The effects of age become more apparent the older you get. Whether it be from sun exposure throughout the years, the pull of gravity or stress caused by work, family and friends, aging is most noticeable in the face, where wrinkles, sags and bags are prominent.
These facial flaws can be challenging to deal with. Deep down, you know they don’t represent how you feel on the inside. Those wrinkles don’t capture your youthful side, those sags make you feel old and those bags make you seem more tired than you are. Fortunately, there’s no reason to think you must learn to live with these aging effects or think that tired face in the mirror represents who you are.
While a full facelift helps to improve the appearance of the face dramatically, it isn’t your only option for facial improvement. Dr. Christopher Verbin is experienced in a range of facial rejuvenation techniques that can address signs of aging where they affect you most. A mini facelift or a cheek lift requires less recovery time than a traditional facelift and can produce results that are just as enhancing, making you look and feel more youthful, energetic and vibrant.
A “mini facelift” or “limited incision facelift” is designed to give beautiful results through fewer and shorter incisions with reduced recovery time. It is sometimes referred to as the “S” lift or the “vertical” lift. Whereas the traditional facelift utilizes incisions that cross back behind and above the ear into the hair, a mini lift may only involve incisions at the top of the ears. This type of facelift can achieve a reduction in the appearance of jowls, fewer wrinkles around the chin and a more defined neck and jawline.
A mini facelift is best for those who are a bit younger and are starting to see the effects of the aging process in their lower face and neck. Though it doesn’t produce results that are as dramatic as a full facelift (it isn’t the best option for those who have deep wrinkles and noticeable sagging in the jowls), it can be an effective fix for those who require less extensive improvements.
A limited incision/mini-facelift approach is also commonly selected for a patient’s second facelift.
If the central area of the face is most affected, a cheek lift or midface lift could be a viable alternative to a full facelift or mini facelift. If there is too much lax and excess skin to be taken up, a traditional facelift may be the best option for that individual. Everyone’s face is different and the optimal approach to address facial issues is chosen individually for each patient.
While a full surgical facelift is capable of treating more severe cases, there is plenty of overlap between this treatment and mini facelifts when it comes to the issues that they address. The primary culprit is gravity (with its accomplice, time), manifesting in areas of sagging skin affecting the lower third of the face.
In other words, mini facelifts also help to tighten areas of sagging skin around the cheeks, jawline, neck, and other issues affecting the lower third of the face. Here’s a more detailed look at these common issues, keeping in mind that each patient presents uniquely and may require a unique approach:
- Cheeks: Drooping skin affecting the cheeks can give a tired, aged appearance, but a mini facelift can raise the cheek fat to reposition it over the cheekbone.
- Neck banding: Mini facelifts can address mild to moderate sagging skin and/or “banding” of the neck.
- Jawline wrinkles and sagging: Often referred to as “marionette lines,” fine lines affecting the jawline and neck area can be reduced with a mini facelift.
In a consultation with Dr. Verbin of South Bay Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center, your unique presentation will be assessed to develop an action plan that ensure the best possible mini facelift results.
Because mini facelifts are more appropriate for early and/or less advanced signs of aging, patients as young as their late 20s can benefit from this treatment. That said, the majority of mini facelift patients are performed on patients in their 30s, 40s, and early 50s. Because the aging process is highly individualized, there is no “magic age range” to throw out there. Patients in their 50s and 60s may still be eligible for a mini facelift. Rather than focusing on the patient’s age, it’s better to assess the nature and severity of their signs of aging to determine whether or not a mini facelift is appropriate.
Finally, your skin type (including skin elasticity), health status, and other individualized factors outside of age can also affect whether or not you are a prime candidate for a mini facelift. Some laxity in the skin is needed for our bodies to function naturally, so, especially in the case of younger patients, there may not be enough laxity to justify a mini facelift.
Midface lifts elevate the central cheek region, restoring youthful contours when this area begins to descend and develop hollows. This type of facelift, also known as a cheek lift, can be accomplished using different techniques. Depending on the patient’s anatomy, Dr. Verbin may use a scope from the temple hair or use a lower eyelid approach. These can be combined with a small incision made inside the mouth. Both techniques allow for a procedure that restores facial volume and contours while leaving little to no visible scarring.
Like a mini facelift, a cheek lift requires less recovery time than a full facelift. It also involves less bruising and swelling. This type of facelift is best suited for those who need targeted improvements in the midface area due to drooping cheeks, hollows beneath the eyes and deep nasolabial folds (the lines found between the mouth and nose that are caused by facial expressions).
