A lower facelift is also known as a mini facelift. The operation is best suited for candidates that suffer from mild sagging and lax skin on the lower half of their face. During the surgery, specialists lift and tighten the sagging skin smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines. Doctors often combine it with a neck lift. This combination can improve the overall appearance of the jowls, jawline, chin, and neck. A mini facelift is often preferred to a traditional rhytidectomy. It is less invasive, requires smaller incisions and leaves less scarring. It also has a considerably shorter recovery period.
A lower facelift procedure can take 1-2 hours to complete.
Specialists can use either general or local anesthetic. It is usually an outpatient procedure, and patients that can go home will be discharged the same day. Depending on the patient's facial structure and final goals, the surgeon will choose the best technique and method for each candidate. Incisions are made along the hairline above each ear, where the skin, tissues and muscles are separated. The tissues are then pulled taut and repositioned. Doctors remove any excess skin and tighten the muscles. If needed, the surgeon will also lift the corners of the mouth to create a rejuvenated appearance.
Patients will be able to return to work in 1-2 weeks. Immediate results of a smoother and firmed complexion will be noticeable. During the recovery period, patients will experience swelling, bruising and some discomfort. These can be eased with a cold compress. Doctors also recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for at least four weeks.
