Considered in the past to be a procedure reserved for celebrities and movie stars, the facelift (rhytidectomy) is now one of the most popular and accepted cosmetic procedures in the United States. Although facelifts do not correct crow's feet, forehead wrinkles, or bags under your eyes, they are effective in providing an overall lift to the neck and lower third of your face by tightening the skin in the jowls, neck, and jaw line.
The actual procedure has evolved over the decades, but great advances have been made during the past eight years, making the procedure less-invasive, with less down time and more natural results. These advances have led to the popularity of mini facelifts (also called S-Lifts, Quick Lifts, MACS Lifts, Delta Lifts, etc.).
The mini facelift is a quicker operation than the traditional facelift, but with fewer complications and much less down time. Although the mini facelift carries different names (based on the technique that is used during the procedure), the end result is an overall lift to the neck and lower third of the face, getting rid of bothersome excess neck or facial skin.
The procedure can be done in a doctor's office under local anesthesia (which is the most convenient for both the patient and doctor) or in an outpatient ambulatory center under general anesthesia. A sedative is sometimes given prior to the procedure to further relax the patient. Each side of the face is operated on separately. An incision is made in the forward area of the ear, and while the skin is lifted, the doctor tightens and repositions the muscles and tissues on the interior, and also removes any excess fat. The incision is then closed using fine sutures that are removed within a week.
A mini facelift within a doctor's office usually takes between 1-1½ hours under local anesthesia. There are very few complications with the surgery:
- No facial nerve palsy has been reported,
- The procedure can be repeated,
- Very little down time (usually less than a week),
- Very few hematoma,
- Very few cases of infection, and
- Very few skin necrosis.
Most patients are completely satisfied with their looks after the mini facelift, stating that they look years younger and simply look great. The results of the procedure do not last as long as a traditional facelift, but typical results will last between 3-5 years, based on the overall health and fitness of the patient.
Have a busy schedule? Can't take a lot of time away from work? Afraid of complications? Consider the mini facelift...it might just be the "lift" that you need!
Dr. Soheila Rostami is an ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeon, board-certified and specializing in lacrimal, orbital and cosmetic eyelid surgery. Dr. Rostami has been in private-practice in the Northern Virginia area for over 8 years. Her office is conveniently located in Reston as part of the Reston Hospital campus (near the Reston Town Center) and is just minutes away from Vienna, McLean, Great Falls and Fairfax. Dr. Rostami is currently accepting new patients and would love the opportunity to show you how upper and/or lower eyelid surgery can greatly improve your appearance and outlook. Schedule your appointment for our Reston location today - 1860 Town Center Drive, Suite 250, Reston, VA 20190 - (571) 203-1300.
