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Woollahra Sydney . Wollongong NSW
Why Patients Might Consider a Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
Patients might consider a Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) procedure in comparison to a Full/Traditional Facelift (Rhytidectomy) for a number of reasons, including:
A shorter recovery period
Since the procedure is less invasive than a traditional or Deep Plane Facelift (Rhytidectomy), recovery is generally shorter. Most patients can return to their normal activities within 2 weeks of the procedure. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this is still a surgical procedure and recovery time may also depend on the patient’s commitment to post-surgical instructions.
Less scarring
Since a Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) procedure involves smaller incisions than a Traditional Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Procedure, there is generally less scarring.
More subtle results
Unlike a complete Facelift (Rhytidectomy), a Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) is sought by patients who want more subtle results, whilst still aiming to alter their appearance.
Prevention
A Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) may be suited to people who would like to address the signs of ageing and prevent further facial procedures in the short term.
The procedure is less expensive
The procedure is less expensive than a Traditional Facelift (Rhytidectomy).
Fewer risks of complications
There are fewer risks of complications, including nerve damage and poor healing when compared to a Traditional Facelift (Rhytidectomy).
Address ageing
Though Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) surgery will not stop or reverse ageing, it aims to address earlier signs of ageing.
Are You a Suitable Candidate for Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery?
Candidates for the Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) are generally younger and have minor to moderate laxity of their facial skin, cheek, nasolabial area (from nose to the corner of mouth), and jowls.
In addition to reducing wrinkles and skin laxity on your face, a Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) aims to address your jawline. If you have already had a Traditional Facelift (Rhytidectomy), you may find that the Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) can provide additional results. Generally speaking, a good candidate for the Mini Facelift:
- Wants a subtle result
- Has minor to moderate signs of ageing
- Understands that the Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) does not address the brows or excess skin around your neck area
- Is in good overall health
- Is a non-smoker or can stop smoking for a few weeks prior to and after the surgery
If you don’t have a lot of excess skin or laxity in your neck, you might be a good candidate for a Mini-Facelift (Rhytidectomy). The incision used in the Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) is smaller than Traditional Facelifts (Rhytidectomy) because this procedure doesn’t include much skin reduction. It focuses more on the tissues underneath the skin.
If the skin around your neck has lost a lot of elasticity, or if you have lost a lot of weight recently, you might benefit more from a Traditional Facelift (Rhytidectomy).
Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgical Procedure
Here are some quick facts about the Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) procedure:
Anaesthesia
It is usually performed under general anaesthesia. The procedure can be done as a day case or overnight stay in the hospital. As the Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) procedure is often combined with other procedures, the type of anaesthesia depends on the complexity of the intervention.
Surgery length
The surgery takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Recovery
Within a few weeks you should recover fully. The time frame depends on how extensive the procedure was. If someone has minimal signs of ageing, a less aggressive technique can be applied, reducing recovery time.
Back to work or exercise
You can get back to work within 1 to 2 weeks. But avoid exercising for a month or so. Strenuous exercise may raise your blood pressure and cause bleeding at the surgical site.
Final results
You can expect to see the full effects of your surgery after between 4 and 6 months when all swelling has subsided and the scars have healed.
The incisions for a Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) are smaller than Traditional Facelift (Rhytidectomy) and the skin is lifted less than when the traditional one is performed. The Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) scar is also shorter than the Traditional Facelift (Rhytidectomy). A small incision is made in front of the ear and behind the ear lobe, usually measuring around 5 centimetres long. The skin is pulled back, moving the deeper tissues and lifting the face, before being stitched back into position. The underlying muscles and tendons are stitched to a tighter position.
Recovery After a Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery
After the Facelift (Rhytidectomy), you can expect to experience swelling and bruising. This may persist for several weeks, but this can usually be covered up with makeup after a few days. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medicine to help mitigate any discomfort.
There are variations in how long the pain medicines need to be taken. And again, it depends on how much work was done during the procedure. The amount of discomfort after surgery will also depend on your health condition before the procedure.
After a Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy), your face may be wrapped in gauze for 24 hours. In some cases, Dr Hunt might use drains, which are tubes that drain away excess blood and fluid. Also, expect to feel groggy and a little out of it for the first day or two after surgery.
Surgery Aftercare
Dr Hunt will give you some instructions to follow after surgery. You may need to keep your head elevated for a few days after surgery. This position can help reduce swelling and bruising. You may need to sleep with several pillows under your head and shoulders. Additionally, you should avoid smoking and vaping throughout your recovery.
