Some patients have just a few specific areas of the face they wish to address. In such patients, the mini facelift can accomplish dramatic improvements while remaining far less invasive than traditional facelift procedures. This is particularly applicable to patients who are relatively young in their 30s or 40s.
Mastering the Mini Facelift
Dr. Repta is considered one of the top plastic surgeons delivering some of the best endoscopic or mini facelifts. With countless surgeries under his belt, and an aesthetic eye for natural results, he has truly mastered the art of the mini facelift.
What is a Mini Facelift?
Instead of the longer incisions typically made during a traditional face lift, a mini face lift requires incisions that are less than an inch in length. Dr. Repta will carefully and discreetly place the incisions above the hairline or behind the ear resulting in a virtually scar-free facelift.
Once the incisions have been made, Dr. Repta will insert a tiny camera allowing the procedure to be seen on a monitor. Small surgical instruments are then placed throughout the remaining incisions. These are used to reposition and tighten the deeper tissues of the face. As a result, you are left with an elevated, more youthful appearance.
Am I candidate for a mini facelift?
The best candidates for an endoscopic or mini facelift are those patients with minor to moderate facial aging primarily in the upper third to upper half of the face. Typically, ideal candidates are in their 30s or 40s and still have skin that is somewhat supple. Common issues that can be addressed with a mini facelift are sagging cheeks, temples and eyebrows, deep nasolabial folds and downturned lips.
Benefits of Mini Facelift
In addition to producing nearly scar-less results, a mini facelift allows patients to improve areas that are difficult to reach with more traditional face lift procedures. In particular, areas toward the center of the face, such as the nasolabial folds or creases around the mouth are often hard to reach during traditional facelift surgery.
Because an endoscope is used, this procedure allows Dr. Repta to aesthetically alter traditionally hard-to-reach areas. Less invasive than a traditional facelift, there is shorter operative time and less risk of complications.
Mini Facelift Recovery & Healing
Because an endoscopic or mini facelift involves a few tiny incisions, it tends to produce less bleeding and swelling and requires much fewer stitches than a traditional facelift.
For these reasons, the recovery period following a mini facelift may be a little easier than a conventional facelift.
Most patients see visible results almost immediately and are back to work within 1–2 weeks, making this procedure very convenient for the modern on-the-go patient. While swelling and bruising will decrease dramatically within the first week, it may take a few months for all residual swelling to subside and the final results to set in.
Mini Facelift FAQ
A mini facelift causes less trauma and is designed to address earlier signs of aging or specific areas, while a full facelift is more extensive, addresses a wider range of concerns, and achieves rejuvenation for more significant signs of age.
Swelling will subside after 1-2 weeks.
A mini-facelift generally takes 3-4 hours to perform.
Incisions are carefully made around the ears, hidden in the natural folds of the skin.
Many patients are able to return to work after 7-10 days.
Patients rate themselves to look an average of 10 years younger after a mini facelift.
Will I have scars after my mini-facelift?
Dr. Repta understands the importance of well-hidden incisions and does everything possible to place them inconspicuously, enhancing the patient’s self-confidence after surgery. Scarring is typically unnoticeable within the hairline or the natural skin folds.
What are the risks of a mini-facelift?
The risks of a mini-facelift include bleeding, infection, poor reactions to anesthesia, poor wound healing, temporary numbness, nerve damage, changes in sensation, and fluid buildup, among others. Complications are rare, however, when you choose an experienced, precision-minded surgeon such as Dr. Repta. He will fully explain the risks and benefits of a mini-facelift during your detailed private consultation.
What is the cost of a mini facelift?
A mini facelift is performed with an incision in front of the ear, addressing the lower third of the face. For a mini facelift, the cost ranges between $20,000 and $35,000. The cost is increased for patients who wish to add a fat transfer, neck liposuction, or other facial contouring and rejuvenation procedures to achieve a more youthfully refreshed, significant result.
