Q: What is a Mini Facelift?

A: Mini Facelift’s are a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure utilizing local anesthesia whisks the same year’s away but with far less risk and at a more affordable cost. Downtime is also considerably reduced. A mini facelift pulls back sagging skin and underlying muscle tissue in the lower two-thirds of the face.

Q: Is the Neck lift done at the same time?

A: While the mini facelift tightens the lower cheeks, jowls and partial upper neck, we also offer the extensive neck lift, also known as Platysmal Plication, which will complete the freshening process. Some have loose saggy skin due to the Platysmal muscle on each side of the neck separating and creating prominent folds. At Contour Dermatology, Dr. Jochen performs neck lifts with platysmal plication to address these problems. The ideal situation, if needed, is to combine a mini facelift with a neck lift to realize greater savings, fewer incisions and less downtime.

Q: Where is the mini facelift procedure performed?

A: The mini facelift is an outpatient procedure performed in Contour Dermatology’s AAAASF accredited surgical suite.

Q: What type of anesthesia is used for the mini facelift?

A: Local anesthesia for a mini facelift is our preferred anesthetic method. Our AAAASF surgery suite also allows for the use of other anesthesia methods like Twilight sedation at an additional cost.

Q: How long does the mini facelift procedure take to perform?

A: A Mini Facelift typically takes 1.5-2 hours and if done with Platysmal Plication (extensive neck lift) it can take up to 3.5-4 hours.

Q: What can I expect immediately after a mini facelift?

A: You must make arrangements for transportation home following the surgery. Contour Dermatology requires that a medical professional stay with you for the first night following the procedure. Contour Dermatology provides this service for an additional fee.

Q: What can I expect in the days following a mini facelift?

A: Stay in bed and rest with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows. Expect a swollen and discolored face for 2-4 weeks following surgery. Eat a relatively soft diet and avoid hard chewing for 2 days.

Q: When are the stitches removed following a mini facelift?

A: Sutures are typically removed within 7-14 days. You have two sets of sutures the running sutures (removed at 7 days) and the key sutures (removed at 14 days). Make-up use should be avoided around the suture area until the sutures are removed.

Q: Will there be a scar?

A: One of the big advantages of the mini facelift is the relatively small size of the necessary incisions compared to those associated with traditional facelifts.  Dr. Jochen pays special attention to the incisions he creates in the course of a mini facelift, building in time to neatly position them around the ears and taking care to suture them so they’re virtually invisible. The overall result is as cosmetically appealing as possible.

Q: Are there any particular side effects I can expect during the recovery process?

A: Numbness, swelling, tingling, itching, discoloration, bumpiness, hardness, crusting, tightness and redness around the incisions are entirely normal and should resolve with healing.

Q: Are there any other special instructions?

A:  Do not wear earrings for 2-3 weeks. Avoid the sun for 4 weeks. Wear a hat and sunscreen when outside. Do not color or bleach the hair for 2 weeks.

Q: Does insurance cover the mini facelift procedure?

A: The mini facelift is considered cosmetic and, as such, is typically not covered by insurance.

Q: What kind of financing is available?

A: Contour Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Center accepts CareCredit®, a personal line of credit for healthcare treatments and procedures that gives you convenient payment options so you can get the procedure you want, when you want it.