Have you started to see skin laxity around your lower face and jawline? You may not need a facelift, but you might be an ideal candidate for a mini facelift. This procedure provides more subtle benefits than a traditional facelift but requires smaller incisions and less recovery time. Dr. Leong recommends a consultation to determine what kind of facelift will work best for you.
What is a Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift is a type of facelift or rhytidectomy. It makes an excellent option for those who want to lift and tighten the lower face while smoothing lines around the mouth. The primary difference between a mini facelift and a traditional one is the amount of correction. A mini facelift uses smaller incisions and provides more subtle results.
*Individual results may vary.
Am I a Candidate for a Mini Facelift?
The typical candidate for a mini facelift is in their 40s or 50s and has moderate signs of aging. A mini facelift focuses on the jawline, jowls, and mouth area. Individuals with significant sagging or wrinkles may benefit from a traditional facelift. The ideal candidate for a mini facelift wants to achieve a natural-looking lift and improved jawline definition.
Candidates for a mini facelift should be healthy and have reasonable expectations. The results will not look as dramatic as a facelift, so you should expect to see subtle improvements. You might not be a good candidate if you have certain medical conditions or if you would benefit more from a different procedure.
How is a Mini Facelift Performed?
Dr. Leong makes a small incision around the ears during a mini facelift. She will lift the skin and underlying layers of muscle to shape the jawline and smooth wrinkles around the mouth. The incisions will heal quickly and fade until they are unnoticeable. The procedure does not remove excess skin; it moves the skin and muscles less invasively than a traditional facelift.
What is Recovery Like From a Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift allows you to recover in less time than a traditional one. Most people can return to work after about a week. However, individuals with very active jobs may need extra time to heal. You can resume most normal activities after two to three weeks. Dr. Leong will instruct you on caring for your incisions and when you can add strenuous activities back into your routine.
What Results Will I See With a Mini Facelift?
You will have some swelling for several weeks after your procedure, although it becomes less noticeable after the first week. Your full results will become visible within a few months. You will notice that your jawline looks tighter and more sculpted. You will also see lines around your mouth lifted and smoothed. Dr. Leong may combine a mini facelift with the Renuvion® device to further strengthen and tighten the areas of concern.
Are There Non-Surgical Alternatives to a Mini Facelift?
If you prefer to avoid a surgical procedure, Dr. Leong and her colleague, dermatologist Dr. Zena Gabriel, collaborate to provide non-surgical options. Threading, Microneedling with radiofrequency or laser treatments can provide minor lifting and tightening. They are most effective for those with mild signs of aging.
You may also consider the advanced MyEllevate® or Xact® procedures. While each of these has its unique application, both use a network of support structures placed under the skin to provide lift and tightness. MyEllevate® and Xact® offer minimally invasive alternatives to surgical procedures with long-lasting results.
Dr. Leong is amazing at what she does and makes you feel incredibly comfortable at the same time. I’ve gone to other plastic surgeons who make it feel like a business transaction, but Dr. Leong and her staff make it feel like a friend giving you advice. Her office is very cozy with pink walls, fluffy pillows, and crystal chandeliers. I am so happy with my results and felt so comfortable having her as my surgeon. I would trust Dr. Leong with any procedure.
-S.S
Take the Next Step
To make an appointment with Dr. Karen Leong, call us at (949) 844-8999 or fill out the consultation form below.