Mini Face Lift in Phoenix

Written by Dr. Ali Ghafouri

Also Serving Patients in Scottsdale

As early as their forties, both men and women may begin to notice signs of facial aging. This may manifest as the beginnings of jowls, sagging skin, and vertical lines on the neck. If you are seeing signs of these conditions when you look in the mirror, the mini facelift procedure may be ideal for you. The mini facelift is a nice alternative to the full facelift procedure, since it is used to correct a minor amount of sagging around the, jaw line and neck area and, as such, is a less invasive procedure that requires smaller incisions.

At Arizona Oculoplastic Specialists, Dr. Ali Ghafouri performs mini facelifts and other aesthetic plastic surgeries on both his male and female patients, helping them look and feel several years younger than before! To learn more about the mini facelift procedure and other surgery options designed to give you a more youthful and rejuvenated facial appearance, call our practice today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Ghafouri.

Would You Benefit from Mini Facelift Surgery?

You may wish to consider a mini facelift if you are seeking to correct one or more of the following issues:

• Sagging cheeks/ jowls
• Neck bands (vertical lines on the neck)
• Loose skin in neck area
• An aged, tired-looking facial appearance

Mini Facelift Procedure Details

The mini facelift procedure is performed on an outpatient basis with the patient or sedation in addition to local anesthesia. The surgery takes between one to two hours to complete, during which time Dr. Ghafouri will make a few small incisions in the hairline behind each ear.. He will then reposition the underlying tissue to a higher point and tighten the underlying neck muscles before redraping the remaining skin so that it is taut (though not tight, to avoid the “pulled look”). Incisions are then closed with sutures.

Recovering from Surgery

Since a mini facelift procedure is less invasive than a traditional (or “full”) facelift, the recovery period is shorter. A surgical dressing will be placed on the incisions and you may also need to wear a chinstrap for a week or two, in order to protect the incision sites and support the area as it heals. Swelling and bruising of the lower face and neck is normal, and typically dissipates within one to two weeks. Patients can usually return to work after one week, and resume moderate exercise after 10 to 14 days. More strenuous exercises, especially those involving weight-bearing and resistance activities, should be avoided for three to four weeks. Refer to the post-operative instructions provided to you by Dr. Ghafouri for more details on how to make your recovery as effective and comfortable as possible.

FAQs

How long does the mini facelift procedure take?

The procedure itself takes approximately one to two hours, though you will need to arrive at the surgery center approximately one hour before surgery and will be discharged about 30-45 minutes after the surgery.

Is the surgery painful?

Mini facelift surgery is a minimally invasive surgery that uses small incisions; as such, there is minimal discomfort during and after surgery. However, Dr. Ghafouri will prescribe pain medication to help with any discomfort in the day or two after surgery.

What type of anesthesia is used for the mini facelift procedure?

The procedure is performed under IV (intravenous) sedation administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist, along with a local anesthesia. The IV sedation will put you in a twilight sleep during the surgery while the local anesthesia is used to numb the incision sites.

Will the surgery leave noticeable scars?

Because the incisions are small and are hidden along the hairline, any resulting scars are minimal and well-concealed.

How long will my results last?

Your results are permanent, and you will enjoy your improved facial appearance (smoother skin, a more defined jaw line, etc.) for the rest of your life. Your skin will still be affected by the sagging effect of gravity as it ages, but this effect will be much less noticeable than it would have been had you not undergone the procedure. To maintain the most optimal results from mini facelift surgery, protect your skin from sun exposure, avoid smoking and adhere to a good skin care regimen.

What are the possible risks and complications of the surgery?

As with any type of plastic surgery, general risks include infection, poor healing, scarring, and bleeding. Please read our informed consent form for a more detail discussion. In the hands of an experienced and specialized surgeon like Dr. Ghafouri, facelift surgery is very safe, with minimal risk of complications.

Why should I have Dr. Ghafouri perform my mini facelift?

Dr. Ghafouri is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has performed more than 12,000 surgeries of the face and eye area. His extensive surgical experience with and focus on facial surgeries, along with his thorough knowledge of the facial anatomy, allow him to achieve the most attractive results while still ensuring that the patient looks natural after surgery.