Facial Rejuvenation with a Less Invasive “Mini Facelift”

A mini facelift is a less invasive type of facelift surgery that can reverse the signs of ageing in the lower face and along the jawline. This facial rejuvenation procedure is ideal for patients who want to get rid of jowls and a little bit of sagging skin in the lower one-third of the face.

Dr Scott Turner is one of Sydney’s top facelift plastic surgeons for facial rejuvenation surgery and minimally invasive facelift surgery. He offers each patient a tailored facelift procedure that can make them look younger and rejuvenated.

What Is a Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift is a minimally invasive type of facelift that corrects early signs of ageing in the lower third of the face and neck.

This type of procedure works best for people with minimal sagging and loose tissue in the lower area of the face and along the jawline.

Several factors contribute to the appearance of saggy skin, loose tissue, and other signs of ageing in the face, such as:

Age: during the natural ageing process, your skin gradually loses collagen and begins to sag
Gravity: the effect of gravity pulls the tissue of the face downward. With time, your facial tissues start to descend, and the natural V-shape of your face becomes more squared as you age
Genetics: genetics can play a major role in how quickly the changes in your face occur
Sun damage: excess exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun can damage the skin and exacerbate the ageing of the face
Smoking: any type of smoking can also speed up the changes in the face

During a mini facelift procedure, Dr Turner lifts the skin in the lower face upwards and removes excess loose skin. Therefore, this procedure can achieve the following:

It gets rid of jowls and sagging tissue along the jawline
It removes loose skin from the lower one-third of the face
It recontours the jawline
It creates a somehow fuller cheek appearance (may require additional procedures such as fat transfer or fillers)
It restores the natural and younger-looking V-shape appearance of the face

Once those cosmetic concerns are resolved, your face will look less tired, refreshed, and rejuvenated.

What Are the Benefits Of a Mini Facelift?

The mini facelift is a less invasive procedure compared to other types of facelifts. Thus it offers the following benefits:

It’s a shorter procedure – the patient will be in surgery for a shorter amount of time
It involves shorter scars that are well hidden in the natural curves of the ear – no scars behind the ear
It has faster recovery and healing than other facelifts (1-3 weeks)
It involves less swelling and bruising during recovery

However, a mini facelift can only achieve minimal changes in the neck area. Thus, patients with a good amount of loose skin in the neck might benefit more from a face and neck lift.

What’s the Difference Between a Mini Facelift and Other Types of Facelifts?

All facelifts aim to reverse some signs of ageing in the face. The difference between types of facelifts is the amount of sagging and loose skin they fix and the area of the face each lift targets.

Mini facelift vs. Skin only facelift: unlike a mini facelift, the skin-only facelift doesn’t lift any sagging soft tissue. Instead, it only removes loose skin from the lower face. Therefore, a skin-only facelift can’t eliminate jowls or further changes beyond just loose skin like a mini facelift does
Mini facelift vs. Ponytail facelift: forthe ponytail facelift, the incisions are made through the hairline and are well hidden there. For that reason, during a ponytail lift, Dr Turner won’t be able to remove as much loose skin as with a mini facelift procedure. Moreover, the ponytail facelift focuses on lifting the midface instead of the lower face as a mini facelift does
Mini facelift vs. MACS facelift: the MACS facelift is a straightforward technique that lifts the face with three main stitches. It can result in some improvements in the neck area, but not as much as a mini facelift
Mini facelift vs. SMAS facelift: the SMAS facelift can lift the deep and soft tissue in the face and neck. However, this results in longer scars that extend behind the ear and a longer recovery time. Recovery time from SMAS can take up to 2-6 weeks, whereas a mini facelift recovery usually takes only 1-3 weeks
Mini facelift vs. Deep plane facelift: the difference between those two types is that a deep plane facelift can lift the face vertically and restore some lost volume. It’s a more invasive and comprehensive procedure than a mini facelift, so it’s not appropriate for patients with only minimal changes in the lower face and neck. A mini facelift would be a better option for those patients

All in all, a mini facelift is shorter and less invasive, requires less recovery time, leaves smaller scars, and can fix early signs of ageing restricted to the jawline and lower one-third of the face.

