The Benefits of Mini Facelifts
As we age and the skin loses elasticity and the muscles begin to slacken, wrinkles, fine lines, deep furrows, and sagging of the chin and jowls all become more evident. While the most effective and dramatic way to alleviate these signs of facial aging in the neck, lower face, and cheeks is a full facelift, this extensive surgery may not be the best option for every patient. For some, various environmental factors, such as sun damage or long term smoking, have caused facial aging to manifest earlier than it might normally. Fortunately, many of the earliest signs of facial aging are often specific to certain areas of the face, and focusing on those areas with a mini facelift can achieve significant facial rejuvenation results with substantially reduced downtime.
Starting at the Top
An upper facelift pinpoints the area around the eyes and brows, as well as the forehead. Using only minimal incisions hidden in the hairline or, in some cases, a small endoscopic camera technique, sagging skin around the eyes is lifted and tightened upward, giving the area a more youthful and alert look. Often this procedure can be performed with a blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to make the eyes appear even more awake and refreshed.
The Center of Attention
The middle portions of the face, specifically the cheeks and under-eye regions, are often where the earliest signs of aging are most easily noticed. A mid-facelift focuses on these areas by lifting and repositioning the fat pads in the cheeks to their original position over the cheekbones and removing excess fat from under the eyes to reduce puffiness. Some patients also opt to complement this procedure with the inclusion of fat transfer in the cheeks, accentuating the natural contours of the face and creating a more defined and striking appearance.
The Bottom Line
When the skin of the face loses elasticity, it slips downward, creating folds, heavy jowls and, in some cases a “double chin.” By removing excess fat, tightening the underlying muscles, and repositioning, trimming, and smoothing the skin, a lower facelift can minimize many of the signs of facial aging and even raise the corners of the mouth. With the addition of a neck lift to remove unwanted fat and skin from below the face, it can also create a more youthful and contoured profile.
While all of these procedures are less comprehensive than a full facelift, they are also all less invasive and therefore require significantly less recovery and downtime. Mini facelifts can be an excellent way for active, busy patients to achieve the results they want without having to give up their on-the-go lifestyle. If you are interested in learning more about Atlantic Plastic Surgery, P.C. or the procedures our plastic surgeons perform, contact us at one of our Atlanta, Alpharetta, Cumming, or Newnan offices. Additionally, we provide a variety of options for financing, including Care Credit®, in order to assist you. Please contact us with any questions you may have concerning the financial planning of your procedure and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest news.
