Mini-Face Lift

Boost your self-confidence with a mini face lift at Cape Fear Valley Health. 

What Is a Mini-Face Lift?

If you’ve lost definition in your jawline and upper neck, a mini face lift rejuvenates your appearance.

As we age, the skin loses its elasticity and hangs low on the jowls. This gives the appearance of being tired and makes you look much older than you feel. The mini face lift is an ideal procedure to deal with these changes.

A mini face lift is a great option if you don’t want to undergo a full face lift, but still want significant, lasting results. This surgery reduces signs of aging and targets problem areas on the lower third of the face, jawline and upper neck. It enhances your facial contours for a natural-looking, rejuvenated appearance.

Put Your Best Face Forward

A mini face lift helps restore a youthful appearance. You can trust that Cape Fear Valley Health plastic surgeons will listen to your concerns and answer your questions. We’ll evaluate your health needs, cosmetic goals and skin to determine if a mini face lift is right for you.

Our Approach to a Mini-Face Lift

At Cape Fear Valley Health, our plastic surgeons stay up-to-date on the latest medical advances and innovations, meaning you can enjoy first-class care close to home.

Understanding Your Goals

Our compassionate and friendly staff will treat you with the care and respect you deserve. Your Cape Fear Valley Health plastic surgeon will take the time to discuss your treatment goals and thoroughly evaluate your specific areas of concern. We prioritize answering your questions and ensuring you feel fully informed and comfortable with your treatment plan.

We Stay Connected

After your mini-face lift surgery, we’ll ensure you have all the information you need to take care of yourself during recovery. Healing from surgery takes time, but our team will be in regular contact to monitor your progress and provide support.

Your Team

From your first call, you’ll be supported by a dedicated team of experts, including plastic surgeons, licensed practical nurses, and medical staff.

What to Expect With a Mini-Face Lift

A mini face lift takes between one and two hours. You’ll be awake during the procedure, but you won’t feel any pain because you’ll be under local anesthesia (which numbs the area). You’ll be able to go home after the procedure is over.

Your plastic surgeon will make small incisions around your ear and hairline. Then, they will lift, reposition and tighten the skin and underlying superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS).

Next, excess skin and fat will be removed. The remaining tissue will be secured with sutures (small surgical stitches). Another small incision will sometimes be made under the chin to remove fat from the upper neck.

Mid-Face Lift Consultation

Your Cape Fear Valley Health plastic surgeon will discuss your treatment goals and carefully evaluate your face. Next, they’ll make a recommendation based on your desired results and develop your personalized treatment plan. 

Are You a Candidate For a Mini-Face Lift?

Most patients who have a mini face lift are between 30 and 40 years old.

Procedures work best on patients who:

• Are in good overall health.
• Don’t drink alcohol for two weeks before surgery. (Alcohol acts as a blood thinner, which increases the risk of excess bleeding during surgery.)
• Quit using nicotine products three to six weeks before surgery and three to six weeks after. (Nicotine increases your risk of surgical complications, like blood clots.)

Mid-Face Lift Recovery and Results

Some sutures (sterile surgical stitches) will need to be removed between five and seven days after the procedure. After a mini face lift, you will need to take one to two weeks off work. During this time, you should:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Wear a compression bandage to reduce swelling for up to two weeks.
• Avoid strenuous activities for about six to eight weeks.

Discomfort, mild bruising and swelling may last between one and two weeks. You’ll be able to see results from your mini face lift within one month.

Mid-Face Lift Risks

Like all surgeries, a mini face lift involves a certain degree of risk. However, when it’s performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, serious complications are rare. Minimize other complications by following the instructions and advice of your plastic surgeon.

Some risks and complications could include:

• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Infection
• Pain, numbness or facial nerve injury
• Poor wound healing
• Scarring
• Skin irregularities or discoloration
• Uneven contours or asymmetry