Here’s what is involved in a mini facelift. Maybe it would be perfect for you.
What does a mini facelift accomplish?
Mini facelifts are performed more than full facelifts across the aesthetic industry today. This procedure addresses wrinkles and sagging skin on the lower third of the face using small incisions placed around the ears. It restores definition to the chin by removing excess tissue and strategically tightening the remaining tissue.
This is a popular procedure because it handles some of the most prominent signs of aging, but it does so without being overly aggressive. Most people were having some degree of sagging around their mouth and cheeks. It’s just a fact of the tissues in the area slackening and responding to the constant movement of the mouth and lips.
Addressing the muscles
In most of his mini facelifts, Dr. Kearney not only addresses the patient’s loose skin, but he also carefully considers the underlying muscular system, called the SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system), and fat tissues. If these tissues are lifted and refined, the natural contours of the patient’s face can be enhanced, but the results look natural.
How is a mini facelift performed?
Dr. Kearney makes incisions in front of your ears that extend from the bottom of the earlobe back to the hairline behind the ear. These incisions vary depending on the patient’s needs. Next, the tissues are pulled upward and outward toward the ears. This dramatically reduces sagging skin and jowls and removes most of the wrinkles around the mouth. If necessary, Dr. Kearney then adjusts the underlying SMAS and fat tissue to accentuate your natural facial structure. These are sutured into place, and any excess skin is then trimmed away. If the SMAS is sutured, these are usually permanent sutures. The final step is to close the initial incisions.
Recovery
Some patients can return to work as early as one week after their mini facelift, but others may need more time. There will be swelling, but nowhere near what is involved with a full facelift. You may have some redness and temporary loss of sensation across the involved areas, but this will pass. Your skin will feel tight for the first week or so. Dr. Kearney will tell you when you can return to the strenuous activity that elevates your heart rate. It will take at least a few months for your full results to fully show themselves as any residual swelling resolves.
Does a mini facelift sound like it could be right for you? Call Dr. Kearney at (858) 677-9352 to schedule a consultation.
