Mini facelift — less surgery and less downtime
Posted on Fri, Nov 04, 2011
Aloha Dr. Stover. I know that cosmetic procedures are very safe these days, but I am still a bit wary of the mini facelift I’ve wanted for the past two years. What can you tell me about the newer techniques that will enhance my comfort and safety?
Mini facelifts are much safer today.
Indeed cosmetic procedures are much safer today than in the past. We have newer and safer anesthesia options and techniques as well as many minimally invasive surgical and non-surgical rejuvenation advances. Still, bear in mind that any procedure carries some risk. In general, as the degree of invasiveness increases, the risk increases as well, yet the more likely you are to see an impressive result. While minimally invasive procedures are much safer and recovery is quicker, the benefits are usually less dramatic.
Should I have a mini facelift or a traditional facelift?
Mini facelifts (also called short scar, weekend facelifts or executive facelifts) are significantly less invasive and less risky than traditional facelifts, but the results are more subtle. For the right person (usually younger with less fat and less loose skin) the results are spectacular. However, some people just need a more aggressive procedure to see significant improvement. For these patients, a traditional facelift is more appropriate.
Mini facelifts let you go back to work sooner than a traditional facelift.
A mini facelift requires a shorter scar and less muscle manipulation. The depth of anesthesia can be lighter and the duration of anesthesia is definitely shorter. As far as healing, most patients can 
expect to be back to work in 3-5 days. There is typically no post-operative bandaging and discomfort is minimal. Sutures are removed in 1-2 weeks. The cost is about half the price of a traditional facelift. Best of all, there is an extremely low likelihood of ending up with the dreaded “pulled too tight” look.
To find out more about facelift procedures, I invite you to review our 3D videos on the topic, mid facelift procedure and lower facelift procedure.
A Mini Facelift:
• Requires fewer, smaller incisions
• Involves less brusing and swelling than conventional facelifts
• Has less risk of major complications
• Results in minimal scarring
