Do you look in the mirror and feel like your face no longer reflects how you’d like to feel?
Maybe you see yourself looking more tired, or perhaps your jawline has softened, or your neck isn’t as firm as it once was.
Maybe, when you take a photo, you find yourself searching for the best angle to look your best.
And even though it might seem like a small thing, it makes you feel uncomfortable.
If you’ve ever thought about doing something about it, it’s totally normal to ask:
Should I go for a facelift?
Or would a mini facelift be better?
That’s where I can help.
It’s very common to hear about mini facelifts, but what exactly are we talking about when we say “mini facelift”?
Is it the right treatment for you?
I’m Alejandro Mazarro, a maxillofacial surgeon specialized in Facelift Surgery.
As you can imagine, as a Facelift specialist, this is a question I often encounter.
I’m here to everything.
The origins of the mini facelift
Curious to know how it all started?
Let me give you a quick overview.
The minilift was first described by Saylan in 1999 in a groundbreaking publication in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal. At that time, he called it the S-Lift, short for Short Scar Facelift, because the incision was made only in front of the ear.
Through this incision, the skin is lifted in a much more limited way than in a traditional facelift, and the SMAS is folded onto itself with sutures.
Over time, other techniques were developed, the most widely known being the MACS Lift, described by Tonnard and Verpaele (The MACS-lift short scar rhytidectomy), where the traction sutures are loop-shaped. There are also techniques that simply use small plications of the SMAS (SMAS Plication).
Mini Facelift Results – Before and After
(Swipe to see the progress)
Before surgery
Carla, 56 years old, came to my office feeling frustrated with her reflection.
Her jawline had lost definition, and her expression seemed tired. She didn’t recognize herself in the mirror and wanted to regain that refreshed, youthful look.
However, she was clear about what she wanted: something quick, simple, and minimally invasive.
A mini facelift seemed like the ideal solution.
It was a procedure I had performed dozens of times, and I considered it fairly straightforward (by this time, I was already well-trained in Deep Plane Lifting, so a mini facelift felt like a breeze!).
8 Days After Surgery
Just 8 days post-surgery, Carla was beyond thrilled with the results.
And so was I.
Her jawline was beautifully sculpted, there was barely any bruising, no pain, and she was already back at work.
A true success!
1 Year After Surgery –
But then, frustration is probably the best way to describe the situation.
For both of us.
What do you think about the result now?
A year later, Carla was almost back to where she started.
Although her earlobes were perfectly shaped right after the surgery, the skin’s natural elasticity caused them to shift over time.
This phenomenon, known as “pixie ear”, is a common issue in mini facelifts.
Te enseño otro caso
(Swipe to see the progress)
Before Surgery
Elena was 44 years old when she came to my office.
Like Carla, her jawline was poorly defined, and her expression looked sad.
She wanted a refreshed look, and given her age, it seemed like the most sensible choice was a mini facelift.
In fact, that’s what another surgeon had suggested.
But a mini facelift:
- Doesn’t correct nasolabial folds
- Doesn’t define the jawline
At least not for a few years, which was how long Elena expected the results to last.
So I suggested performing a Deep Plane Facelift.
15 days after surgery
Judge for yourself: the bruising…
The swelling…
5 Years After Surgery
Yes, 5 years later…
What do you think?
Do you think she would have been happy with a mini facelift, now that you know what it’s really capable of?
I know the word mini-lift is very appealing.
But it’s also misleading.
I’m telling you this now with the perspective that years of experience bring, and I have no doubt about it.
If you’re looking for more lasting and natural results, I recommend you carefully read this article about the Deep Plane lift.
And if you still have questions about the differences between techniques and want to understand why you can achieve extraordinary results with the right approach, here’s an article about Types of Facelifts.
Want to stay cutting-edge? Read this article about the Preservation Lift, the best way to achieve the finest results with the fastest recovery.
Fill out the form or contact us via WhatsApp (+34 644 534 515) or email (info@drmazarro.com).
Do you live far away or prefer an online consultation? Contact us and we’ll guide you through the process.