Am I a Good Candidate For a Mini Facelift?

Although there isn’t an age restriction for a mini facelift, this procedure is more suitable for younger patients who only have little loose skin and minor jowls.

It’s also not restricted to women – men can reverse the early effects of time with a mini facelift.

You can try looking in the mirror and lifting the tissues of your face upwards with your hands. If that flatters the way you look, it might be worth considering getting a mini facelift.

You’re an ideal candidate for a mini facelift in case:

You’re a woman or a man with minimal jowling and sagging skin on the lower third of your face
You’re healthy and don’t have any untreated medical conditions that prevent you from being under anaesthesia for the duration of your procedure
You’re a non-smoker or stopped smoking at least four weeks before your mini facelift surgery

During your consultation, Dr Turner will ask about the changes you’ve noticed in your face and what you’re hoping to achieve after your procedure. Then, he’ll be able to tell you which surgery can help you correct these changes and what are its benefits and potential risks.

How Do You Prepare Yourself For a Mini Facelift?

Here are some of the best things you can do to get yourself ready for a mini facelift procedure:

Keep your skin hydrated: drinking plenty of water in the weeks before your mini facelift flushes the toxins out of your body, keeps your skin hydrated, and helps you speed up your recovery after the operation
Wear sunscreen: before your mini facelift procedure, apply plenty of sunscreen on your face every day before you go out. That will help prevent further skin damage to your face
Quit smoking: smoking damages the collagen in your skin and restricts your blood flow. Stop smoking at least four weeks before your mini facelift to avoid wound healing problems and other complications after your procedure
Avoid alcohol: alcohol thins your blood and increases your risk of bleeding. Avoid drinking alcohol 2-3 days before your mini facelift
Adjust your medications: meds like anti-inflammatory drugs, Aspirin, and herbal supplements can interfere with your anaesthesia or cause excessive bleeding and bruising. Consult Dr Turner on when you should stop taking herbal supplements, certain vitamins, and other OTC meds before your mini facelift surgery

How Is a Mini Facelift Performed?

A mini facelift can be done under general anaesthesia. Dr Turner will do the following:

First, he’ll make a small incision in front of each ear that’s well hidden in the natural curves of the ear
Then, the skin and soft tissue layers are separated from the deeper muscle layer
Next, Dr Turner gently pulls the skin and soft tissue up toward the ear to smoothen the jawline and tighten the skin. The excess loose skin is removed
Finally, your wounds will be closed in multiple layers using delicate stitches to minimise scarring after your procedure

Face rejuvenation procedures, such as a mini facelift, requires a certain set of skills and a level of artistry in a plastic surgeon.

Dr Scott Turner customises each facelift surgery to each person and their needs to create the best natural-looking results.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From a Mini Facelift?

After your mini facelift, you can expect some bruising and swelling in the face. Recovery from a mini facelift is relatively short – it takes 1-3 weeks to heal from a mini lift. Before your procedure, arrange some time off from work and other responsibilities.

Plan to rest for at least a week after your mini facelift without spending too much energy or getting your blood pressure up. During the first week, try to let your body use most of your energy for healing.

Avoid exercising for 3 weeks to reduce the amount of swelling in your face and speed up your recovery.

Mini Facelift Potential Complications

A mini facelift has fewer risks and complications than other facelifts because it’s a shorter and less invasive procedure.

However, like any other surgery, a mini facelift might cause some complications, such as:

Wound infection
Haematoma (blood build-up under the skin)
Seroma (fluid build-up under the skin)
Skin necrosis (the skin along the incision line becomes much darker in colour or even black, which can result in additional scarring)

A plastic surgeon’s experience and expertise can lower the risk of any possible complications following a mini facelift procedure.

Can You Combine a Mini Facelift With Other Procedures?

A mini facelift can be combined with other cosmetic procedures to give you added results. Those include:

A facial fat transfer or cheek augmentation to add volume to the face
A brow lift or a forehead lift
An upper or lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)

Dr Turner can combine your mini facelift with complementary procedures to rejuvenate other areas of your face and give you more dramatic results.

