Face Minilift

An Uplifting Procedure

Before and After Gallery

WHAT IS A FACE MINILIFT?

A Face Minilift refers to a surgical procedure which removes excess fat, tightens lax facial musculature and repositions skin. This procedure is used to improve the deep cheek folds, jowls and loose, sagging skin around the neck that come with age. The minilift technique is a modified version of the standard face lift. The minilift makes use of a smaller incision which can be designed to look like an "S" or a "G" design". As a result of the smaller incision, scars can be more easily camouflaged and patients experience a faster recovery time. The best candidate for a minilift is a man or woman whose face and neck have begun to sag, but whose skin still has some elasticity and whose bone structure is strong and well-defined. Dr Harvey would be happy to evaluate your particular goals to see if this procedure is appropriate for you.

WHAT IS THE COSMETIC APPROACH TO THE FACE MINILIFT?

The approach to face minilifting is one that considers the patients skin type... e.g., do they scar easily? bruise readily? or develop abnormal pigmentation with trauma? Care is taken to prevent these potential complications before they can occur. Fat removal and tissue tightening is carried out using a technique involving tumescent anesthesia, which was developed by dermatologic surgeons in the 1980's. The anesthetic is administered locally into the treatment area of the neck and jowls. Tumescent solution contains a numbing ingredient and medication which minimizes bleeding. This advancement allows our patients to experience less bruising and ensures a safer procedure then that seen with conventional face-lift procedures

WHERE IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED? WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS UTILIZED?

Our surgeons operate in our state of the art Medicare and AHCA approved surgery center. This is so we can enhance the safety for our patients in Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, and Fleming Island. Here, we pay close attention to the details of your procedure through monitoring your blood pressure, pulse rate and oxygen saturation levels. The surgery is usually performed using local anesthetic and IV (twilight) sedation. You'll be sleepy, relaxed, and your face will be insensitive to pain. For those with more anxiety, general anesthesia can be utilized so that you will sleep through the operation.

HOW LONG DOES THE FACE MINILIFT PROCEDURE TAKE?

The face minilift procedure takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.

WHAT IS THE PRE CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE FACE MINILIFT PROCEDURE?

Typically, we ask that you discontinue the use of retinoic acid products and glycolic acid products for 3 to 4 days before your procedure. In addition, we will prescribe an antibiotic, which is started 1 day before your procedure. Arnica may be prescribed to reduce bruising. It is also wise to stay out of intense sunlight for up to 1 week prior to your treatment. A preop history and physical (and medical clearance) is mandatory prior to having surgery.

HOW MUCH DISCOMFORT CAN I EXPECT?

There is moderate discomfort with this treatment. Topical, local and sometimes IV sedation is all that is used. If you are extremely anxious, we can prescribe and anti-anxiety medication regimen which can be taken 1 to 2 hours before your procedure. Someone must drive you to and from the office and stay with you for 24 hours after your procedure has been performed. Pain usually is most intense for the first 24 hours. This can easily be controlled with cool compresses and pain medications which we will prescribe for you.

WHAT IS DOWNTIME? ARE THERE OTHER TREATMENTS WHICH CAN BE SIMULTANEOUSLY USED TO IMPROVE MY APPEARANCE?

After your face minilift, you may have some mild swelling, bruising and numbness. This usually resolves in a few weeks. At the beginning, your face may look and feel rather strange. Your facial features may be distorted from the swelling and your facial movements may be slightly stiff. You may also be self-conscious about your scars. It is not unusual for you to feel disappointed and depressed for the first two weeks after surgery. By the third week, you'll look and feel much better. Most patients are back at work 10 to 14 days after surgery. If you require it, special camouflage makeup can mask most bruising that remains. Sometimes, Dr. Harvey will combine this procedure with other treatments such as Botox Cosmetic™ and Filler Treatments using our Volume Lift technique to enhance your cosmetic result.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE RISKS THAT ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROCEDURE?

Complications are infrequent with this procedure and when they occur are usually minor and easily correctable. Still, individuals vary greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions, and their healing abilities, and the outcome is never completely predictable. Complications that can occur include hematoma formation (a collection of blood under the skin that must be removed), injury to the nerves that control facial muscles (usually temporary), infection, and reactions to anesthesia. Poor healing of the skin is most likely to affect smokers or diabetic patients. You can reduce your risks by closely following Dr Harvey's advice both before and after your surgery.

WHAT ABOUT THE POST OP CARE?

We recommend a very nice post surgical kit. It is important to wear your neck garment for 7 days and stay out of intense sun for at least one week after your treatment. We also recommend that you initiate a low dose corticosteroid medication to minimize swelling which occurs in most instances. Concealing makeup, e.g. Jane Iredale™, can be used to minimize bruising.

HOW LONG WILL THE BENEFITS OF THE PROCEDURE LAST?

Face Minilift Surgery benefits can be seen for several years. In our experience, patient satisfaction has been extremely high for this procedure.

Before and After Gallery-(performed by Dr. Harvey)