When it comes to facial aging, few things bother patients more than aging of the midface. Bags under the eyes, saggy cheeks, and deep nasolabial folds are signs of aging in this area. Under-eye bags and wrinkles can be improved with lower eyelid blepharoplasty. However, saggy cheeks, jowls, and deep nasolabial folds require surgical procedures that elevate the SMAS – a tissue layer under the skin supporting the cheek – and restore facial volume.
For decades, the facelift operation has been the gold standard to rejuvenate the middle and lower third of the face, i.e., cheeks, corner of the mouth, and jawline. However, this operation can be invasive, requiring a long recovery and many days off work. Therefore, it should be reserved for patients with moderate to severe facial aging, especially when accompanied by excessive tissue laxity (for example, after significant weight loss).
A less invasive option for younger patients with mild to moderate aging would be a mini facelift. This operation is very similar to a facelift, except it is less invasive and has a faster recovery. The best candidates are healthy patients in their early 30s to mid-40s.
A mini facelift is designed to subtly improve cheek and jawline contour.
The operation is done under local anesthesia plus intravenous sedation. Sometimes general anesthesia is a better option, for example, when other cosmetic procedures are going to be performed on the same day.
The steps of the operation are explained in detail on our website. An incision is made in front of the ear, allowing the surgeon to make a 3 to 4-cm dissection underneath the skin to access the SMAS.
The incision is made in front of the ear.
Elevation of the skin allows careful manipulation of the SMAS.
After raising the skin flap, the surgeon will tighten the SMAS using the technique that best suits the patient, plication being the most common. Finally, the skin is carefully trimmed and sutured.
The patient is discharged on the same day of the surgery (outpatient) and is seen the next day for follow-up.
Mild bruising and moderate swelling on first postoperative day
Sutures are removed around day 10 in the doctor’s office. Patients should expect mild bruising and swelling for 1 to 2 weeks. At this time, they can resume their normal exercise routine.
SMAS plication elevates the cheek and improves jawline contour.
A mini facelift can offer excellent cosmetic results if the patient is selected carefully, and the right surgical technique is employed. The great benefit of this procedure is its ability to restore a youthful cheek contour and subtly improve the jowls without a long recovery.
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