A mini facelift addresses the signs of aging on the lower third of the face. This is a very popular cosmetic procedure as the incisions are smaller, placed around the ears, hidden once healed. Our mini facelift in Philadelphia can restore youthful definition to the jawline, smoothing lines, jowls, wrinkles, and creases for a refreshed, natural look.
What is a Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift is a modified rendition of the traditional facelift and is used to address mild to moderate signs of aging, such as early jowls, mild wrinkles and mild to moderate skin laxity on the mid-face and lower face regions.
During the mini facelift procedure, the surgeon creates smaller hairline incisions behind the ears to lift your skin upward and smooth and tighten the facial skin in your lower face and neck regions. The surgeon also tightens the underlying SMAS muscles to help you achieve a chiseled jawline.
Dr. Pontell developed his mini facelift technique to provide patients with the facial improvement they want through minimally invasive means.
Benefits of a Mini Facelift
Improve Facial Laxity
Our mini facelift in Main Line can target laxity of the cheeks, jawline, and neck. These patients do not have major issues with a heavy, fatty neck. With a mini facelift, Dr. Pontell can tighten the underlying muscles and remove any excess skin for a firmer, more youthful facial appearance.
Minimally Invasive
The mini facelift uses minimal incision techniques, which leads to an easier, quicker recovery. Dr. Pontell uses fewer incisions and places them in the natural creases around the ears. Additionally, the mini facelift can be performed in Dr. Pontell’s office under local anesthesia.
Faster Recovery
Many patients prefer the mini facelift because it generally has a faster recovery period than a traditional facelift. Bruising and swelling subside at a quicker rate, and most patients find they can return to work in about 10 days following their procedure. Some patients return to work even sooner.
What Does A Mini Facelift Entail?
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Consultation
Prior to your procedure, you will meet with Dr. Pontell and he will evaluate your facial structure, goals, and concerns. He will examine the structures of your face to determine how to create the most aesthetically pleasing outcome. Once he has a complete understanding of your goals, Dr. Pontell will advise if a mini facelift in Philadelphia is right for you.
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Recovery
There is minimal postoperative bruising and swelling associated with the mini facelift. You will need to rest for one to two days after your surgery. Most patients can return to work within 10 days of their surgery and can resume their regular physical activities after two weeks.
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Scars
Since the mini facelift is minimally invasive, it uses fewer incisions. Any incisions that are created are placed discreetly in the hairline and in natural creases. Healing is typically very quick with minimal visible scarring.
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Pain
You may experience some mild discomfort following your surgery, but this can be controlled using oral pain medication.
What if a Revision Mini Facelift is Necessary?
Some patients may want to undergo a revision surgery because they were not satisfied with the original results, whether due to an inexperienced surgeon or a recurrence of the signs of aging. Patients should wait until healing is complete—at six months to one year—before undergoing a revision procedure. Dr. Pontell can help determine if you are an ideal candidate for a revision surgery.
What Our Clients Have to Say
Just had a mini facelift and brow lift. Doctor Pontell is a very gifted surgeon. He and his staff are wonderful people who have made this very easy for me. If you are looking for a skilled and exceptional doctor, then Doctor Pontell is it. - Dawn B.
I had a great experience with Dr. Pontell and his staff. I never felt rushed in his office. His office is immaculate and bright. He is a talented and skilled surgeon and has great insight into what results will be. I had a mini facelift and upper and lower eyelids done. I saw a difference right away. Recovery was not bad at all. Explicit instructions are given for pre and postoperative care. If you have a question you can call him anytime postoperatively. His staff is friendly and caring. I definitely recommend him. - Linda F.
Read More TestimonialsNatural Looking Results
When performed by a skilled cosmetic surgeon, a mini facelift looks perfectly natural. The surgeon will trim excess tissue and lift the skin to smoothen facial lines and wrinkles, being very careful to avoid lifting or pulling so much that the face lacks mobility or appears windswept. The best plastic surgeons provide subtle results that are noticeable without ever betraying signs of cosmetic manipulation. Friends and associates will instantly notice you look youthful, but they won’t be able to tell why.
The Best Candidates for a Mini Facelift
Candidates for a mini facelift should be in good health and have realistic expectations. You may qualify for a mini facelift if you have laxity that is localized to the lower face and you don’t have a very fatty neck. Liposuction can be combined with a mini facelift to help reduce a moderately fatty neck.
Results That Last
Mini facelifts produce permanent change; the treatment results don’t fade away or reverse after a few months or years. However, that permanence doesn’t mean you’ll maintain flawlessly young skin for the rest of your life. Mini facelifts don’t stop the clock altogether; they merely turn back the hands. A mini facelift can make you look several years or a decade younger. As you continue aging, it may be another 7 to 10 years before your skin looks the way it did before the mini facelift.
Looking for a Mini Facelift Near You?
Dr. Pontell is located in Main Line Pennsylvania and serves all its surrounding areas including Philadelphia and Wayne, PA. Schedule a consultation at his surgical and non-surgical facility to get started on your mini facelift in Main Line, Pennsylvania today.
Why Choose Dr. Pontell?
Dr. Jonathan Pontell is one of the most reputable board-certified facial plastic surgeons in Philadelphia. He has an exceptional educational background, having trained at multiple prestigious institutions including Jefferson Medical College and the State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn.
Dr. Pontell is also certified by leading plastic surgery organizations, including the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. He has been the recipient of multiple awards and laurels throughout his career.
Beyond that, Dr. Pontell is extremely patient, kind, and compassionate. He believes every facial surgery should be individually curated to address a patient’s unique needs and thus spends considerable time talking to patients about their specific goals and expectations, allowing him to provide highly customized treatments that produce natural results and exceed expectations.
Mini Facelift FAQ's
What if I don't feel comfortable using a local anesthetic for my surgery?
It is normal for some patients to want to go to sleep for their mini facelift. For these patients, we can perform their surgery using general anesthesia in a hospital or surgical center.
Is a Mini Facelift a Good Option After Weight Loss?
A mini facelift is a great option for patients who have gone through significant weight loss, whether through exercise and diet or a weight loss surgery. Most people who lose significant amounts of weight in a short period will experience large masses of hanging or sagging skin tissue. A mini facelift removes excess skin tissue and tightens the skin to accentuate your facial contours. It also minimizes the appearance of jowls and hanging skin under the neck, giving you a chiseled jawline. A mini facelift provides the cosmetic results you hoped for with weight loss.
Does a mini facelift cost the same as a traditional facelift?
The cost of a Philadelphia mini facelift is significantly lower than the cost of a traditional facelift.
Is a Mini Facelift Only For Younger People?
Broadly speaking, patients who opt for a mini facelift are generally in their late 30s, 40s, or early 50s. But a mini facelift is suitable for patients of most ages who feel they are experiencing the early signs of aging: jowls, moderately sagging skin, wrinkles and fine lines, etc.
Most cosmetic surgeons agree that you should opt for a mini facelift when you start noticing these early signs of aging, such as mild wrinkles and skin laxity. Getting a mini facelift at the right time allows you to extend your youthfulness by several years or even a decade.
