Mini Facelift (RHYTIDECTOMY) Sydney NSW

A mini facelift (rhytidectomy), also known as a short scar facelift, can help address mild to moderate signs of ageing in the lower face and neck. This surgical procedure uses smaller incisions compared to a traditional facelift. It can target specific areas of concern such as fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and chin and mild to moderate jowls along the jawline.

Mini-facelift Surgery

We offer several procedures at Face Plus Medispa by Dr Turner to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Aesthetic facial treatments for volume loss can produce short-term results, however, for those with mild to moderate signs of ageing in the lower face and neck, facelift surgery may be the procedure of choice. Mini-facelifts use smaller incisions than traditional lifts and they are suitable for patients who have mild signs of ageing like wrinkles and jowls.

What is a Mini-facelift?

A mini-facelift (also called S-lift, or mini-lift) is a surgical procedure that is designed to tighten the skin in the face and neck. This procedure reduces the appearance of wrinkles and skin folds. Compared to the traditional facelift, the mini-facelift uses smaller incisions and it’s aimed at patients who have mild to moderate signs of ageing that don’t need a full facelift.

Despite its name, the mini-facelift requires precise incisions and complex surgical techniques to tighten facial skin and underlying tissues. In addition, variations in patient anatomy can also affect how a mini-facelift will be performed. Moreover, like with any other surgical procedure, you’ll also need some time to recover and return to your daily life after a mini-facelift.

What’s the Difference Between a Mini-facelift and a Traditional Facelift?

The mini-lift uses smaller incisions and is suitable for patients who have mild to moderate features of ageing. Both the mini and full facelifts can address wrinkles and excess facial skin. Depending on the extent and severity of your skin concern as well as overall health, Dr Turner will recommend a traditional full facelift or a mini-facelift.

The traditional full facelift may be suitable for women and men who have advanced signs of ageing. A full facelift requires multiple incisions in front and behind the ears, along the hairline, and under the chin with more tissue dissection and skin removal.

On the other hand, a mini-facelift is indicated for patients who have mild to moderate signs of ageing. This procedure entails less tissue dissection and less skin removal. Moreover, the incisions are limited to the front and behind the ear.

Choosing Between a Mini-facelift and a Full Facelift

Deciding between a mini facelift and a full facelift involves considering various factors such as the extent of ageing concerns, desired outcomes, and recovery preferences. While a mini facelift targets specific areas with smaller incisions and is indicated for mild to moderate signs of ageing, a full facelift addresses more extensive signs of ageing on the face and neck.

After a full assessment by Dr Turner, he will discuss with you your options.

Suitable Candidates for a Mini-facelift

Suitable candidates for the procedure are looking to address mild to moderate signs of ageing on the face and neck. In addition, they must be in good overall health, are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking, and have realistic expectations.

How is the Mini-facelift Performed?

The procedure is performed in a hospital operating room. The mini-facelift is done under general anaesthesia. Once the anaesthesia has taken effect, Dr Turner will clean your skin with an antiseptic and spread the surgical drapes.

A vertical incision will be made a few millimetres in front of your ear and it might extend slightly upward along your hairline. Dr Turner will then dissect the deeper tissue layers under your skin and pull them upward so that your whole face and neck tissue is tightened and fixated higher up.

Afterwards, Dr Turner will carefully remove any excess skin and pull the remaining skin tighter toward your ear. Finally, he will close the incisions using fine sutures.

What to Expect during Recovery

While a mini-facelift entails less tissue dissection and less skin removal compared to a full facelift, you’ll still need to take a few days of rest. You should expect some bruising, swelling, and mild bleeding along your wound in the first few days after a mini facelift. Dr Turner will prescribe pain medications and antibiotics to address discomfort and prevent infections. He will also provide post-operative instructions to avoid any complications.

Recovery can take 7 to 10 days and you might need to stay at home and rest during this time while avoiding any sports or strenuous activities. After a week, your sutures will be removed. You may not observe the results of the procedure yet because of the swelling. Over the coming weeks, the swelling and bruising will subside, making the results noticeable.

Risks and Complications of a Mini Facelift

Like with all other surgical procedures, there are risks and complications associated with a mini-facelift, such as:

  • Infection: Sometimes, bacteria can cause wound infection after surgery. Dr Turner follows sterile techniques and prescribes antibiotics after surgery to prevent this.
  • Haematoma: A haematoma is a blood collection that might form inside your wound. If it doesn’t resolve on its own, Dr Turner might have to surgically drain it.
  • Seroma: When fluid accumulates in your wound, it’s called a seroma. Seromas usually go away on their own, however, sometimes they need to be drained with a needle.