Three Reasons to Get a Mini-Facelift

As we age, loss of skin elasticity and volume will lead to sagging tissue. While many non-surgical options exist to rejuvenate the face, at some point, you may feel like surgery may be the best option. But a facelift procedure can be a daunting decision for many people—the idea of cutting open your face with extensive dissection can be nerve wracking. You may ask what about a mini facelift? There are three reasons to consider getting a mini facelift.

Noticeable Aging

The first, and most important, reason San Antonio residents may consider a mini facelift is if you have noticeable sagging tissue but also it’s not too severe. A mini facelift will re-suspend your sagging facial tissue by using a limited skin excision—hence the term “mini facelift.” There are many marketing terms in the market (i.e S lift, MACS lift, etc). But basically, the idea is to use a smaller incision to do the procedure. As you can imagine, a smaller incision means less exposure, and less ability to do dramatic surgery.

So the key issue is the degree of your aging. If you have some noticeable jowling that can be pulled up slightly, then a mini facelift can be a good option. But if your sagging is too much, then a mini facelift will achieve the correction you want. The best way to determine if you’re a good candidate is to see a board certified facial plastic surgeon. Only in an in office exam can a surgeon determine if your degree of sagging tissue can be fixed with a mini facelift.

Facial Rejuvenation

The second reason to get a mini facelift is to get a better rejuvenation result. Fillers and botox and energy based treatments (i.e. laser, Ultherapy, Thermi RF, etc ) all can improve your appearance. However, for jowling, resuspending the sagging tissue will generally achieve a better and more natural looking rejuvenated effect. Voluma –with its adhesive qualities—can achieve a very slight pull. But its effect is subtle and only lasts about nine months. Definitive suspension can only be achieved by surgery. You may have pulled your cheeks back to simulate the results you want. Well, that effect is usually best achieved by pulling, and that pull can only be achieved with surgery.

Cost of a Mini-Facelift

The third reason to consider a mini-facelift is cost savings. You may think surgery is more expensive. You are correct that surgery is usually more expensive treatment. But when you figure in that a good facelift should last about five years or so, and compare that to repeated fillers (which may require several syringes each session) that must be injected one to two times a year, then a facelift becomes a better investment in the long term.

A mini-facelift can be performed in the surgeon’s operating room with just local and oral sedation. This is another cost advantage over a formal facelift. In my practice, a formal facelift is extensive and takes about four hours. This is best performed in an operating room under general anesthesia. If you are a candidate for a mini facelift, this surgery can be done without the extra expenses of general anesthesia and a more expensive surgery center fee.

Meet with a Board Certified San Antonio Facial Plastic Surgeon

If these three reasons apply to you, then you are likely a great candidate for a mini facelift. Make sure you see a board certified facial plastic surgeon for your consultation. This will be your opportunity to ask questions and see if you develop trust and rapport with him or her.

For more information about the facelift or mini-facelift procedures please contact Dr. Kenneth Yu Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Kenneth Yu leads a qualified team of experts serving the San Antonio, Boerne and Alamo Heights, Texas area.