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Mini facelift (MACS-lift)

A mini-facelift is an excellent option, particularly for those with minimal to no excess skin in the neck and very mild to early jowling. The “mini” part of a mini-facelift refers to the scar, which is shorter than the scar for the traditional facelift. The shorter scar is possible because there is less need to access deeper tissue, and less repositioning of those tissues is needed.

Typically, though not always the case, candidates for mini-lifts tend to be younger, with good skin texture, normal skin elasticity and minimal skin excess, especially in the neck.

Results of a mini-facelift can be quite spectacular, reversing many signs of aging and restoring smooth and youthful facial contours.

What happens with a mini-facelift?

Normally, an incision is made in the hairline, just above the front of the ear, it continues down in-front of the ear, ending just at the bottom of the earlobe. The facial soft tissues are then exposed and lifted, excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is draped back over the newly repositioned contours. In some cases, fat is removed from another area of the body (liposuction) then surgically prepared to be reinserted into different parts of the face (lipo-filling). Fat can also be removed in the case of a “double chin”. This technique can give the face a more youthful, heart-like shape with a better defined jaw line.

How long does the procedure take?

A mini-facelift takes approximately 2 hours.

What type of anaesthetic is used?

A mini-facelift can be carried out under local anaesthetic, with sedation, although there is always the option of full general anaesthetic, if preferred.

Where does the procedure take place?

Surgery is carried out in the day hospital.

How long will I be in hospital?

One day.

What do I need to do after the procedure?

Use ice packs for intervals of 10 minutes, as often as possible the first day. And thereafter, 4-5 times a day (never put the ice directly on the skin, use a fine towel or swab).

Avoid strenuous activities (aerobics and jogging, for two-four weeks).

Sleep with your head raised, using several pillows, for the first week.

Take 7-10 days off work.

Avoid the sun for 2 months.