A mini facelift is a procedure that reverses signs of facial aging by reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and jowls for a sharper profile. As you age, collagen production declines, and repetitive facial movements wear on your skin, resulting in noticeable signs of aging. Gravity and environmental factors such as sun exposure can accelerate the aging process further, resulting in changes to tone and texture. Although medspa and non-invasive treatments can help you achieve a smoother look, the effects are temporary, and more patients are turning to mini facelifts to achieve longer-lasting results.

At Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery, we have helped thousands of patients reverse signs of aging with our customizable procedures. Dr. Suresh Koneru is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience helping patients maintain a youthful appearance and recover their complexions from the effects of aging, sun exposure, and environmental damage. Why wait to improve your complexion? Contact our office or call 210-499-5900 to learn more about how Dr. Koneru can help you achieve a more youthful appearance with a mini facelift.

About Mini Facelift

A mini facelift eliminates wrinkles and fine lines in the lower half of the face by manipulating the deep layer of your skin called the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer. One of the most common signs of aging is a change to the SMAS layer, a network of connective tissues that affects facial structure and proportions. ⁽¹⁾ Significant wrinkles can begin to form when the SMAS layer changes, ⁽²⁾ gravity pulls on the skin, and collagen production declines. With just a few small adjustments to the SMAS layer, Dr. Koneru can dramatically improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines for a smoother look. The best part is that the procedure has a shorter recovery time than a traditional facelift.

Mini Facelift vs Traditional Facelift

A mini facelift addresses mild to moderate skin sagging in the mid to lower regions of the face, unlike a traditional facelift that targets wrinkles on the entire face. A traditional facelift is best if you are experiencing moderate to severe wrinkles, while a mini facelift is best for younger patients who do not have severe signs of aging. It is best for patients who wish to combat the earliest signs of aging because it lasts longer than spa treatments, and the subtle changes to the SMAS layer can completely makeover your appearance with minimal downtime.

Mini Facelift Benefits

After a mini facelift, patients can enjoy results for up to a decade. The benefits of a mini facelift include the following:

Many patients find that skin care is easier with fewer wrinkles and folds to care for. They experience increased self-esteem and feel better about their appearance.

Mini Facelift Candidates

If you have mild to moderately sagging skin, you are likely a good candidate for a mini facelift. The best candidates are looking to reverse early signs of facial aging and are:

However, if you have a condition that affects your ability to heal such as a blood clotting condition, you may not be the best candidate for the procedure and Dr. Koneru can recommend an alternative. If you currently smoke, you will need to stop because nicotine affects your circulation and can interfere with your results.

Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Koneru will ask about your aesthetic goals and review your medical history. He will also examine your skin to create the best surgical plan. He customizes the procedure based on the elasticity of your skin, your underlying facial structure, and the natural contour of your face. It is important to have accurate expectations about what we can achieve with the procedure.

Mini Facelift Preparation

To prepare for a mini facelift you will need to stop taking blood thinning medication 1-2 weeks before the procedure. You will also need to stop smoking several months before, and you will not be able to consume alcohol for 24 hours leading up to your procedure.

We recommend that you prepare your meals ahead of time or pick up pre-made meals at the store. You will also need to arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure and care for you for the first 24-48 hours so you can focus on getting adequate rest.

Mini Facelift Procedure

During a mini facelift procedure, Dr. Koneru will place you under anesthesia and make a discrete incision near the hairline to remove excess tissue. He will reposition your skin for a smoother, more defined profile and tighten your facial muscles for a natural-looking shape. He will take care to make very thin incisions along your hairline that naturally blend into your skin as they heal.

Mini Facelift Recovery

Recovery from a mini facelift takes 2-3 weeks. We will provide recovery instructions after your procedure to help you care for your skin properly so you can look your best. You will need to rest and care for your incisions to allow them to heal properly. We recommend managing any post-surgical discomfort with over-the-counter medication. Swelling, redness, and some bruising along the incision sites are common side effects, but they are temporary.

Results

You can enjoy results immediately after your facelift, but you will not see the full effect until your skin settles and your incisions heal. With proper skincare, you can maintain the results of your facelift for up to a decade. Leading a healthy lifestyle, avoiding sun exposure, and wearing SPF will preserve your youthful complexion for long-lasting radiance.

Corresponding Procedures

Blepharoplasty

One of the earliest signs of aging is wrinkles around the eyes. We can enhance your facelift by combining it with a blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). During a blepharoplasty, we remove excess skin and fat around the eyes for a more youthful look. There are three types of eyelid surgery:

Brow Lift

A brow lift eliminates forehead wrinkles and repositions your eyebrows for a more youthful appearance. If you have noticed that the skin above your eyebrows is also starting to show signs of aging, Dr. Koneru can erase them with this procedure. During a brow lift, we can make a small incision along your hairline to reposition your skin and remove excess tissue. The procedure tightens the skin above the eyebrows for a younger appearance. You will have a thin, discrete scar that is easily hidden beneath your hair.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers restore your facial volume to help you achieve a more youthful complexion. Changes in facial volume are common with age, and unwanted volume loss can result in a droopy or gaunt appearance that affects your self-esteem or makes you look older than you are. Fillers can consist of hyaluronic acid, poly-L-lactic acid, your own fat, or donated fat volumizers that help you achieve a fuller, plumper appearance. The customizable procedure can increase volume around the eyes, cheeks, or lips depending on the look you desire. To learn more about our facial rejuvenation treatments, see our blog.

Cost of a Mini Facelift in San Antonio

Since mini facelifts are customizable, the cost of your procedure will depend on the condition of your skin and your aesthetic goals. We can provide an all-inclusive quote for your procedure that includes corresponding treatments if you need them to achieve your aesthetic goals. Contact our office or call 210-499-5900 to learn more about how we can makeover your appearance for a more youthful complexion.

FAQ

References

1. Kaya KS, Cakmak O. FACELIFT TECHNIQUES: AN OVERVIEW. Facial Plastic Surgery. Published online June 16, 2022. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1877-9371
2. Li K, Meng F, Li YR, et al. Application of Nonsurgical Modalities in Improving Facial Aging. International Journal of Dentistry. 2022;2022:8332631. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8332631