User:Fedalio54/Mini Facelift

The mini facelift, also knows as short-scar rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic procedure that tightens the skin and soft tissues in a person's face. It uses principles inherent to a traditional facelift, but focuses the procedure to minimize risks, scarring, and recovery. It is performed under local anesthesia, with a shorter recovery time of 2-3 days (often referred to as a "Weekend Lift").

When performing a mini facelift, the surgeon first makes an incision in the shape of an 'S' in front of and around the ear (hence, the occasional moniker "S-Lift"). This incision is approximately 1/3 the length of a traditional facelift incision, and it does not encroach into the anterior or posterior hairline. A skin flap is then elevated, exposing the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System Rhytidectomy. Hemostatis is achieved with a cautery device. Then, the SMAS is plicated in a posterior-superior vector, which provides a lift to the lower 2/3 of the face and upper 1/3 of the neck. Skin is then redraped posteriorly, and excised to facilitate closure. The skin is then closed in a cosmetically acceptable fashion.

A mini facelift can be paired with liposuction of the neck if the patient requires additional management of the submental area.

Advantages of a Mini Facelift compared to a traditional rhytidectomy: 1. Shorter incision, skin flap, and scar 2. Decreased swelling, bruising, and pain 3. Decreased risk of major complications (such as nerve damage, hairloss) 4. Shorter recovery 5. Decreased cost

Disadvantages of a Mini Facelift compared to a traditional rhytidectomy : 1. Decreased efficacy in patients with significant facial rhytids or jowls. 2. Duration of effect not as long.

Risks Associated with Mini Facelift Surgery Every surgery presents a certain amount of risk. Some of the common risks and potential complications associated with any cosmetic surgery include:

Bleeding Infection Scarring