A mini facelift is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to address signs of aging and enhance the appearance of the face and neck. This surgery is particularly suitable for those who want to minimize sagging skin and soft tissues but are not ready for a full facelift. The mini facelift procedure is less invasive, with less noticeable stitches, lighter anesthesia, and consequently, a shorter recovery time compared to traditional SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) facelift.
During a mini facelift, the surgeon makes small incisions, typically behind the earlobes and in the hairline. Through these incisions, the surgeon tightens and removes excess skin, giving the face a more youthful and refreshed appearance. This procedure is particularly effective for correcting the cheek area and the jawline.
One of the main advantages of a mini facelift is the shorter recovery period, allowing patients to return to their normal lives in just a few days after the surgery.
A mini facelift is ideal for patients who have noticed moderate signs of aging and wish to achieve natural-looking results without significant changes to their appearance. Patients who choose this procedure often express satisfaction with the improved contours of their face and reduced wrinkles.
Frequently, this surgery is combined with other procedures, such as rhinoplasty or blepharoplasty.
Brief surgery information
-
Surgery Time: 1-2 hours
-
Type of Anesthesia: General anesthesia or sedation
-
Hospitalization: 2-4 hours
-
Return to Normal Life: Within 4-5 days
-
Clinic Visits: 3-4 times
-
Stitches Removal: On the 14th day
Why patients consider a mini face lift?
Patients consider a mini facelift for several reasons:
-
Minimal intervention, lower risks: A mini facelift involves less surgical intervention compared to a traditional facelift. This means a lower risk of complications, smaller incisions, and a shorter recovery period.
-
Targeted improvement of specific areas: A mini facelift is perfect for patients who want to enhance specific areas, such as the mid or lower face, without the need for a full facelift.
-
Natural results: A mini facelift provides a natural look since the intervention is less radical. This attracts patients seeking to improve their appearance without obvious signs of surgery.
-
Quick recovery: The recovery time after a mini facelift is usually shorter, allowing patients to return to their normal routines sooner.
-
Affordability: A mini facelift may be a more cost-effective option compared to a full facelift, making it an attractive choice for a wide range of patients.
Candidates for surgery
An ideal candidate for a mini facelift typically meets the following criteria:
-
Age: Typically between 30 to 40 years old, as skin in this age range still has sufficient elasticity for a successful and natural result.
-
Skin condition: Patients with mild to moderate skin and soft tissue sagging. A mini facelift is most effective for those showing early signs of aging without significant changes.
-
General health: Candidates should be in good general health, without severe chronic conditions that could impact the recovery process or increase the risk of complications.
-
Realistic expectations: It’s crucial for patients to have realistic expectations from the procedure, understanding that a mini facelift is meant to enhance rather than drastically change their appearance.
-
Healthy lifestyle: Non-smokers or those willing to quit smoking for a specific period before and after the surgery, as smoking can slow the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
-
Motivation and psychological stability: Patients should be motivated to undergo the procedure for cosmetic enhancement and possess psychological stability to navigate the recovery process successfully.
Why South Korea?
South Korea performs more cosmetic procedures and surgeries annually than any other country in the world. Local doctors are considered the most educated and competitive globally because only 0.01% of medical school graduates can become plastic surgeons in South Korea. The equipment and medical facilities in Korea match the quality of those in the USA and Germany, placing it among the top three countries with the best technical equipment in clinics.
All anti-aging operations are conducted in accredited clinics with permission to work with foreign patients and in-house anesthesiologists. All surgeons who operate on our patients have 15 to 30 years of experience, specialize in soft tissue surgeries, and do not perform more than 2 operations a day. Fill out the questionnaire so that we can calculate the cost of treatment for you, conduct a preliminary consultation, and prepare a plan for your trip to South Korea for the surgery.
How to prepare for a facelift surgery in South Korea
-
Fast for 8 hours before the procedure and take a shower.
-
Avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including medicines like Advil or Motrin), and other medications that can increase the risk of excessive bleeding for 2 weeks before the surgery. Tylenol is prohibited only for 3 days before the operation.
-
Do not smoke, including hookah and e-cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow tissue healing. If you smoke, the doctor will recommend quitting smoking before the surgery. Some doctors refuse to perform surgery on smokers due to the high risk of complications. It is unsafe to be near smoking relatives and friends or in public places designated for smoking.
