Dr. Will Thompson specializes in customized facelifts in Denver, CO, and offers the option of a mini facelift for patients who have only moderate sagging in the lower face. The mini facelift can be ideal for men and women seeking natural-looking rejuvenation with reduced recovery time. The advanced mini facelift technique is more long-lasting than skin-only facelifts marketed in the recent past. It is also less disruptive, safer, and more efficient than a traditional facelift.
What is a Mini Facelift?
This procedure is a scaled-down version of a full rhytidectomy (facelift) plastic surgery. The mini-lift is sometimes referred to as a weekend facelift because it is performed quickly and involves a shorter recovery period. Dr. Will Thompson customizes the mini facelift to address specific requests, like minimizing folds around the mouth, smoothing jowls, or tightening sagging skin.
Dr. Thompson conceals short incisions near the ears. These incisions are used to access and tighten the fibrous layer of tissue in and around the facial muscles. The tissues are repositioned, and the excess skin is removed to create a toned jawline and a more refreshed, younger-looking appearance. The procedure’s recovery is shorter than a full facelift, and patients typically resume their regular schedules within seven to fourteen days.
Mini Facelift Benefits
Dr. Thompson customizes the mini facelift to match each patient’s needs, so the benefits may vary slightly. The mini facelift is less expensive, less invasive, and involves a shorter recovery period when compared to a full facelift. The weekend facelift benefits may include:
- Refreshed, youthful appearance
- Improved self-confidence
- Rejuvenated lower face and upper neck
- Contoured jawline and the removal of minor jowls
- Tightening of loose skin
- Lifted sagging facial or neck skin
Candidates for Mini Face Lift
Dr. Thompson may recommend the procedure for healthy men and women who have moderate signs of aging, including minor sagging in the cheeks, drooping jowls, or wrinkles in the neck area. A mini-lift, like a full facelift, does not address the forehead or brows but may be combined with a brow lift or Botox injections to enhance the upper face.
Patients need to have realistic post-surgery expectations. Dr. Thompson evaluates each patient’s candidacy during a private consultation.
Mini Facelift Consultation
During the consultation in Denver, CO, Dr. Thompson discusses the patient’s cosmetic goals, performs an examination, and reviews their health history to determine if a this procedure will provide satisfactory results. If there is significant skin laxity, heavy tissue, or more advanced aging, the doctor may recommend a different type of facelift surgery or a neck lift instead.
Mini Facelift Surgery
Dr. Thompson typically performs the procedure using local anesthesia with sedation in the office. He shares the details of the surgery, including anesthesia details, incision placement, and the expected results, during the consultation. The procedure may take one to two hours.
The doctor begins by creating small incisions in front of and behind the ears so that the future scars will remain hidden in the hair. He then removes excess skin and tightens any lax tissue and muscles to restore strength to the lower face and upper neck. He secures the sculpted tissues in place with tiny sutures.
Dr. Thompson customizes the procedure to ensure improved definition along the lower cheeks, jawline, chin, and upper neck.
Recovery from Mini Facelift
Dr. Thompson provides a complete list of post-surgery instructions and typically examines the patient the day after surgery. Rest is encouraged because it helps the body to heal. Strenuous activities must be avoided, and patients are encouraged to keep their head elevated for the first several days.
The discomfort is usually described as mild, and most of the swelling typically resolves within 3 to 7 days. Prescription pain medication may be used immediately after the surgery if needed, and over-the-counter pain medication is recommended during the healing process. Aspirin or ibuprofen should be avoided for several weeks before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
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Bandaging is typically phased out after the first few days, and bruising can be easily camouflaged. Our staff is available at any time to address patients’ concerns.
Most people plan to take one to two weeks off from work but may resume some regular activities after one week. Everyone heals at a different rate, and age should be factored into the expected healing process. Patients are asked to avoid smoking for at least three weeks before and after the surgery to ensure optimal healing. Quitting smoking will help preserve the results of the operation.
