These days cosmetic surgery can be speedier than ever, and many doctors are getting high-end results with faster "minimally invasive" facial surgeries. But with so many different options and approaches, how can you be sure you are getting the maximum impact from your mini lift? Here are some key facts and tips you need to plan for better results:
Small-Scale Procedures, Large-Scale Results
The big attraction behind these new, smaller-scale approaches is that they allow for faster and more comfortable healing, less risk of scarring, and -- of course -- cheaper, quicker surgeries in general.
However, not all mini facelifts are the same, and patients need to be careful not to choose an approach that is too "small scale" for their needs. The most common "mini lift" procedures:
1. "Liquid" or "Injectable" Mini Facelifts - These no-incision approaches usually use BOTOX® Cosmetic or DYSPORT® in combination with dermal fillers like Restylane® for ultra-fast correction.
• Benefits: This approach can often smooth out mild to moderate wrinkles within days.
• Limitations: Injectables work well for patients with relatively firm, healthy skin, but will not correct facial sagginess.
2. Necklifts - Targeting the lower face, these procedures tighten up loose muscle, remove excess fat, and smooth out "wattled" neck tissues through a few small incisions behind the chin.
• Benefits: This procedure gives the face a slimmer and much younger appearance, quickly.
• Limitations: Neck lifts do not address the mid or upper face, so for better all-around results many patients will pair them with injectables, laser skin tightening, or a browlift.
3. Minimal-Incision Facelifts - True mini facelifts like the S-lift and the MACS lift correct loose and sagging facial muscles and fat as well as skin, through just a few extremely small incisions.
• Benefits: An up-to-date mini lift from a top-notch surgeon can often take 10 years off of a patient's appearance, without the cost or downtime of a full facelift -- and may last just as long.
• Limitations: Outdated mini lifts performed by less-qualified surgeons will not do much beyond tightening the skin, and results tend to disappear quickly.
Tips for a Longer-Lasting Lift
• Pick Training Over Price - Better-trained doctors get better results, so choose a surgeon who is board-certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgery. Better aesthetic injection specialists have specific training and years of experience in their field.
• Maintain Your Results - Healthy nutrition and appropriate skin care can all help your results last, so be sure to talk with your surgeon or dermatologist to make sure you are doing what you can to keep your look fresh and vibrant.
Small-Scale Procedures, Large-Scale Results
The big attraction behind these new, smaller-scale approaches is that they allow for faster and more comfortable healing, less risk of scarring, and -- of course -- cheaper, quicker surgeries in general.
However, not all mini facelifts are the same, and patients need to be careful not to choose an approach that is too "small scale" for their needs. The most common "mini lift" procedures:
1. "Liquid" or "Injectable" Mini Facelifts - These no-incision approaches usually use BOTOX® Cosmetic or DYSPORT® in combination with dermal fillers like Restylane® for ultra-fast correction.
• Benefits: This approach can often smooth out mild to moderate wrinkles within days.
• Limitations: Injectables work well for patients with relatively firm, healthy skin, but will not correct facial sagginess.
2. Necklifts - Targeting the lower face, these procedures tighten up loose muscle, remove excess fat, and smooth out "wattled" neck tissues through a few small incisions behind the chin.
• Benefits: This procedure gives the face a slimmer and much younger appearance, quickly.
• Limitations: Neck lifts do not address the mid or upper face, so for better all-around results many patients will pair them with injectables, laser skin tightening, or a browlift.
3. Minimal-Incision Facelifts - True mini facelifts like the S-lift and the MACS lift correct loose and sagging facial muscles and fat as well as skin, through just a few extremely small incisions.
• Benefits: An up-to-date mini lift from a top-notch surgeon can often take 10 years off of a patient's appearance, without the cost or downtime of a full facelift -- and may last just as long.
• Limitations: Outdated mini lifts performed by less-qualified surgeons will not do much beyond tightening the skin, and results tend to disappear quickly.
Tips for a Longer-Lasting Lift
• Pick Training Over Price - Better-trained doctors get better results, so choose a surgeon who is board-certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgery. Better aesthetic injection specialists have specific training and years of experience in their field.
• Maintain Your Results - Healthy nutrition and appropriate skin care can all help your results last, so be sure to talk with your surgeon or dermatologist to make sure you are doing what you can to keep your look fresh and vibrant.
