Mini facelift surgery is designed for clients desiring enhancement of early facial aging, who require a more rapid recovery. This procedure is designed for improvement primarily of the mid face and jowl, when sagging of the neck is minimal. Our mini lift is the plastic surgical answer to facial enhancement without the prolonged recuperation of traditional lifting procedures. Our mini lift procedure takes approximately 2 to 2-1/2 hours, and it may be performed in conjunction with other facial procedures. Skin incisions are modified by gender and hair type, but typically involve the natural folds in front of the ear, around the lobe and into the crease behind the ear. The skin of the face is lifted a few centimeters into the face to provide for a 2-layer lift, to limit bruising and swelling. Different directions of pull are provided to the lift, to improve the cheek, nasolabial folds and similarly the jowl and neck. The benefit to the mini lift over the suture suspension lift is a smoother contour, greater longevity and more control over skin bunching and excess. Stitch material is removed in the visible areas at between 5 and 7 days and nonvisible areas between 10 and 14 days.

Some swelling and bruising are expected after surgery, and this will last approximately 10 to 14 days. Head elevation is encouraged with the use of a recliner or extra back support in bed, to keep elevated. Minimal activity is encouraged with limited talking and animation of the face in the early postoperative period. Dressings are removed after 24 hours, and a simple chinstrap is worn for an additional 2 weeks in the evening. Showering is acceptable the next day. Hair coloring should be postponed for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. Return to work is approximately 1 to 2 weeks. Return to exercise is approximately 4 to 6 weeks, and smoking is discouraged in the pre and postoperative periods.