Mini Facelift Surgery (Mini Rhytidectomy)

What is a Mini Facelift?

Like any type of face lift cosmetic surgery, the mini facelift aims to create a younger appearance and to improve your self-confidence. This is done by repositioning and tightening the skin and soft tissue structures of the face.
However, the mini version of this face lift surgery procedure uses significant recent advancements in facial aesthetic surgery to limit the scarring with less invasive surgery, quicker recovery and often without the need for general anaesthetic. Mini facelifts also tend to cost less than a traditional full face lift, making them a very popular option.

That sounds too good to be true! Why would anybody choose a Full Facelift rather than a Mini Face Lift procedure?

The effects of the mini facelift are considerably less dramatic than a traditional full facelift or full face and neck lift. The mini cosmetic surgery version is of most benefit to patients in their middle ages, suffering from heavy, tired skin with a loss of elasticity. Whilst the mini facelift is not as dramatic as the full face lift, it is very good for fixing specific signs of ageing in the face as a preventative or maintenance procedure amongst slightly younger candidates. Mini face lifts are particularly well suited to patients in their thirties, forties and sometimes fifties.

What techniques are used in Mini Facelift Surgery?

Mini face lift surgery is typically characterised by the short-scar facelift technique. This is a form of lift where the scarring in the crease behind the ear and in the hairline behind the ear is significantly (sometimes even completely) reduced when the skin and soft tissues of the face are repositioned. Short-scar face lift incisions begin in the hair area, around the temples and extend downward, in front of the ear to the earlobe. Sometimes the incision can extend behind the earlobe or slightly behind the ear. Whether the scar is placed in the crease just in front of the ear or within the ear itself varies according to the individual patient. Sometimes scarring may follow the hairline instead: these are all factors which can be discussed with your expert mini facelift surgeon, according to your preferences. Mini face lift surgery may be combined with liposuction in the neck area or blepharoplasty surgery to the eyelids to give an even more tightened and rejuvenated appearance.

What types of Mini Facelift Surgery are available?

At Aurora Clinics, we offer the MACS mini facelift - one of the most popular types of mini facelift surgery.

MACS mini facelift – (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension) is performed by our specialist surgeon Mr. Adrian Richards: a short-scar technique which reduces visible scarring, restores a youthful-looking jaw line, reduces jowls, and brings back the "apple" of the cheek that tends to sag with ageing.

What is the recovery time after Mini Facelift surgery?

Recovery from a mini face lift is usually quite quick. We advise taking it easy for the first week after surgery, although most patients feel quite well after a day or two. You may experience a little swelling and bruising to begin with, for up to two or three weeks but by the third week you should be looking much better. Most patients return to work ten days to two weeks after surgery. Plenty of rest really helps speed up the healing process, as does avoiding strenuous activity for at least two weeks after your mini facelift

What can I expect from my Mini Face Lift surgery?

Your face will still continue to age after your mini face lift but you should continue to notice a fresher, more tightened and youthful look years after the surgery.