Mini Facelift
A mini facelift is a cosmetic procedure that addresses mild to moderate signs of aging, such as jowls, wrinkles, and skin laxity on the mid-face, lower face, and neck regions. It is a modified rendition of the traditional facelift. When time and gravity begin to make their mark on the face, we look at the options to address the issues that have developed. A mini facelift canrestore youthful definition to the jawline, smoothing lines, jowls, wrinkles, and creases for a refreshed, natural look.
With over 4,000 facelifts under his belt, Dr. Jonathan Pontell is one of Philadelphia’s most reputable double-board-certified facial plastic surgeons. He has an impressive educational background, having trained at multiple prestigious institutions, including Jefferson Medical College and Mount Sinai Medical Center. His associate, Dr. Catherine Weng, is also extensively skilled and experienced with a variety of facelift techniques, including the mini facelift.
Both Dr. Pontell and Dr. Weng are certified by leading plastic surgery organizations, including the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. Beyond that, they are both exceptionally patient, kind, and compassionate.
To schedule a private consultation with one of our facial plastic surgeons to discuss your facial rejuvenation options, please contact us directly by calling (610) 688-7100 or by filling out this form.
Topics On This Page:
- What Is a Mini Facelift?
- Bonnie’s MiniFacelift Testimonial
- Benefits of a Mini Facelift
- Best Candidates for a Mini Facelift
- Personal Consultation
- Preparation
- What Does a Mini Facelift Procedure Entail?
- Recovery Process
- Natural-Looking Results
- Mini Facelift Before-and-After Photos
- How Much Does a Mini Facelift Cost?
- Looking for a Mini Facelift Near You?
- Additional Mini Facelift FAQs
- References
What Is a Mini Facelift?
Traditionally, a facelift, or rhytidectomy, utilizes incisions around the ear and hairline and under the chin to reach the muscle layer which is known as the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer that resides underneath the facial skin. (1) Through incisions around the ears, a mini facelift allows for lifting the SMAS layer and allows for the removal of excess skin. When this muscle layer is lifted, it creates a younger, tighter contour.
When we age, our SMAS layers start to droop, causing structural changes that can make us look older than we feel. With a mini facelift, patients can reverse signs of aging by tightening the lower half of the face and neck with incisions that are well hidden and that typically heal very well. Traditional facelifts require extended incisions around the ears and chin, but a mini facelift performed by our facial plastic surgeon can achieve similar results for those with mild to moderate sagging and wrinkles.
Minimally Invasive
The mini facelift uses fewer incisions, which leads to an easier, quicker recovery. Our doctor places them in the natural creases around the ears. Because it is less invasive, our facial plastic surgeon can often perform the mini facelift in the office under local anesthesia, but some patients prefer to go to the surgicenter to be asleep for their procedure..
Skin Tightening
Our mini facelift can target the laxity of the cheeks, jawline, and neck. These patients typically do not have issues with a heavy, fatty neck. With a mini facelift, our facial plastic surgeon can tighten the underlying muscles and remove any excess skin for a firmer, more youthful facial appearance. (2)
Benefits of a Mini Facelift
There are many reasons to receive a mini facelift, whether you are just recently noticing signs of aging skin, or you are further into the process. Some benefits of a mini facelift include:
- Shorter Recovery Time
- Fewer Incisions
- Long-Lasting and Natural Results
- Minimal Pain
- Lifts and Contours Face: Mini facelifts can achieve excellent, natural results with an easy recovery.
- Easily Combinable Surgery: This procedure can be easily performed in conjunction with a brow lift or eyelid surgery.
Best Candidates for a Mini Facelift
Candidates for a mini facelift must be in good health and have realistic expectations. You may qualify for a mini facelift if you have localized laxity to the lower face without a very fatty neck. Liposuction can be combined with a mini facelift to help reduce moderate excess fat cells in the neck.
Personal Consultation
Dr. Pontell and Dr. Weng believe every facial surgery should be individually examined to address a patient’s unique needs. They spend considerable time talking to patients about their specific goals, which allows them to provide highly customized treatments that can produce natural results.
Before your procedure, you will meet with one of our facial plastic surgeons and they will evaluate your facial structure, medical history, goals, and concerns. They will examine your face to determine how to create the most aesthetically pleasing outcome. Once our doctor completely understands your goals, they will advise if a mini facelift is right for you.
Preparation
To prepare you for your mini facelift, our doctor will provide specific instructions to follow. These may ask you to stop using the following:
- NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen)
- Nicotine and tobacco products
- Certain medications, herbal remedies, etc.
The best way to prepare for a mini facelift is to closely follow any and all instructions given to you by Dr. Pontell or Dr. Weng. He will make sure you are comfortable and informed throughout the entire procedure process.