Mini Facelift Risks
These procedure complications are rare, but patients should know that there are risks involved with any surgery. The risks and side effects associated with a mini facelift may include bruising, swelling, infection, nerve damage, bleeding, and numbness. Dr. Thompson will explain the risks and the expected results related to the procedure during the consultation.
Why Choose Dr. Thompson
- Obtained his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
- Completed his head and neck surgical repair training at LSU Health Sciences Center
- Trained under the guidance of Dr. Frederick Stucker, world-renowned rhinoplasty surgeon and past president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS)
- The AAFPRS accepted Dr. Will Thompson as one of 49 surgeons to receive a sponsored Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship.
- Dr. Thompson completed his fellowship with Dr. Stephen Smith at Smith Facial Plastics and The Ohio State University
- Board Certified by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Faqs about Mini Facelift
Mini facelift results typically last 5 to 10 years. Enjoying a healthy lifestyle that includes daily exercise, avoidance of smoking and heavy drinking, and maintaining a healthy weight can extend the results.
Mini facelift surgery is customized to suit the patient’s needs. Costs vary depending on the details of the operation. Because mini facelifts are less complicated, involve a shorter surgery, and do not require general anesthesia, they are typically less expensive than a traditional full facelift. After your consultation, our knowledgeable staff will provide you with an estimate and explain different payment options.
The recovery period is shorter than a traditional facelift, and most patients are ready to get back to work within one to two weeks after a mini facelift. Most of the swelling typically fades by this time, and mild bruising can be concealed with makeup. The mini facelift is also referred to as a “weekend facelift” because many patients elect to have surgery and return to work after an extended weekend. However, this can vary based on the patient’s goals.
Dr. Thompson personalizes each mini facelift to address the patient’s specific requests, which may include rejuvenating the upper neck, the lower cheeks, or the jawline. The results will depend on your age and the condition of your skin. The incisions are minimal and are designed only to remove a small amount of excess skin. If you are expecting more significant results, Dr. Thompson may recommend a full facelift or a neck lift.
A facelift significantly reverses signs of aging by tightening the skin and manipulating the underlying tissue and muscles. A mini-lift provides similar results to a full facelift because it can correct mild to moderate signs of aging in the lower face and upper neck. Most patients experience a much quicker recovery after a mini-lift, and because the surgery is less invasive, patients also experience less pain.
The cost of a mini-lift is typically less than a full facelift. Patients with more advanced signs of aging, including significant sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and heavy jowls, will require a full facelift for good results.
A mini facelift will address loose skin on your upper neck, and Dr. Thompson can tighten the muscles and remove excess skin if you have mild to moderate sagging. The mini-lift addresses the lower face and can provide you with a sculpted neckline and a more attractive profile.
The mini-lift is not designed to address heavy sagging in your neck or heavy, lax skin below your chin. If you are experiencing more significant cosmetic neck issues, Dr. Thompson may recommend adding a neck lift.
Dr. Thompson will provide you with a list of pre-surgical instructions, which will include temporarily avoiding certain over-the-counter medications and supplements like aspirin and Motrin. You will also need to schedule one to two weeks off from work, depending on the details of your surgery. If you smoke, you will need to quit well in advance of the operation.
Ask a family member or friend to drive you to and from the surgery. Grocery shop before your surgery and stock your home with easy meals. Have some cozy pillows ready to help you remain propped up for the first few days while you sleep, relax, or watch TV.
This procedure can be combined with another plastic surgery procedure to achieve the results you desire. Dr. Thompson is a facial plastic surgeon who specializes in facelifts, rhinoplasty (nose jobs), and eyebrow lifts, and he will provide you with a customized treatment plan that matches your goals.
If you live near Denver, CO, Thompson Facial Plastics offers Mini Facelift among its services, and is conveniently located at 3150 E. 3rd Ave Ste. 200 Denver, CO 80206
Schedule Your Mini Facelift in Denver Today
Dr. Thompson is a facial plastic surgeon with the artistic eye and surgical experience needed to deliver outstanding results that enhance patients’ natural beauty. If you’re interested in learning more about the mini facelift or another procedure, please call (303) 667-1474 to set up a consultation with Dr. Will Thompson in Denver, CO.
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