Mini Facelift Surgery in Philadelphia

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.

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.

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.

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.