Mini Facelift

Sometimes it is not necessary to undergo a full facelift to achieve your desired look. At Core Plastic Surgery, Grady Core, M.D., F.A.C.S., a board-certified plastic surgeon, performs mini facelifts on people living in Birmingham and Mountain Brook who want to look and feel younger but do not need the extent of a traditional facelift.

What is a Mini Facelift?

The term mini lift has come into popularity over the last five to six years, and there are a variety of procedures that are in the mini lift category. Other terms patients may hear that apply to this type of procedure would include C-lift, S-lift, lifestyle lift, and MACS lift. The common denominator of all these procedures is that they are less invasive with less undermining into the central part of the face, and the rejuvenation process is based on the tightening of the underneath layer of the face called the SMAS.

Benefits of a Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is not as invasive as a traditional facelift and benefits patients by:

• Fewer side effects than a traditional facelift
• Smaller incisions
• Diminished scarring
• Shorter downtime and recovery
• Increase in self-confidence

Who is a Good Candidate for Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift is ideal for those who want a longer-lasting result than what can be achieved with dermal fillers or for those who may not need a traditional facelift.

To be sure a mini facelift is the answer, we recommend people have a consultation with Dr. Core so that he can evaluate the concerns to determine if a mini facelift is the best option.

How Do I Prepare for My Mini Facelift?

Preparing for a mini facelift initially involves a consultation with Dr. Core. Once you determine you want the surgery, we provide you with a detailed list of pre-op instructions to follow leading up to the day of your surgery.

What is Involved with My Mini Facelift?

In Dr. Core’s procedures, the incision is always a post-tragal incision, which means that there is no scar in front of the ear and the incision extends behind the tragus or the small tab that you can feel just in front of your ear canal. By placing the incision behind this tragus, the incision becomes completely camouflaged and very difficult to see even with the hair up. The incision in this location is the same for any facial rejuvenation procedure whether it is a mini lift or a standard facelift.

The part of the incision that goes behind the ear, however, may be shorter or longer depending on the amount of skin that needs to be taken out of the neck.

The patient is usually required to spend the night at the hospital, and recovery usually takes approximately one week. However, if this recovery is more from a social standpoint for swelling and bruising, whereas, in terms of physical activity, the patient will actually feel quite good the following day. Return to social activities is possible in one week in many cases and certainly not outside two weeks

An instruction sheet for home care will be included with the patient and will include directions on hair washing and care of the incisions.

Immediately after surgery, the patient needs to keep their head up for four to five days in order to minimize swelling. The patient is seen on the first postoperative day and dressings will be removed. When the patient goes home, there will be no drains and no dressings.

What to Expect After My Mini Facelift

The patient should refrain from driving for several days since there will be some tightening in the neck area, which can put on stress when turning the head to see outside the vehicle. The patient should also avoid tilting the neck downwards significantly after the procedure for four to five days.

When Will I See the Results from My Mini Facelift?

The results of a mini facelift take several weeks to become visible as the swelling and bruising subside. The goal of a mini facelift is to look toned without looking like you’ve “had work done.”

Grady Core, M.D., F.A.C.S., a board-certified plastic surgeon, offers plastic and reconstructive surgery to people living in and around Birmingham, Mountain Brook, and across the Southeast to look and feel younger. Contact Dr. Core’s office today to schedule your consultation!