Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is a lifting surgery that reduces the incision and the extent to which the skin is lifted, compared with a facelift.

Lifting surgery means surgery that pulls sagging tissue upward. In medical terms, raising the skin during surgery is called dissection.

A mini facelift is surgery that reduces this incision and dissection. For that reason, who it suits differs depending on the degree of sagging.

Even under the same name, the surgery being referred to can differ, so we first make this clear.

There is no fixed definition of a mini facelift, and the scope it refers to differs from clinic to clinic. In the medical literature, too, lifts with a reduced incision range appear under various names and methods, such as the short-scar facelift and the MACS lift, and the incision location differs by method.

At our clinic, the mini facelift is performed with an incision only inside the hairline. The incision does not extend toward the ear.

It is considered when a thread lift gives too little change and the sagging is not severe enough to call for a full facelift.

As you read the list, picture your own face in the mirror. If any of the following apply, we check at the consultation whether a mini facelift is right for you.

• I have had a thread lift, but the results did not last long or I feel the change was insufficient
• My jawline has lost its definition and cheek tissue gathering downward is noticeable
• I was told it is still too early for a facelift
• I cannot take a long recovery period, but I want a bigger change than a non-surgical procedure gives

It is hard to decide which method is right just by looking in a mirror. At the consultation, we judge by looking at the extent of the sagging and how much excess skin there is.

Meeting one of these does not mean we will immediately recommend surgery. The first of our treatment principles is "We never recommend unreasonable surgery." If a mini facelift is not right for your condition, we will tell you so.

A Word from the Doctor

"Most people do not like having major surgery that lengthens recovery and corrects so much that their overall impression changes greatly. I do not recommend that approach to my patients either."

A thread lift is a procedure that pulls with threads without an incision, while a mini facelift is a surgery in which an incision is made, the tissue is pulled, and the excess skin is trimmed away. A facelift covers a wider range.

The names look similar, but the three are quite different methods, so it is natural to be confused.

Anesthesia, time, and hospital stay are as follows.

The layers addressed and the incisions are as follows.

When Another Method Suits You Better

• If sagging is at an early stage and there is not much excess skin: look first at Thread Lift procedure information.
• If the sagging has progressed widely across the whole face: the range of a mini facelift is not enough. See Facelift surgery information.
• If neck sagging or a double chin is also present: look at Neck Lift surgery information and Double Chin Muscle Tightening surgery information together.
• If the cause of the sagging look is hollowing: filling comes before pulling. See Filler procedure information.

Even if you have had a thread lift in the past, in most cases surgery can be performed without problems.

An incision is made inside the hairline, the sagging tissue is pulled and fixed, and the excess skin is trimmed away and sutured. It takes 1 hour 30 minutes.

Since it may feel vague the first time, we have laid it out step by step.

1. The direction of pull and the incision line are decided

The direction of sagging is checked in a seated position. The incision line is drawn on the skin.

2. Anesthesia is given

Local anesthesia or sedation is used.

3. An incision is made inside the hairline and the skin is lifted

The incision line is placed only inside the hairline, where hair grows. It does not extend toward the ear. The area where the skin is lifted is narrower than in a facelift.

4. The membrane beneath the skin is pulled and fixed

Not only the skin is pulled. The SMAS beneath it is pulled and fixed.

5. Excess skin is trimmed away and sutured

After lifting, the excess skin is trimmed away. It is sutured along the incision line.

6. You go home the same day

A hospital stay is not required.

Because the mini facelift incision is located inside the hairline, the incision scar is not easily noticeable after surgery.

Most people can resume daily activities to some degree 1–2 weeks after surgery. The time swelling and bruising take to subside should be considered separately, and it varies from person to person.

If you have work or an important appointment coming up, this is probably what you are most curious about.

Swelling and bruising are most severe 1–3 days after surgery, and by about 2 weeks they reach a level that can be covered with makeup.

The point at which you can resume daily activities and the point at which swelling goes down are different.

So that you do not have to endure recovery alone, the doctor and the nursing team check your swelling, pain, and condition together. The third of our treatment principles is “We see patients more frequently after surgery.”

Concerned about swelling, you may think of an ice pack first, but we do not use one after a mini facelift.

Do not apply cold or hot compresses. This is because skin sensation is reduced after surgery, so there is a risk of burns.

As for the schedule of visits to the clinic after surgery, when you can resume face washing, shampooing, makeup, exercise, and drinking, and how long to wear the compression band,

If you have an important schedule, please tell us in advance at your consultation.

You can call our main number, 02-541-8500, or apply through Consultation & Booking information.

If you still have questions after reading this, please feel free to ask them at your consultation.

The clinic is located on the 4th floor of Vorati Al Building, 480 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. It is a 1-minute walk from Exit 3 of Sinnonhyeon Station.

At your consultation, please tell us about previous procedures and surgeries, the medicines you take, and whether you smoke.