Mini-Facelift

The unique approach to the Mini-Facelift means patients look naturally 10 to 12 years younger without changing their expression. Rather than "lifting" the skin, the problem is solved by transforming the subdermal tissues to their original places.

Mini-Lift surgery is an operation performed in a hospital environment, without the need of general anaesthesia, but instead under sedation and local anaesthesia. Mini-Lift surgery takes around 1 to 1.5 hours with incisions inside and at the back of the ear. It can be performed in conjunction with other operations, for example eye lid surgery or injectables, depending on the patient's requirements.

The whole point of the mini-lift is that it should cause minimal disruption. That are minimal scars, minimal interference with tissue, minimal risk and minimal recovery time. Yes, there will be a little bruising and a few well-hidden scars. There may be an overnight bandage, but little discomfort. 

You may work from home the next day, but it will depend on how sensitive you are to the detection of recent surgery, as to when you go out to meet people. Some will manage the next day. A few wait until sutures are removed. The point is that you will not be jeopardising the result by going out.

A Mini-Facelift gives a moderate improvement with minimal inconvenience, scars and risk.

As such it can be suitable for anyone, but a particular indication is for younger patients with relatively early signs of ageing, who find this difficult to put up with and are prepared to accept that they will need further surgery later on. Meanwhile, they will probably use lasers, peels and creams to prolong the surgery free period.

This is a change of approach. Only a short time ago, we advised patients to wait until they really could not put up with signs of ageing and then, at an older age, have a full facelift. The patient would be delighted with the dramatic improvement and would be unlikely to require any further surgery. Now patients are generally not looking for a major change, but just not to grow old.

The mini facelift is part of a maintenance programme and is often combined with fat grafting (lipofilling) to replace lost volume and stem cell treatments to improve overall tissue and skin quality. Lasers and peels all have their place.

There are many other anti-ageing solutions available, both surgical and non-surgical. Request a call from one of our patient advisors or book a consultation at the Cadogan Clinic if you would like to discuss your concerns in more detail.

The Mini-Facelift is a refined technique requiring less disturbance of the facial tissues and therefore is quicker. It takes perhaps 1-1.5 hours. There are variations of technique and sometimes extra refinements are indicated, such as fat grafting and stem cell treatments.

Some surgeons used to take well over five hours for the standard full facelift.

Historically, face-lift operations have been lengthier procedures, resulting in higher pain levels and longer healing time. Modern technology and refined techniques mean that a Mini Face-Lift operation now lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours, it is painless and healing time is much faster.

Choosing a surgeon who is an expert in their field and specializes in face-lifts will ensure you get the best results possible. At the Cadogan Clinic, we have clever innovative surgeons. You will be in excellent hands.