Mini Facelift

Conveniently located to serve Philadelphia, Wayne, and the entire Main Line.

Table of Contents

Introduction
to Mini Facelift

Patients who demonstrate a mild degree of facial sagging may benefit from mini facelift surgery. Although a traditional facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a popular option among aging patients, the extensive correction it offers is not always necessary. The mini facelift procedure rejuvenates the lower third of the face and utilizes smaller incisions to create beautiful, natural results.

Dr. Tina Ho, a fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and board-certified head and neck surgeon, has years of experience performing this procedure and various other cosmetic facial surgeries.

What is Mini Facelift surgery?

Traditional facelift surgery rejuvenates the midface, jawline, and neck by redraping and resuspending the skin and deeper tissues in these areas. Mini facelift can be defined as a modified version of facelift surgery that incorporates smaller incisions and less tissue resuspension. This surgery most benefits those patients with milder skin and soft tissue laxity issues and mainly targets the lower face and neck. Mini facelift is therefore a less invasive procedure with shorter duration and downtime compared to traditional facelift surgery.

Mini facelift surgery requires the expertise of a surgeon who specializes in plastic surgery of the face and possesses a thorough knowledge of facial anatomy. Dr. Ho specializes in aging face procedures and performs each mini facelift procedure according to the anatomic findings and surgical goals of the individual patient.

What is Dr. Ho’s Approach to Mini Facelift?

As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Ho specializes exclusively in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures of the face. She possesses dedicated training in aging face procedures from one of the top facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship programs in the country. Dr. Ho dedicates extensive time and effort with every patient during consultation to determine whether they are an ideal mini facelift candidate. Her surgical technique focuses on creating beautiful, natural surgical results with small, well-hidden incisions placed along the hairline and natural skin creases. In her approach to the mini facelift, Dr. Ho resuspends the skin as well as the deeper tissue layers including the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer, an important muscle layer involved in suspension of tissues in the face, for long-lasting results. She strives to create a refreshed, unoperated appearance for every mini facelift patient.

What should patients expect after Mini Facelift?

Each facelift surgery is unique and tailored to the individual patient. Therefore, the types of incisions utilized as well as extent of swelling, bruising, and tenderness following surgery will vary by patient. The incisions tend to be smaller compared to those associated with traditional facelift surgery. Closed suction drains are usually placed in the surgical sites underneath the skin to collect bloody drainage and help reduce the formation of a hematoma (blood fluid collection) or seroma (serous fluid collection) that may interfere with healing after surgery. A compression dressing is placed around the head and neck region at the end of surgery to prevent hematoma or seroma formation as well. Every mini facelift patient will follow-up with Dr. Ho the day after surgery for dressing replacement as well as drain removal. Each patient will then return at one and two weeks after surgery for suture and staple removal. Any immediate bruising and swelling after surgery can be managed well with icing, head elevation, and compression dressing adherence with the majority resolving by two weeks out from surgery. Post-operative pain is usually managed well with prescribed pain medication. Improvement in the appearance of the face and neck is typically observed once most of the swelling has subsided. Bruising, swelling, and overall downtime is typically less with the mini facelift compared to traditional facelift surgery.

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“I strive to create a fresh, more youthful, and unoperated look for every facelift and neck lift patient.”

– Dr. Tina Ho

FAQ’s

What type of patient is the ideal candidate for Mini Facelift?

The ideal candidate for the mini facelift procedure is a healthy non-smoker patient who has no remarkable medical or surgical history, does not take blood-thinning medications, and demonstrates strong bony facial features, normal hyoid position, and good skin elasticity. Patients with mild skin and soft tissue laxity issues in the lower face but do not require more aggressive correction offered by traditional rhytidectomy are the most ideal candidates for mini facelift surgery.

The Dedo classification of the aging neck helps guide the plastic surgeon in identifying ideal candidates for facelift and neck lift as well as the specific anatomic components of the lower face and neck of the individual patient that need to be addressed with surgery. Class VI patients have an abnormal hyoid position and will likely have suboptimal results with mini facelift surgery. Dr. Ho utilizes the Dedo classification principles as well as her aesthetic experience and intuition to restore natural, freshly rejuvenated facial and neck contours in her patients.

Dedo Classification Diagram

The Dedo classification helps guide the plastic surgeon in determining ideal candidates for lower face and neck surgery including submental liposuction, facelift, and neck lift and what anatomic issues need to be addressed with surgery. Class I patients possess good skin and muscle tone with little fat and an ideal cervicomental angle. Class II, III, IV, and V patients demonstrate skin laxity, focal fat accumulation, platysmal banding, and weak chin, retrospectively. Class VI patients have an abnormal hyoid position and will likely have suboptimal results with surgery.

What are other procedures that are routinely performed with Mini Facelift?

It is common for other procedures to be performed at the same time as mini facelift surgery, depending on the patient’s anatomy and treatment goals. They include but are not limited to the following: neck lift, fat transfer, platysma plication, submental liposuction, chin augmentation, and blepharoplasty. Dr. Ho is experienced in a wide range of aging face procedures and will thoroughly evaluate each mini facelift candidate and discuss with them whether they would benefit from additional procedures at the time of their surgery.

How Much Does a Mini Facelift Cost?

The details of this procedure impact its price. The cost of mini facelift surgery determined by factors such as the type of anesthesia used and the amount of operation time required. At the time of consultation, Dr. Ho’s surgical coordinator provides a formal individualized surgical fee quote to each patient. The average cost ranges from $6000-$10000 plus facility fees, depends on the extent of work needed, level of difficulty of surgery, and amount of time needed.

Dr. Ho is an amazing provider, surgeon, injector and teacher! She is very thorough when explaining what is going to happen during your treatment. And takes her time to ensure your perfect results! She is the best! I highly recommend anyone to book with her!

– Kelly Moore

Dr. Ho did a very nice job on my face. I am over the moon happy with my results! She has a very direct, honest approach without pushing any agenda. She is super knowledgeable and understands the nuances of facial anatomy. She will let you know how to achieve your goals the most efficient and effective way possible while remaining cognizant of one’s budget. She was super patient with me and guided me along the processes of my procedures. I will definitely be returning to Dr. Ho for future procedures.

– Tyler Warner

Contact Us to Find Out More

Dr. Tina Ho is available for consultation in Wayne to discuss with you further about the mini facelift procedure and whether you are a candidate for this surgery. To set up your consultation, please contact our office today and schedule an appointment.

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Your Mini Facelift will be performed by Dr. Tina Ho in her surgery center in Philadelphia.