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How Long Does it Take to Recover From a Mini Facelift Procedure?

Aging doesn’t just show up on the body. The first signs often appear in the lower portion of the face as sagging, drooping, and wrinkled skin and softening contours. Anyone interested in discreetly rejuvenating their face with a procedure that barely leaves behind a trace should consider a mini facelift. Unlike the traditional facelift, the procedure focuses on the skin and muscles of the cheeks and jawline.

 

Today, no one really has time for invasive elective cosmetic treatments, especially when they only want to touch up certain areas of their face. Fortunately, a mini facelift is an ideal choice for anyone seeking an effective anti-aging cosmetic treatment that delivers results without a lengthy investment of time. Before booking an appointment, potential candidates should read this to learn how long it takes to recover from a mini facelift procedure to better understand its appeal.

What’s So Special About a Mini Facelift?

Gone are the days when the only effective cosmetic procedures were complete facelifts and filler injections that provided unreliable results. Historically, patients could tighten their skin, but the results were often drastic and not as organic or natural looking as many expected or as desired. There was also the issue that conventional or more complete/complex cosmetic procedures required more downtime for patients during recovery.

Today, there’s a mini facelift which is a surgical cosmetic procedure that is far less invasive than more conservative procedures like the full facelift. Because the surgery is done on a smaller and lower portion of the face, fewer incisions and less work are necessary to provide the desired effects.

To rejuvenate the face, the surgeon makes tiny incisions near the ears that are barely visible when healed so he can access the underlying facial tissues and muscles. After making some minor revisions to these structures to tighten and lift the skin for a younger, tighter, and smoother appearance, wrinkles and hanging skin disappear. The mini facelift restores the youthful contours of the patient’s facial profile and rejuvenates their appearance.

Mini Facelift Recovery: What to Expect

Recover From a Mini Facelift

Because there’s less work done to the face, patients don’t have to spend as much time recovering. Traditional or full facelift patients spend many more weeks recovering from their procedures than mini facelift patients. On average, it takes complete facelift patients 6 to 8 weeks to completely recover, whereas mini facelift candidates only need a few weeks.

Here are some things to consider about the mini facelift recovery process.

After surgery, patients should expect some minor to mild swelling on their faces. This is normal and takes time to go away. In most cases, mini facelift patients experience and notice a significant reduction in swelling around the two-week mark after their procedure.

Press pause

We advise candidates who want to keep others from noticing or inquiring about the temporary effects of cosmetic surgery on their faces to take some personal off time from work and social events. Again, some swelling and bruising may occur, but they eventually disappear by the end of the first few weeks. Many mini facelift patients use makeup to camouflage the effects so they can bounce back to their routines and confidently make public appearances much sooner.

Drink up

Hydration and a proper diet can help hasten recovery. Water and proper hydration are essential to life and good skin health. The effects of aging on the face and body are not limited to growing older. Everything you put into your body affects the skin, as do the environmental elements, your skincare routine, and overall health. These factors magnify the effects of aging on the skin, and are often why some people notice the more undesirable changes much earlier or more dramatically.

Patients can increase their fluid intake and maintain a good diet to keep their skin moisturized and support its healing function. They should also use moisturizer and SPF sunscreen to protect their skin before heading outdoors and minimize their exposure to smoke and sunlight.

A mini facelift is still a surgical procedure that is most effective when candidates maintain realistic expectations about what they may experience during their recovery. If you plan to get a mini facelift, make sure you take some time off to rest. Your health is important, and even a mini facelift is a major medical event. Plan your recovery accordingly to minimize the risk of potential issues that may delay your results or prolong how long it takes you to recover from a mini facelift.

Get the facts

Understand your individual risks and health profile, and how they may impact your results and healing. It’s important for potential candidates to undergo an evaluation with a renowned, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon to learn about the procedure and how it will transform their face and appearance.

How Long Does it Take to Recover From a Mini Facelift Procedure?

The mini facelift is a cosmetic treatment of choice for millions of people across the country every year. Despite performing countless procedures himself, Dr. Hershcovitch, M.D., wants you to know there’s no definitive standard due to various reasons outside his control, such as patient age, facial structure, treatment needs, and health. Yet, his mini facelift patients recover within a week or two of their procedures. Everyone’s skin is different, and healing rates vary. Some patients bounce back in more or less time, and it’s completely normal.

To learn more about the mini facelift and what you can expect for recovery, contact Dr. Matt Hershcovitch, M.D. Facial Plastic Surgery in Burbank, CA at (818) 206-2539.