What Is a Facelift?
A facelift or rhytidectomy improves the appearance of the face by reducing aging signs. It is an esthetic or cosmetic procedure. The facelift includes any plastic surgical procedure done to the face or neck to improve the appearance and bring a more youthful look. Following are some signs of aging that can be corrected by a facelift surgery:
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Sagging skin.
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Excess facial fat.
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Lines and wrinkles.
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Double chin.
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Drooping skin.
What Is a Mini Facelift?
Facelift surgeries are of different types. A mini facelift is a type of facelift that focuses on tightening loose tissues. It is the least invasive form of facelift surgery and is commonly indicated for candidates with minimal aging signs. A mini facelift treatment can turn the clock back by diminishing the aging signs and lifting and tightening the loose tissues.
A mini facelift is also considered an anti-aging treatment in which the surgeon makes incisions to lift the skin against gravity. Excess loose tissue present beneath the skin can cause sagging and wrinkling. By removing excess tissues and lifting the skin upward, the surgeon will be able to reduce wrinkles.
When Is a Mini Facelift Done?
With age, the skin loses the quantity and quality of the connective tissue fibers, leading to decreased elasticity. This makes the skin saggy, exhibits fine lines and wrinkles, causes bagging of the eyelids, and shows jowls on the lower part of the face. Aged individuals sometimes find it unapproving and opt for facelift surgeries. A mini facelift can be done on the following candidates:
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A person who feels a lack of confidence in their appearance.
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A person who hides the aged skin using other accessories or clothing parts.
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A person with minimal aging signs on the skin.
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A person opting to do a facelift and willing to shift to a healthy lifestyle.
How Is a Mini Facelift Done?
Following are the steps of facelift surgery:
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Preparation: The candidate should try explaining a detailed medical and personal history to the surgeon. The surgeon may suggest stopping certain over-the-counter medications or other drugs. It is necessary to keep underlying systemic conditions like diabetes under control. Quitting smoking is also needed for the best results.
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The Procedure: Since a mini facelift is invasive, it is done under general or local anesthesia. The surgeon will then place incisions on the skin. The incisions placed for a mini facelift are smaller compared to traditional facelift surgery. The incisions will be placed along the borders of the face, like the hairline, or around the ears, depending on the location to be treated. The surgeon will move the tissues upwards, close the flap, and place sutures.
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After the Procedure: The sutures will start coming off five to ten days after the treatment. In the case of non-absorbable sutures, the patient should visit the surgeon after the indicated days for removal. During the procedure, mild to moderate discomfort may be experienced by the candidate. Following the surgeon’s guidelines is necessary to reduce post-surgical complications.
What Happens During a Mini Facelift Surgery?
After placing the incisions, the surgeon will raise the flap and separate the skin from the connective tissue and muscle layer. The surgeon will reposition the tissues in the deeper layers to make the base of the skin firm and tight. This reduces the saggy, loose skin below the jawline responsible for jowls. While repositioning the skin over the treated area, excess skin may project. This will be trimmed, approximated, and sutured. Removing excess skin helps tighten the skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
What Are the Treatments Done in Conjunction With a Mini Facelift?
Surgeons may recommend additional treatments along with or after mini facelift surgery. Some of the most common cosmetic treatments done in conjunction with a mini facelift are:
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Blepharoplasty: Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that aims to remove excess skin or tissues from the eyelid. Aging can accumulate more fat on the eyelids. The muscles in this area may also weaken, making the upper eyelids droopy and the lower eyelids baggy. A mini facelift may be accompanied by a blepharoplasty in cases where the aging signs become obvious on the eyelids.
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Forehead Lift: A brow lift or forehead rejuvenation is also called a brow lift. In this procedure, the surgeon will raise the skin and tissues of the brow, forehead, and above eyes upward. It reduces horizontal and vertical wrinkles on the forehead.
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Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers are injections given to the skin to regain hydration, fullness, and collagen functioning. They contain substances like hyaluronic acid, which helps in the synthesis of collagen.
What to Expect After a Mini Facelift Surgery?
Any surgical procedure may be accompanied by some complications or side effects. The complications following a mini facelift will be mild. Some of the commonly developing complications are:
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Swelling.
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Mild pain.
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Bruising.
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Reddish discoloration.
In case of severe pain, persistent swelling, or infections, the patient should immediately seek medical help. An infection may be accompanied by a fever or chills and may require antibiotic medications to cure. If the patient has uncontrolled diabetes, healing may get delayed. Following the surgeon’s guidelines will help reduce the complications after mini facelift surgery.
A couple of weeks may be needed for complete recovery after the mini facelift surgery. Following the surgery, the patient may develop self-esteem due to improved appearance. The patient should take some time off from the daily routine for effective healing. In addition, chemical or cosmetic use and sun exposure to the treated area can become problematic.
Conclusion
A mini facelift is done with minimal incisions. The procedure improves facial skin appearance by reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and loose skin. Like any other cosmetic procedure, a mini facelift also develops complications. Following the guidelines of the surgeon helps in dealing with the post-surgical side effects. In addition, the candidate opting for a mini facelift must have control over conditions like diabetes, lead a healthier life, and maintain a healthy weight and fat percentage. Excess fat accumulation in the future can alter the results of the surgery.
