer. The bottom line is that everyone is different, so every incision may need to be a little different as well.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation SpecialistQuintessa

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concern about location of scars, however it is vital for the surgeon to have appropriate exposure during any type of facelift to allow proper technique to be performed to attain the best possible result. A mini facelift usually involves incisions just in front of the ear extending to just behind the ear lobe. These scars are camouflaged easily, and once fully matured, fade nicely and become imperceptible. Be wary of Surgeons offering procedures with less scarring as your results will also be less satisfactory! Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to confirm my advice. Good luck.

Where are the incisions for a mini-lift made?

Answers (14)

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