What Does a Mini Facelift Procedure Entail?
Since the mini facelift is less invasive, it uses fewer incisions, making it possible to perform under local anesthesia (some patients prefer to have it done under sedation or general anesthesia). If it is being done in the office under local anesthesia, he applies topical numbing cream to the areas being treated, and waits for about 45 minutes before removing it and marking his procedure plan. He then injects local anesthesia into the face and neck.
During the procedure, our doctor creates incisions in front and behind the ears to lift your skin upward and smooth the skin in your lower face and neck regions. They also tighten the underlying SMAS muscles to help you achieve a more defined jawline.
Our surgeon will trim excess tissue and lift the skin to smooth facial lines and wrinkles, being very careful to avoid looking windswept. The procedure takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
Recovery Process
Many patients prefer the mini facelift because it generally has a faster recovery than the traditional one. Healing is typically rapid, with minimal visible scarring, and bruising and swelling subside more quickly. Any mild discomfort you may experience following your surgery, which can be controlled using oral pain medication.
You will need to take it easy after your surgery. Most patients can return to work within ten days of surgery and resume their regular physical activities after two weeks.
What If A Revision Mini Facelift Is Necessary?
Some patients may want to undergo revision surgery because they were not satisfied with the initial results, whether due to an inexperienced surgeon or a recurrence of the signs of aging. Patients should wait until healing is complete – at six months to one year – before undergoing a revision procedure. Dr. Pontell or Dr. Weng can help determine if you are an ideal candidate for revision surgery.
Natural-Looking Results
A mini facelift looks very natural when performed by a skilled cosmetic surgeon. The best plastic surgeons provide subtle results that are noticeable without ever portraying signs of cosmetic manipulation. Friends and associates will instantly notice you look youthful, but they won’t be able to tell why.
Turn Back The Clock
Mini facelifts produce long-term change; the treatment results don’t fade away or reverse after a few months. However, that longevity doesn’t mean you’ll maintain flawlessly young skin for the rest of your life. The procedure cannot stop the clock altogether; it merely turns back the hands. A mini facelift can make you look several years or a decade younger. As you continue aging, it may be another seven to ten years before your skin looks like it did before the mini facelift.
How Much Does a Mini Facelift Cost in Philadelphia?
The cost of a mini facelift is significantly lower than that of a traditional facelift. Our practice charges $12,500 for a mini facelift and $17,500 for a traditional facelift. If the procedure is performed under anesthesia in a surgical center, the added fee is about $2,000. If you have any questions regarding the process of receiving a mini facelift, you can contact his office directly by calling (610) 688-7100 at your convenience.
Looking for a Mini Facelift Near You?
Dr. Pontell and Dr. Weng are located in the Main Line suburbs of Philadelphia and serves all the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and South Jersey. Please schedule a consultation at our state-of-the-art facility to get started on your mini facelift in Wayne, PA, today.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Facelift Surgery
What If I Don’t Feel Comfortable Using A Local Anesthetic For My Surgery?
Some patients want to be asleep for their mini facelift, which is understandable. For these patients, we can perform their surgery using sedation or general anesthesia in a hospital or surgical center.
Is A Mini Facelift A Good Option After Weight Loss?
A mini facelift is an excellent option for patients who have undergone significant weight loss, whether through exercise and diet or weight loss surgery. Most people who lose substantial weight in a short period will experience hanging or sagging skin tissue. A mini facelift removes excess skin tissue and tightens the skin and underlying muscle to accentuate your facial contours. It also minimizes the appearance of jowls and hanging skin under the neck, giving you a more defined jawline. A mini facelift provides the cosmetic results you hoped for with weight loss.
Is A Mini Facelift Only For Younger People?
Patients who opt for a mini facelift are generally in their 40s or 50s. However, a mini facelift is suitable for patients of most ages who feel they are experiencing signs of aging: jowls, moderately sagging skin, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Testimonials
“Just had a mini facelift and brow lift. Doctor Pontell is a very gifted surgeon. He and his staff are wonderful people who have made this very easy for me. If you are looking for a skilled and exceptional doctor, then Doctor Pontell is it.”
“I had a great experience with Dr. Pontell and his staff. I never felt rushed in his office. His office is immaculate and bright. He is a talented and skilled surgeon and has great insight into what the results will be. I had a mini facelift and upper and lower eyelids done. I saw a difference right away. Recovery was not bad at all. Explicit instructions are given for pre and postoperative care. If you have a question, you can call him anytime postoperatively. His staff is friendly and caring. I definitely recommend him.”
References
- Wan D, Small KH, Barton FE. Face Lift. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2015;136(5):676e689e. doi:https://doi.org/
- Duminy F, Hudson DA. The Mini Rhytidectomy. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 1997;21(4):280-284. doi:https://doi.org/