What’s the Cost Of a Mini Facelift?

Several factors can make a difference in how much a mini facelift surgery costs, including:

The complexity of the procedure – how much correction does your face require
Other complementary cosmetic procedures combined with your mini facelift
The type of anaesthetic used
How much aftercare you’re going to need
The location of the facility where you’ll have your surgery

After examining you and going over the details of your procedure, Dr Turner will be able to estimate how much you’ll have to pay for your mini facelift surgery.

You can check out the Plastic Surgery Pricing and Payment Plans for Dr Scott Turner by clicking on this link: Surgery Pricing and Payment Plans for Dr Scott Turner Plastic Surgeon

Please phone Dr Turner’s team for an estimate.

Is It Worth Having a Mini Facelift?

92% of patients who had a mini facelift procedure gave it a Realself “Worth It” review and were satisfied with the results it offered.

Keep in mind that a mini facelift isn’t for everyone. It’s ideal for people with only a minimal amount of sagging and loose skin in the lower third of the face. People who have more extensive or advanced signs of ageing in the face might not benefit much from a mini facelift.

Hence, whether a mini facelift is the best procedure for you depends on the location and degree of sagging skin on your face.

Make sure you consult an accredited and specialised plastic surgeon who can advise you on which can give you the best and most natural-looking improvements.

Here are some tips that can help you get the best out of your facelift procedure:

Take your time researching your plastic surgeon. Check for training, accreditation, area of specialty, and years of experience. You can also check their patient’s mini facelift reviews for reassurance
Make sure your surgeon offers a complete package, including the support you’ll need during your recovery
Check out the facility where your surgeon operates to make sure it follows proper sterilisation and health measurements

Finally, communicate clearly with your surgeon about your cosmetic concerns and goals. Dr Turner will tailor your mini facelift procedure based on your individual cosmetic goals.

FAQs about the Mini Facelift

How long do the results of a mini facelift last?

A mini facelift offers long-term results that can last for up to 10 years. Although a mini lift reverses the signs of ageing in the face, it does not affect your natural ageing process. After your procedure, your face and skin will continue to age, which is completely normal. So, you may need another surgery or a different facelift around 10 years after your mini facelift.

Are mini facelifts effective?

Depending on the degree of sagging in the face, a mini facelift can be very effective. This type of facial rejuvenation is ideal for patients with early signs of ageing in the face. However, patients with more advanced facial ageing can benefit more from different types of facelifts.

How painful is a mini facelift?

A mini facelift is less painful than other facelift procedures since it’s less invasive. The recovery period is shorter, the healing is faster, and the amount of swelling and bruising after the procedure is less dramatic.

Next Steps

Always Do Your Research

Enquire to find out more about your surgery
Please read our website to learn more about your intended procedure

Do you need a Medical Referral to see Dr Turner?

A GP Referral is required to Consult with Dr Turner (under new AHPRA Regulations)
Please obtain a referral from your GP or Specialist if you want a consultation for an MBS item number surgery.
Please note that your Medicare Rebates will NOT be claimable without a valid recent Medical Referral

Making The Most Of Your Consultation

Please arrive slightly early for your in-person consultation
You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to help consider the information and discuss your options
Please be aware you may need to undress for a physical exam so wear simple clothes
Ensure you also take a lot of notes during the consultation and thoroughly examine all the documents provided

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

Find out more about pricing and payment plans
Request more information about the procedure – call or contact us

How to Book Your Consultation

You can book your initial consultation by paying the $350 cosmetic consultation fee in advance – when you make your appointment

BOOK A PHONE CALL FOR MORE INFO

To find out more information about surgery you can book a FREE 15-minute phone conversation with our Friendly Patient Care team via Calendly- Book Consultant 1 or Book Consultant 2

Contact us or call on 1300 437 758 to arrange your surgeon consultation in Sydney.

Email us for more information: enquiries@drturner.com.au

What is a Mini Facelift Surgery ?