Mini Facelift
What is mini face lift surgery?
A face lift is designed to reduce sagging skin around the lower half of the face (mostly the jowls) and neck. As we start to age we naturally lose elasticity and volume, and our skin begins to sag. A facelift will be able to tighten both the skin on the face as well as the underlying muscle of the skin, called the platysma.
Why consider mini face lift surgery?
As you age, your skin gets less elastic and droops, and your facial muscles slacken. The natural fat under the skin also sags, making you look older. The rate this happens at varies from person to person, and is probably determined by your genes. The stresses of daily life, the effect of gravity and exposure to the sun also affect your face. Drastic weight loss can also age the face.
The rate your face ages does not necessarily reflect the rate that the rest of your body and mind is ageing, and you may feel that the face you see in the mirror is not the one you should have. Problems with an ageing face can often be treated much earlier in life, delaying the need for surgery. Every face is different, and we all age in different ways so we must consider all available options before deciding on the most appropriate treatment.
Mr Amar’s goal is that you look fresh, more youthful without the obvious look of plastic surgery – natural and subtle rejuvenation. All facelifts are done as a day case surgery, meaning you will be home and recovering the same day, with minimal bruising and complications.
The micro or mini approach to face lift surgery potentially combined with a variety of tissue transfer, is now becoming the holy grail of natural facial rejuvenation.
Did you know?
Can any other procedures be done at the same time?
A mini face lift can often be combined with fat transfer to restore volume in the face and fill out areas that may need it, such as the hollows of the chin, jawline, lips, cheeks and temples, giving a result that is subtle and rejuvenating with a much more youthful result.
Mr Amar works on a Life Plan for each of his patients. This allows him to assess and determine a treatment roadmap unique to each patient, which will map out which procedures are best suited to throughout each phase of life.
This can include a combination surgical and non-surgical treatments at different stages throughout the coming years to get the desired results. Often patients will think they need a facelift, but on assessment a good result can be achieved by using micro fat transfer techniques or dermal fillers to restore volume and plump out the facial contours many years before a facelift is needed.
How long does mini face lift surgery take?
The operation can take between 2 -3 hours depending on the specific requirements and complexity of the case.
Will it be possible for me to stay in hospital following my procedure?
We are happy to arrange the procedure at a hospital with an overnight stay facility if you wish or assist with a nurse to stay with you overnight as well as helping you find local accommodation after your surgery if necessary.
Where will the incisions be positioned?
The incisions are almost completely hidden in the hair, or around the ears.
Will I have obvious scars following mini face lift surgery?
There will be scars from the surgery, but most of these will be hidden in the hairline. The scars will usually be red at first, then purple, and then fade to become paler over 12 months.
WHAT FORM OF ANAESTHETIC WILL BE USED?
All mini face lift procedures are performed by Mr Olivier Amar as day surgery. Blepharoplasty surgery is performed under total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA), a technique of anaesthesia which uses a combination of agents given exclusively via the intravenous route without the use of gas anaesthesia. This means you will sleep comfortably throughout the procedure and wake immediately afterwards with a significantly reduced likelihood of feeling groggy or nauseous. The anaesthesia will be explained to you by your anaesthetist during the preoperative consultation. Having surgery under TIVA allows you to go home the same day to rest and recuperate in comfort.
When will I see the results of mini facelift surgery?
You will notice a difference straight away. After two to three weeks you will see results and appreciate them after six weeks. By six months after surgery you can have a good idea of the final result and healing will be complete after a year.
When can I shower and wash my hair after mini face lift surgery?
In general, you may gently shower and wash your hair 48 hours after a facelift surgery, taking particular care on the treated areas. You can also blow dry your hair on a cool setting. Be gentle when brushing or combing your hair so that you do not catch your comb in the suture lines.
How can I compliment my overall result?
Express PRP treatment
The goal of PRP treatment is to rejuvenate your skin and encourage new collagen.
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What can I expect after mini face lift surgery?
Initially there will be bruising and swelling around the neck and chin. This bruising and swelling generally disappears between two and three weeks following surgery. You will experience a sensation of painful tightness especially behind the ears, and around the neck, which generally settles after one month.
For the first night after surgery Mr Olivier Amar will bandage your face, under your chin to reduce bruising and swelling. These bandages will be removed when you come for a post-operative nurse appointment at one day after your surgery. Other bandages will remain on for seven to 14 days, and the stitches at front of ears will be removed after seven days and stitches at back of ears will be removed after fourteen days. At this point your incision sites will be reviewed, stitches removed and your preliminary healing will be assessed. You will come back at six week after surgery to be reviewed by Mr Olivier Amar.
It is better to keep your head up to reduce swelling. In particular, sleep with extra pillows to keep your head raised for the first few days after surgery.
How long do I have to wait to return to normal activities following the surgery?
Patients who undergo facial procedures usually return to normal activities after a week to ten days. I recommend patients return to gentle exercise as soon as they feel comfortable to do so – but nothing strenuous for three weeks after surgery.