A cheek lift is most appropriate for middle-aged and younger patients who are hoping to delay the need for a full facelift. Some patients combine a cheek lift with other procedures for a more comprehensive result. Popular choices include eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), a brow lift or a neck lift. The results of a midface lift can also be complemented by fat grafting or dermal filler injections in the cheeks to further lift and contour the area.
Most patients can enjoy their mini facelift results for a period of roughly 5 to 10 years. Where you land in this range depends heavily on a range of factors, including the following:
- Natural aging: While mini facelifts have convincingly proven their efficacy as an anti-aging treatment, this doesn’t mean they can fully prevent signs of aging down the road. People who choose to have mini facelifts closer to their 60s are likely to see signs of aging earlier than younger patients.
- Skin quality: Genetics, overall health, and lifestyle choices can all impact your skin’s elasticity, thickness, and general condition when presenting to treatment. Patients with a higher collagen density and improved elasticity are more likely to see longer-lasting results from mini facelift.
- Post-treatment care: Properly managing swelling and protecting the skin immediately following treatment are vital to safeguarding your mini facelift results.
- Long-term maintenance: Optimal diet, sleep, hydration, sun protection, and other standard skin care practices will not only prolong your mini facelift results, but are generally useful methods for keeping your skin (and the rest of your body) healthy and youthful-looking.
As mentioned, mini facelifts are highly customizable based on patient presentation, but they still follow a general blueprint.
First, your surgeon will anesthetize the treatment area. Depending on your preferences and the extent of the treatment, they may choose either local or general anesthesia. Next, the surgeon will make small incisions around the ears. Then, the skin is gently pulled upward and outward, and excess skin is trimmed away. Finally, the incisions are sutured closed.
The procedure often takes as little as an hour, but patients still need a ride home because of the anesthesia.
While mini facelift patients generally undergo a shorter and more comfortable recovery process than full surgical facelift patients, some swelling, bruising, and downtime is still expected. Generally, patients will be able to return to a full schedule, including work and other normal activities of daily life, within 2-3 weeks.
During this time, your surgeon will issue several post-treatment care recommendations, including over-the-counter or prescribed pain medications, cold compresses, a compression garment, instructions for incision care, instructions for activity modification (avoiding the sun, etc.), and more. As each case is slightly different, it’s important that you closely follow your surgeon’s instructions to ensure a sound recovery.
There are several surgical and nonsurgical aesthetic treatments that can complement the effects of a mini facelift, but combining procedures involves various safety and logistical implications that need to be addressed.
Injectables like Botox and dermal fillers can further reduce the appearance of fine lines, including those in areas not well-addressed by a mini facelift, for more comprehensive results. Other surgical procedures like blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), and minimally invasive treatments like laser skin resurfacing can also help to round out your results aesthetically speaking.
In discussing the possibility of pairing other treatments with mini facelift with your surgeon, your aesthetic concerns, natural contours, health status, and other factors will be taken into account to ensure a safe and effective treatment.
While both cheek lifts and mini facelifts are effective surgeries, they target different areas and are best for different patients.
Which type of facelift is right for you will depend on which areas of your face require improvements and what aesthetic goals you hope to achieve. Dr. Verbin will go over with you precisely what both surgeries entail and which he recommends based on your circumstances.
A full facelift is the best solution for many of our Torrance patients. If you are younger and are experiencing less advanced signs of aging, a mini facelift or cheek lift could be an ideal option. Dr. Verbin may suggest a mini facelift if you are beginning to develop jowls and would like your jawline and neck contoured. If you’re noticing sagging cheeks and prominent lines around your mouth, he may recommend a cheek lift. Whatever facial issues are concerning you, know that Dr. Verbin wants you to be your best self and will make every effort to ensure you are satisfied with your results.
Before proceeding with any surgery, Dr. Verbin must confirm that you are a good candidate. This assessment will take place during a consultation and will include a physical examination as well as a discussion of your goals and expectations. You should be in good general health and be a non-smoker (or willing to quit smoking for the period that Dr. Verbin recommends). You should be aware that, although these are smaller procedures than a full facelift, there will still be recovery time and some discomfort after surgery. You should also have a thorough understanding of what these procedures can and cannot accomplish. Your desired results should be within reason. Dr. Verbin will recommend alternative options or additional procedures if necessary.
If you’re tired of the tired appearance that aging imposes, maybe it’s time for a change. A mini facelift or cheek lift could be a great option to make your appearance more youthful and lively. If you’re interested in either of these procedures and would like to schedule a consultation, or hear more info, we invite you to call South Bay Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center at 310-539-6500 or contact us here.
