At Gaines Plastic Surgery, the plastic surgery center of Dr. Greg Gaines in Gainesville, mini facelift techniques can be employed to produce subtle, refined results for patients who are not yet ready for or who do not need a full facelift. The procedure is potentially ideal for patients who are in their 30s, 40s, or 50s and just beginning to show signs of aging on the face.
As with all procedures available at his practice, Dr. Gaines tailors the mini facelift procedure to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual patient. Most people who are experiencing mild to moderate wrinkling and minor sagging of the lower face are suitable candidates for mini facelift surgery.
What Is a Mini Facelift?
The mini facelift, also popularly known as the “weekend facelift,” differs from the full facelift in that it targets only selected areas of the face rather than the entire face. Generally, mini facelift is performed to address signs of aging in the mid face, cheeks, and lower third of the face. During the procedure, Dr. Gaines works through small, strategically placed incisions, removing excess fat and reshaping the underlying musculature to address problem areas. Unlike more invasive facelift techniques, the mini facelift technique involves minimal excision of skin. The result of mini facelift surgery is a refreshed, rejuvenated appearance that sets back the clock by about five years.
The entire procedure requires less than two hours, and post-surgical bleeding, swelling, and downtime are minimal due to the minimally invasive nature of the technique. The full results of the facelift will take time to unfold, but improvements will be immediately apparent.
Candidacy for Mini Facelift Surgery
The best candidates for mini facelift surgery are those who want to reverse some of the early signs of aging – the beginning stages of sagging jowls; light folds and creases, especially in the mid to lower portions of the face; and the dreaded turkey wattle in the neck. In general, candidates have to be in good health because, although the mini facelift technique is minimally invasive, they are still undergoing a surgical procedure. Finally, candidates must have reasonable expectations of what the procedure can and cannot accomplish. The mini facelift is not simply a less invasive version of a full facelift; the former will not address as many problem areas or produce results as dramatic as the latter. Patients who wish to accomplish more extensive revisions to the facial skin are probably not good candidates for mini facelift surgery.
Combining Mini Facelift Surgery with Other Procedures
Many patients elect to combine mini facelift surgery with other skin rejuvenating procedures, including blepharoplasty (cosmetic eyelid surgery) and injectable treatments such as BOTOX® Cosmetic and JUVÉDERM®. Dr. Gaines has a particular talent for combining and customizing treatments as part of fully personalized treatment plans, designed to address the unique needs of individual patients.
Learn More about Mini Facelift Surgery
To learn more about surgery using the mini facelift technique, or to schedule a consultation to determine whether you might benefit from mini facelift surgery, please contact Gaines Plastic Surgery today.