Before discussing ideal candidates for a mini facelift, it’s important to understand the difference between a “mini” – or sometimes “micro” – and a regular facelift. Advertisements use the terms “mini” and “micro” quite frequently, sometimes implying that the surgery is easier, faster and cheaper. In medical terms, however, the terms just mean that a smaller area is to be treated, with perhaps smaller incisions than a traditional, full-facelift.
What a Mini Facelift Entails
A mini facelift generally treats minor jowling and loose skin on the bottom part of the face. A surgeon, after administering a local anesthetic, will make an incision beginning at the base of the sideburn area and ending at the earlobe. A full face lift incision would start higher, continue around the facial hairline and behind the ear and end about two inches from the middle-back of the neck.
A mini facelift is not quite as invasive as a traditional facelift, resulting in less swelling and bruising, whereby a traditional facelift separates the facial skin away from the underlying muscle and tissue and results in much more recovery time.
Who is a Mini Facelift Candidate?
Ideal candidates for a mini facelift tend to be between the ages of 40 and 60. These candidates want to deal with some of the loose skin or jowling on the lower part of their face, and take of about five years of age from their face. Other good candidates may be those who have recently lost a good deal of weight, and want to tighten the loose skin, which was a result of the loss. Good candidates are generally in good health, and don’t smoke or tan too excessively, as this will undo all the benefits obtained by a mini facelift.
The best candidates would benefit from smaller incisions and the use of tiny stitches, as opposed to the heavier, multi-layer stitching required by traditional facelifts. Patients who have previously had a traditional facelift, and want a “touchup” can also do a mini facelift. Also, ideal candidates for a mini facelift have strong jaw and cheekbone structure, for a good foundation.
Benefits of Facelift Surgery
The benefit of a mini facelift is less recovery time and pain. However, it is not appropriate for people who want to fix extremely loose jowl skin, or tighten eyebrow or forehead wrinkles. A mini facelift will not be able to successfully treat a “turkey neck,” which is loose skin attached to a drooping muscle underneath the chin. It is also not appropriate for patient candidates who are not willing to participate in good follow-up care, just like any other facelift surgery, or who won’t be satisfied by about five years of touch-up.
Also, if a candidate tends to have excessive scarring or keloid problems, he or she might not be an ideal candidate for a mini facelift or any cosmetic facelift for that matter. Other factors include high blood pressure, or blood clotting problems. A mini facelift requires less healing time than a traditional facelift , but the ideal candidate can take off a couple of days to rest and heal before going back to work or regular activity after their facelift surgery .
