Mini Facelift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Englewood and Denver, CO

A mini facelift is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to help you achieve smoother facial skin and correct mild sagging (ptosis). Many individuals notice their faces starting to lose youthful characteristics as they age. With the procedure, you can reduce the appearance of age-related changes to your skin, such as sagging jowls and loss of facial volume. If you would like to rejuvenate your appearance without undergoing a full facelift, a mini facelift can provide a subtle yet significant improvement to your complexion.

At Colorado Facial Plastic Surgery, we have decades of experience helping patients achieve smoother, rejuvenated skin and stunning results. Dr. Mario Imola and Dr. David Kowalczyk have helped thousands of patients revitalize their appearance with a mini facelift.

To learn more about how we can help you achieve a tighter, smoother facial profile contact our office or call (303) 839-7980.

About the Mini Facelift

A mini facelift tightens the skin on the lower face. It is especially helpful for improving the appearance of the cheeks and jowls where signs of aging often become the most pronounced. Aging can cause the skin to lose elasticity, which can lead to unwanted sagging. Gravity, sun exposure, and lifestyle choices such as smoking can also worsen skin drooping. The cells that support the structure of your skin (fibroblasts) also decline and long-term UV exposure can affect the structure of the elastin present in your skin. (1)

Facelifts are one of the most effective ways to rejuvenate your complexion. With advancements in technology and surgical techniques, the popularity of these procedures has surged, making them one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgeries today. Thousands of individuals undergo mini facelift procedures annually– in 2023, surgeons performed more than 78,000 facelifts to help patients enhance their appearance. (2)

Mini vs. Traditional Facelift

A mini facelift can help you achieve remarkable aesthetic results with a faster recovery time than a traditional facelift. During a mini facelift, your surgeon can make discrete incisions along the hairline and around your ears to tighten and reposition your skin. Dr. Imola or Dr. Kowalczyk can also manipulate the SMAS layer– the superficial musculoaponeurotic system– to safely tighten the underlying muscle and connective tissue for a younger look. (3) The SMAS layer is a network of connective tissue beneath your skin that provides structural support. The natural aging process can affect its position. During a mini facelift, your surgeon can make smaller incisions compared to a full facelift to minimize scarring while achieving substantial improvements. During your consultation, Dr. Imola or Dr. Kowalczyk will determine which approach best suits your needs.

Mini Facelift Benefits

Undergoing a mini facelift provides numerous advantages, including:

  • Facial Rejuvenation: A mini facelift restores youthful contours to the face, reducing the appearance of sagging skin and creating a more defined jawline.
  • Minimally Invasive Procedure: Compared to traditional facelifts, mini facelifts require less surgical intervention and shorter incisions.
  • Short Recovery Time: Patients typically experience a quicker recovery after a mini facelift, allowing them to return to daily activities sooner.
  • Natural-looking results: Skillful techniques aim to produce aesthetically pleasing enhancements while maintaining a natural appearance.
  • Minimal Scarring: Small incisions, often placed in inconspicuous areas, result in minimal scarring compared to more extensive facelift procedures.
  • Customizable Treatment: Your surgeon can tailor each mini facelift to your specific needs, providing targeted results for improved facial harmony.
  • Smoother skin: In combination with neck tightening techniques, a mini facelift can enhance both facial and neck aesthetics.
  • Improved Self-Confidence: Achieving a refreshed appearance can significantly increase self-esteem and improve your relationships as a result.

Mini Facelift Candidates

Candidates for a mini facelift are generally men and women experiencing visible signs of aging, such as:

  • Sagging skin around the jawline
  • Loss of facial volume
  • Development of jowls
  • Mild to moderate age-related changes

Suitable candidates are in good health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations regarding the outcomes of the procedure. There is no age requirement for the procedure; individuals in their 30s to 60s may consider this approach successfully. Discussing your goals with Dr. Imola or Dr. Kowalczyk will help them determine whether or not a mini facelift aligns with your needs.

Mini Facelift Consultation

During your consultation at Colorado Facial Plastic Surgery, you will need to discuss your medical history including any previous surgeries and existing conditions that could influence your ability to undergo anesthesia or heal. You will also need to discuss your expectations for the procedure and aesthetic goals. Your surgeon will perform a physical examination of your skin to create a treatment plan. Dr. Imola or Dr. Kowalczyk will explain the specifics of the chosen technique and outline preoperative guidelines and post-operative care.

Mini Facelift Preparation

Preparing for your mini facelift is crucial for optimal results and a smooth procedure. To prepare for your procedure, you must:

  • Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements
  • Cease nicotine use 6 weeks before the procedure and throughout your recovery
  • Fill prescriptions for pain medications ahead of time
  • Arrange for reliable transportation home after the procedure
  • Plan time off work for downtime after the procedure

Following preparation instructions diligently improves safety and supports a quicker recovery period. You will also need to avoid scheduling chemical peels or abrasive medspa treatments before your procedure. If you use retinol, you will need to stop before a mini facelift because it affects the quality of your skin barrier. We can provide specific preparation instructions depending on your skin and routine.

