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Natural Rejuvenation, Reduced Recovery Time

A great option 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 the “skin-only facelifts” of yesteryear. It is also less disruptive, safer, and more efficient than a traditional facelift. This procedure is a scaled-down version of a full rhytidectomy (facelift) plastic surgery and is sometimes referred to as a “weekend facelift” because it is performed quickly and involves a shorter recovery period. Dr. Thompson customizes the mini facelift to address specific requests, like minimizing folds around the mouth, smoothing jowls, or tightening sagging skin.

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Would a Mini Facelift Be Right for Me?

Typically,  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. Typically, the benefits 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

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Mini Facelift FAQ

What are the non-surgical alternatives to a facelift?

What aesthetic concerns can a facelift treat?

What is the recommended age to undergo a facelift?

Will I appear "fake" or "overdone" after a facelift?

How much pain can I expect after facelift surgery?

Does a facelift leave visible scars?

How soon can I return to work after facelift surgery?

What are the non-surgical alternatives to a facelift?

BOTOX®, injectable fillers, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion are some non-surgical procedures that can help with wrinkles, skin tone, fine lines, and facial volume. While these procedures are effective, they only assist with the surface of the skin and will not address significantly loose skin or drooping jowls.

What aesthetic concerns can a facelift treat?

Facelifts are specifically designed to treat signs of aging in the lower two-thirds of the face. Moderate to significant lines and wrinkles, volume loss in the cheeks and midface, as well as sagging skin, and jowls are the most common concerns addressed through facelifts. Patients who are also bothered by signs of aging in the eye or forehead area should consider pairing a facelift with blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or a brow lift.

What is the recommended age to undergo a facelift?

The common age that patients choose to have a facelift is between 40-70. It is safe to say most patients will look 5-10 years younger following a facelift procedure. Younger patients (between 40-50 years old) usually have more robust skin elasticity than older patients, so their results may last longer. However, our older patients may experience results that appear more impactful. A patient should think of a facelift procedure as a process to turn back the aging clock.

Will I appear "fake" or "overdone" after a facelift?

In the days following a facelift procedure, patients will feel tight and pulled. These will be short-term effects that will subside. It’s critical to find a reputable plastic surgeon skilled in performing this procedure to avoid fake or overdone results. Dr. Thompson is well-versed in facelift surgery and will put all effort into working within the confines of the patient’s unique bone, skin, and muscle structures to create a younger, more natural look.

How much pain can I expect after facelift surgery?

Fortunately, pain is usually minor and well-tolerated after a facelift. Most patients report a sensation of tightness that is the result of swelling. Prescription pain relievers can generally relieve any pain or discomfort felt after surgery. Measures such as an ice mask around the eyes and keeping the head elevated may help as well.

Does a facelift leave visible scars?

Facelift surgery requires incisions. However, in virtually all cases, these scars aren’t immediately visible and are hidden along the hairline and in natural skin creases around the ears. In most cases, post-surgical scars are hardly visible to the naked eye once the incisions have healed.

How soon can I return to work after facelift surgery?

Most patients are comfortable going out in public after seven to ten days and resuming work at that time. If they are facing any bruising, they can use makeup to conceal it by this time. Patients who are not concerned by the bandages may be able to return to work sooner.

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Your Consultation

Before your procedure, you’ll schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Thompson at his offices in Denver, CO. During the consultation, he’ll make sure to discuss your cosmetic goals, performs an examination, and reviews your health history to determine if 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. Above all, Dr. Thompson believes in tailoring the experience to make sure it suits your specific needs. 

The Day of Your Procedure

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. He begins by creating small incisions in front of and behind the ears so that 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 and 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.

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Recovery and Results

One of the chief benefits of the mini facelift is the recovery time. It is shorter than a full facelift, and patients typically resume their regular schedules within seven to fourteen days. Dr. Thompson provides a complete list of post-surgery instructions and typically examines the patient the day after surgery. Naturally, rest is encouraged, and strenuous activities must be avoided. Also, patients are encouraged to keep their heads 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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Why Choose Us?

In addition to his long list of credentials—the AAFPRS accepted Dr. Will Thompson as one of 49 board-certified plastic surgeons to receive a sponsored Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship—Dr. Thompson’s sensitivity to each patient’s unique goals set him apart in the field. 

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