Mini Facelifts: Newer, Safer Procedures

Most people with signs of aging are candidates for the procedure, but you have to choose the right patient, he cautioned. Patients who do not want to be awake and aware of the surgery would require a traditional facelift with general anesthesia. During a Tuliplift, the patient will be in twilight sleep and will be aware of the surgery. Also, patients with a heavy sagging neck who have lost a lot of weight recently would need a full facelift.

In Favor of Mini Facelifts

Mini facelifts are being performed all over the United States., explained Mack Cheney, MD, a Professor of Otology and Laryngology and Plastic Surgery at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston. In his opinion, all of the mini facelift techniques achieve a more natural look and are safer compared with a traditional facelift. Also, there is minimal scarring with these techniques.

For the right person, a mini facelift is great. The change is minimal and more natural, he commented. Dr. Cheney noted that there are some people who want dramatic tightening of the skin and those people are better candidates for a traditional facelift.

Durability of most mini facelifts is from five to seven years, and then the patient can come in for a further surgical adjustment under local anesthesia if needed.

Dr. Cheney’s variation does not utilize liposuction techniques. In his view, it would be difficult to get consistent results without lifting the skin to tighten the SMAS.

©2006 The Triological Society