Can I have a mini face lift with just local shots and oral medication ?

Modified facelifts can be done with local anesthetic and medications by mouth.  We do approximately 60% of the patients in our office this way and we have great results.

One of the advantages of a mini-lift over a full rhytidectomy (facelift), is that it can be performed with minimal anesthesia. At my center, I usually use just local injections of a numbing agent plus oral medication to keep you relaxed. You will be awake for the procedure. If you prefer not to be awake, we'll administer a light anesthesia. This makes your recovery easier and decreases downtime. I hope this helps you make your decision.

If you are in good health then a facelift and necklift can be performed safely by either local anesthesia with oral sedation, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia in my practice. The key is for you to feel most comfortable. Many patients select local anesthesia with sedation as they are afraid of General Anethesia, whereas other patients are afraid of being aware or feeling the injections at the beginning of the procedure.General anesthesia is safer than many patients think, but if you are uncomfortable with the idea of being fully knocked out then your facelift can be performed with local anesthesia with IV sedation. Your doctor will check thoroughly to be certain that general anesthesia is safe for you. In any case, you are safest in the hands of a Board Certified Anesthesiologist who can monitor you regardless of the anesthesia type you choose. The most important decision you can make is deciding on the most qualified plastic surgeon (see link below) whose job it is to guide you on decisions such as the ones you are considering.#faceliftanesthesia#faceliftanesthesiachoices

Thank you for posting your query. I have performed thousands of facelifts, neck lifts, mini lifts, blephs, lasers and chin implants all under local anesthesia and oral sedation. Done properly, patients are comfortable and have an easier recovery. There is an art and science to this local anesthesia technique to acquire a high level of patient comfort. My patients do not even require a narcotic prior or during their their procedures thus reducing nausea. The risks, both short term and long term, of general anesthesia are eliminated. Please consult with several board certified surgeons experienced in facelifting and also in local anesthesia techniques.

Yes, "mini-facelifts" can absolutely be done with local anesthetic and mild oral sedation. I have performed hundreds of mini-lift procedures this way in my career with excellent results.  I tell all patients that there will be some discomfort initially with the anesthetic injections, but following this step patients are able to relax and have their procedure performed without any pain.  I would be happy to see you for a complemenatary consultation to discuss your options.  Good Luck!

Many plastic surgery procedures may be performed in the office via local anesthesia, with only local shots and possible oral medication. IV anesthesia or general anesthesia is often used too, either in the office surgical suite or hospital facility. The decision on the type of anesthesia is dependent on many factors, including procedure itself, patient preference, surgeon preference, and medical conditions. Generally speaking, local anesthesia may be considered for a mini face lift. If you haven't already, then speak with a plastic surgeon to review options.Best,Dr. Chaboki

There is a difference of opinion between plastic surgeons on whether general anesthesia is preferable to local when performing a facelift.  In the past, general anesthesia was considered to be mandatory for such surgery; however, today a growing number of surgeons prefer to do facelifts under local anesthesia with IV or oral sedation.  I, myself, am of the latter type.  I found that, in many cases, using local anesthesia can reduce postoperative swelling and bruising and helps to shorten recovery time.  I do not find that the results of the facelift are compromised by using local anesthesia. You can review some facelift results performed under local with oral meds on my website.Best wishes!Dr. Konstantin

I perform all my facelifts under local anesthesia with oral medications. Its a technique that I find safer for my patients and recovery is quicker without the nausea associated with general anesthesia. The oral medications help take the edge off during the placement of the local anesthesia and allows you to rest during the procedure. 

Hello.  You can have a facelift with local anesthesia only.  The addition of an oral anxiolytic (calming) medication helps keep the patient comfortable during the procedure.  I do not feel general anesthesia offers any advantage for a mini facelift.  IV sedation is reasonable and commonly administered but is not necessary.  I have been practicing facial plastic surgery since 2003 in Henderson, NV.  It typically involves an incision around the ear (starting in the front of the ear, proceeding under the ear and ending behind the ear).  In my hands the procedure takes 2-3 hours.  Stitches are removed 7-10 days later.  The procedure is typically very safe however every surgery has risks and potential complications."This answer has been solicited without seeing this
patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek
in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate
care."

Yes.  Absolutely.  I do hundreds of these each year.  There is some pain during the numbing injections which is made easier with the oral medications and pre op numbing cream, but once you are all numbed up, there is no pain at all.  If you go to my website, you will see a time elapsed video of a mini-facelift so that you can get an idea what it is like.  I would be happy to see you for a consultation with computer imaging which is free of charge.  Thanks.  Dr. Pontell