Mini Facelift Procedure

During your procedure, your anesthesiologist will place you under anesthesia. Your surgeon will cleanse your skin and mark it for surgery. Most mini facelifts require local anesthesia with sedation to ensure patient comfort, though general anesthesia may be an option. Dr. Imola or Dr. Kowalczyk will discuss appropriate options based on your needs. Your surgeon will begin by making small, discrete incisions around the ears or within the hairline, minimizing visibility. During the procedure, Dr. Imola or Dr. Kowalczyk can:

  • Tighten the underlying muscles and reposition the connective tissues in the SMAS layer to restore youthful contours
  • Remove excess, droopy skin for a tighter, smoother appearance
  • Carefully suture the incisions to reduce scarring

Dr. Imola or Dr. Kowalczyk will dress the treated areas in supportive bandages to manage swelling and protect your skin. The entire procedure usually takes two to four hours, depending on the complexity of your procedure.

Mini Facelift Recovery

A mini facelift requires minimal downtime. Recovery from a mini facelift typically involves some swelling and bruising, which is a normal part of the healing process. You will need to keep your head elevated above the heart and prevent bending over with your head below knee level. If you have any discomfort during your recovery, you can easily manage it with medication. We will let you know when your surgeon would like you to return to the office. Most patients return to work and regular activities within one to two weeks post-procedure. Your recovery instructions will include details about returning to regular exercise based on your specific procedure.

Results

After a few weeks, you can enjoy the full results of your facelift. Patients often experience:

  • Smoother, firmer skin and facial structure
  • Enhanced jawline definition
  • Increased self-confidence

Results typically last for several years if you take good care of your skin. Using products for your skin type, avoiding sun exposure, and using SPF consistently can help you maintain your results for longer.

Corresponding Procedures

Neck Lift

A neck lift reduces droopy skin on the neck and muscle banding– the appearance of thick neck muscles that show through the skin. During a neck lift, your surgeon makes a discrete incision along your hairline to lift the skin and remove excess tissue. The procedure is often combined with a facelift because patients who experience droopy skin on the face usually experience it on the neck as well. A neck lift is best for patients who wish to correct moderate to severe sagging skin in the neck area. During your consultation, we can examine your skin to determine the severity of your ptosis and whether or not a neck lift is a good fit for you.

Facial Fat Transfer

A facial fat transfer restores volume to your face if you have lost it from aging or weight changes and are struggling with a gaunt appearance. During the procedure, we can harvest excess fat from the thighs, abdomen, or buttocks, and inject it into your face. We prepare the fat to extract the purest fat cells, and the procedure is as effective as dermal fillers. Unlike dermal fillers, however, a facial fat transfer does not require any synthetic substances. You can enjoy a more natural result and long-lasting volume.

Cost of a Mini Facelift in Denver

The cost of a mini facelift varies based on factors including surgical complexity and additional procedures involved. After your consultation, we can provide an all-inclusive quote for your desired treatment plan. Taking control of your journey towards a more youthful appearance is possible with a mini facelift. Contact our office at (303) 839-7980 to schedule your consultation and begin your journey toward revitalized skin.

FAQ

What is a mini facelift?

A mini facelift is a less invasive surgical option focused on rejuvenating the lower face and primarily aimed at correcting early signs of aging.

Who is a good candidate for a mini facelift?

Good candidates are generally healthy individuals experiencing minor sagging or volume loss in the face, with realistic expectations for outcome improvements.

Is a mini facelift procedure painful?

Patients often report only mild discomfort after the procedure which is manageable with prescribed medications.

What are the alternatives to a mini facelift?

If you are considering a mini facelift for mild ptosis, we may recommend a non-surgical alternative such as facial fillers or Botox. We will examine your skin during your consultation to determine the best treatment for your needs.

How long do results from a mini facelift last?

Most patients can enjoy results for several years, but the length of your results will depend on whether or not you take good care of your skin. Avoiding sun exposure and eating a healthy diet will be important for maintaining your results.

References

  1. Chaudhary M, Khan A, Gupta M. Skin Ageing: Pathophysiology and Current Market Treatment Approaches. Current Alzheimer Research. 2019;16(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.2174/1567205016666190809161115
  2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
  3. Hatan Mortada, Najla Alkilani, Halawani IR, et al. Evolution of Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System Facelift Techniques: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Complications and Outcomes. JPRAS Open. Published online June 1, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpra.2023.06.003