With today’s busy lifestyle, many patients in Phoenix and Scottsdale are looking for enhancement or rejuvenation of their appearance with little downtime. We are seeing an increasing amount of advertising for corporate sponsored procedures promising facial rejuvenation with little to no downtime. An increasing number of patients are asking for a “mini-facelift” instead of a full facelift. What is a “mini-facelift?” Does such a procedure exist?
It is important to first understand that a “full-facelift” only addresses the aging changes (sagging skin and muscles) of the cheeks, jowls and neck. A full facelift in Phoenix has nothing to do with rejuvenating the eyes or the sagging forehead. There are other procedures such as blepharoplasty and forehead lifts to address these areas. A facelift also has nothing to do with improving the texture (wrinkles and brown spots) of the skin. This is where laser skin resurfacing or chemical peels are used.
The term “mini-facelift” is more often used for marketing reasons. It assumes a lesser procedure is being performed with less downtime and the same results. Remember a facelift is a facelift, it only addresses the aging changes in the lower face. It is often combined with other procedures such as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), forehead lift, cheek or chin implants and laser skin resurfacing for overall facial rejuvenation.
Another term often used is “short-scar facelift.” This implies less or shorter incisions than what are used in a traditional facelift. The difference in incisions is often a shorter incision behind the ears, often stopping at the base of the earlobe or carried slightly into the crease behind the ear. The problem with making the shorter incisions behind the ear is that it is difficult to get the correct amount of tightening in the neck through these small incisions. I liken it to the surgeon trying to operate with one hand behind his/her back; it just does not work very well. Why not make the necessary incisions to optimize the results, as the incisions are well hidden anyway, in the crease behind the ear and in the hairline.
It is very important for a surgeon to always use procedures that are proven and effective according to the medical literature. Cutting corners always leads to poor results. A comprehensive approach is vital when rejuvenating the aging changes of the face. Try to stay away from fads and trends. Beware if a procedure seems to be too good to be true. It is important to consult with a Facial Plastic Surgeon in Phoenix/Scottsdale who specializes in plastic surgery of the face.
Please contact us directly for a consultation and more information.
