Suitable Candidate for Short Scar Facelift
Suitable candidates for a mini facelift by Dr Turner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon should meet the following criteria:
Physical Health: Be in good overall health with no underlying medical conditions that could interfere with the wound healing process.
Emotional Well-being: Have realistic expectations and a positive mindset regarding the outcomes of mastopexy surgery. As of 1st of July 2023, patients are required to have a psychological evaluation to ensure they are suitable to proceed with surgery.
Stable Weight: It is recommended to be near your target weight before undergoing the procedure, as weight fluctuations can affect the cosmetic results.
Non-smoker: Smoking or vaping dramatically interferes with the healing process and increases the risk of complications. Therefore, candidates are required to cease smoking for a minimum 6 weeks before and after the surgery
Understanding the Short Scar Facelift
The Short Scar Facelift is a less invasive alternative to traditional facelift procedures like a deep plane facelift or vertical restore facelift, offering a more targeted approach to facial ageing. It is ideal for those experiencing early signs of ageing in the mid and lower face with minimal ageing changes in the neck. While the procedure is not as extensive as a traditional facelift, it still delivers noticeable and long-lasting results.
What Can a Short Scar Facelift Treat?
A short scar facelift, or mini facelift, is designed to rejuvenate specific areas of the face that show early signs of ageing. This procedure focuses primarily on the mid and lower thirds of the face, effectively addressing sagging skin along the jawline, reducing the appearance of nasolabial folds, and lifting the sagging SMAS. Additionally combining a mini facelift with facial fat transfer can correct early volume depletion in the cheek areas.
This type of facelift is ideal for younger patients, typically in their late 30s to 40s, who have mild to moderate skin laxity. It is less suitable for those with more advanced ageing signs, making it a great option for individuals seeking a subtle, natural-looking rejuvenation without the need for a more invasive full facelift.
Where are the Incisions Located in a Short Scar Facelift?
One of the key benefits of a short scar facelift is its reduced scarring. The incisions starting just inside the hairline around the sideburn area in the temple and extending around the contours of the ear, ending just behind the earlobe. These incisions are much shorter than those used in traditional facelifts, which continues behind the ear extending down along the posterior hairline and includes an incision under the chin.
The reduced incision length and minimal tissue dissection not only minimizes any visible scarring but also contributes to a quicker recovery period, allowing patients to return to their regular activities sooner.
What About the SMAS in a Mini Facelift?
In a short scar facelift, the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) is a crucial component in achieving the desired result. By tightening and repositioning the SMAS layer during a mini facelift it effectively corrects sagging and drooping in the mid and lower face and achieves lasting results by addressing the deeper structural layers of the face.
The two techniques used by Dr Turner in a short scar facelift is a deep plane or high SMAS techniques. Both the deep plane and high SMAS techniques can be adapted, depending on the degree of skin laxity, facial structure, and desired outcomes. The deep plane is generally better for patients with more significant sagging, while the high SMAS is often used for patients looking to restore volume and contour in the cheek area.
How is the Short Scar Facelift Different from a Full Facelift?
The short scar facelift and the full facelift are two cosmetic facial procedures offered by Dr Turner, each designed to address slightly different facial ageing concerns. The short scar facelift focuses on only on the mid and lower third of the face, with minimal correction below the jawline. This procedure uses a shorter incisions, resulting in less visible scarring and a quicker recovery time. It is ideal for younger individuals with early signs of ageing.
In contrast, a full facelift addresses not only the mid and lower face but corrects ageing changes in the neck region for a more comprehensive rejuvenation. It addresses advanced signs of aging such as deep wrinkles, significant sagging, pronounced jowls, and loose neck skin. This procedure involves longer incisions extending from the temples, around the ears, and possibly into the posterior scalp, enabling extensive lifting and repositioning of facial tissues.
Can a Short Scar Facelift by Combined with other Procedures?
Yes, a short scar facelift is frequently combined with other cosmetic procedures to enhance overall facial ageing and address multiple signs of aging simultaneously. By pairing a mini facelift with additional treatments, patients can achieve more comprehensive and balanced results.
Some common procedures Dr Turner combines with a short scar facelift include:
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Eyelid surgery can rejuvenate the upper or lower eyelids by addressing excess eyelid skin, puffiness, or bags under the eyes.
Fat Grafting: Fat grafting, or fat transfer, involves taking fat from other parts of the body and injecting it into areas of the face that have lost volume, such as the cheeks. By combining fat grafting with a short scar facelift, patients can restore lost facial volume and improve facial contour.
Brow Lift: A brow lift is performed to raise low brows and reduce forehead wrinkles. When combined with a short scar facelift, it enhances the appearance of the upper face.
Neck Lift: An anterior deep neck lift or neck liposuction can be combined with a short scar facelift to improve the contours of the neck and jawline.
How is a Short Scar Facelift Performed?
Short scar facelift surgery is always performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited hospital with the assistance of a qualified anaesthetist. Depending on the complexity of the procedure it may take 2 to 3 hours, and patients can be discharged home the same day.
The procedure begins with careful marking of incision locations along the temporal hairline and along the ear contours. Dr Turner will mark areas of facial volume loss that needs to be corrected with fat transfer and important anatomical landmarks such as the frontal nerve. Next Dr Turner will infiltrate local anaesthetic in the areas to be dissected to minimize bleeding and discomfort after the procedure is completed.
Once the incisions are made, Dr. Turner will elevate the skin and subcutaneous tissue to expose the underlying SMAS layer. At this point Dr Turner will dissect under the SMAS for a deep plane facelift or create a high SMAS flap to lift and augment the cheek area. The SMAS is then reposition in a vertical direction to correct midface and jowl laxity.
Any excess fat deposits in the neck can be corrected by liposuction during the same procedure, or a deep anterior neck lift can be performed via a small incision under the chin. In many cases, fat transfer can be used in conjunction with a mini facelift to restore lost volume in areas like the cheeks, temples, and under the eyes. Fat transfer enhances the overall results for patients with significant volume loss.
Recovery After Short Scar Facelift
Recovery from a short scar facelift is a gradual process, with initial swelling and bruising subsiding within the first few weeks. Most patients can resume regular activities in two weeks, though complete healing and final results may take a few months.
Dr. Turner offers personalized post-operative care, emphasizing the importance of following instructions to manage discomfort, minimize swelling, and ensure smooth recovery. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting during the early stages. Following all post-operative care, including protecting the skin from sun exposure, is vital to prevent complications and achieve lasting results.
Risks and Complications of Short Scar Facelift
Like any surgical procedure, short scar facelift carries certain risks and potential complications. It is important for patients to be fully aware of these before deciding to undergo surgery. Dr. Turner will discuss them in detail during your consultation, ensuring you have realistic expectations and a clear understanding of the potential outcomes.
Common risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, and temporary numbness or swelling, which typically subside during recovery. Less common but possible complications involve nerve damage, which could affect facial sensation or movement, and reactions to anaesthesia. Rarely, patients may experience hair loss at incision sites, skin discoloration, or delayed wound healing, leading to more noticeable scarring. Adhering to post-operative care instructions is essential for minimizing complications and ensuring a smooth recovery.
See our detailed guide on risks and complications after facelift surgery
