MINI FACE LIFT

Signs of aging can be visible in a person's face due to gravity, exposure to sunlight and stresses of daily life (loss of skin elasticity and tissue strength, formation of deep crease between the nose and mouth, the jawline growing slack and 'jowly').

A facelift technically known as rhytidectomy can make these signs vanish by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles, and repositioning the skin of the face and neck. It can be done alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as an eyelid surgery, nose reshaping, or forehead lift.

The best candidates for a facelift are:
Men and women over the age of 40 with good bone structure but sagging skin or deep creases around the nose and mouth

Risks and risk rates vary from patient to patient depending on a range of factors. No two people are alike. The risks listed below are possible risks associated with this type of surgery and are mentioned regardless of how remote the possibility:

PROCEDURE

First off, your doctor will discuss your goals with you and he will explain what can be achieved realistically. Some patients may require a deep plane face lift involving the tightening of the inner muscular structure of the face. You should bring photos of yourself at an earlier age to determine your original facial look so the effect can be a natural one. Most patients don't want to wake up and not look like yourself once you heal. You just want to try and achieve a more 'pulled together' look; an attractive you at a younger age. Although, some of you may want to change the structure of your face altogether. Discuss with your surgeon the goals and general result you would like to achieve.
This procedure takes about 2 to 6 hours to perform. It may take longer if you choose to have a neck lift as well. For procedures 3 hours or longer, many surgeons advise General anesthesia. Depending upon your facial structure the incisions will be placed as inconspicuously as possible above the hairline.

Some doctors still cut at the hairline so ask your doctor which incisions he prefers.

The incisions usually begin above the hairline, at the temples, continuing in a natural line in front of the ear.
Some doctors can make the incisions with the cartilage just in the front-inside part of the ear, ending behind the earlobe and lower region of the scalp. The skin is separated from the fat and muscle below it. If the neck lift is being performed with the face lift, a small incision is placed inconspicuously underneath the chin and excess fat may removed by either trimming it by hand or by facial liposuction. More than likely, your surgeon will use the facial liposuction technique. The underlying muscle and fascia are tightened and the skin itself is pulled back, trimmed and sutured into place.

Sometimes surgical staples are used within the scalp. The surgeon may place a small drain tube behind your ears for excess fluid and blood drainage.

Please note that this information should be used only as a guide to your treatment. All specifics will be discussed with your Surgeon during your initial consultation.