-
Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any surgeries you have undergone. Tell about any medications you are currently taking or have taken recently. Please do not hide this information from the surgeon and coordinators.
-
Go for a consultation with the surgeon and show them photos of the desired result.
-
If you have had tests done less than a month ago, you can bring them with you. If not, we will perform all the necessary tests in Korea.
-
Ask someone to drive you to the clinic or help you after the surgery if you plan to come by car.
-
Place items next to your bed that you may need during rest, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or a mobile phone.
How the surgery is performed
Before the operation, you have at least 2 consultations with the surgeon and undergo tests to gain access to the procedure. In the morning of the operation day, the surgeon applies a design to your face, answers questions, and hands you over to a medical coordinator for preparation. You are taken to the bathroom, asked about your condition, check the time of your last meal and drink, and then prepare you for the operation. A catheter is inserted into your arm, through which medications and anesthesia will enter your bloodstream.
After the anesthesiologist puts you to sleep, the surgeon starts the operation: using a scalpel, several incisions are made – from the skin to the deep muscle layer (depending on the desired lifting area, they can be made in the hair or behind the ears), excess tissues are removed, and stitches are applied. In some cases, where the face and neck lack volume, fat or fillers are added
After completing the operation, a special bandage is applied to your face to protect the surgical area from damage, hold the tissues together, and reduce swelling. The patient wakes up and is escorted to the ward for further recovery.
What to expect after the surgery
After the surgery is completed, a translator or medical nurses wake you up and help you move to your ward. Most patients do not remember this moment and feel like they woke up in a warm bed – this is the effect of anesthesia. In the first 10-20 minutes after awakening, you may experience chills; this will quickly pass, and there is a warming mattress on your bed to make this period more comfortable. Some degree of pain may be present, though it is dulled by painkillers and medications used during the surgery. In addition to discomfort, you will notice that your face starts to swell – this is normal, as your body begins to regenerate. You may also feel discomfort from the compression bandage – many clients complain that it presses on the neck under the chin; you can adjust the bandage slightly or ask for a cotton pad to be placed under it, but never remove it. You wear it for only three days, so be patient and wait. You will stay in the clinic for about 2-3 hours after the operation; there is a catheter in your hand through which medication is administered. If you do not experience symptoms such as dizziness and nausea, you will be prepared for discharge: change your clothes, collect medications and post-operative recommendations.
After discharge, pain sensations may increase slightly. Be sure to put several pillows under your head to reduce swelling and take the pain medication prescribed by the surgeon; it contains pain relievers. You may experience a mild headache, swelling of the eyes or nose – these are normal symptoms, do not be afraid and continue to follow the rehabilitation rules. Remember that you are not allowed to eat solid food for the first few days after the surgery; prepare porridge, soups, juices, smoothies, and chocolate in advance to get through this period. By the end of the week, you will look much better; try to walk more and continue sleeping in an elevated position. Stitches are removed by the surgeon after 14 days, by which time most of the swelling and hematomas will have subsided, and you will look good and can return to your normal life.
Book a consultation with a clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today! You can book a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or contacting us on any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.
Rehabilitation process and description of procedures after surgery
Immediately after the procedure: Your face will have a compression bandage, and you may experience moderate pain. The face will start to swell, and you may feel pressure under the bandage. Unfortunately, you will have to endure this discomfort for several days.
Days 1-2: Swelling reaches its peak, extending to the ears or face. This is normal; continue to follow the rehabilitation guidelines.
Days 3-7: Swelling gradually begins to subside. The surgeon checks the tissue healing, and medical nurses remove the bandage. Avoid sports and any activities that require bending your head down. Continue to sleep with your head elevated. Try not to laugh or open your mouth wide.
Days 7-14: Reduction in swelling, disappearance of discomfort, and a gradual return to normal life. Regular, extended walks are recommended for faster recovery. Do not smoke under any circumstances for 25-30 days after the operation; if you introduce an infection, a repeat operation may be required. Vaping, hookah, and other forms of smoking are also strictly prohibited. If, by any chance, you could not resist and additional swelling occurs, immediately contact the coordinator and do not hide the cause of infection.
Days 14-21: Removal of stitches. Continue to avoid intensive workouts and physical exercises. Follow the rules of rehabilitation, do not smoke, and abstain from alcohol. Swelling and hematomas decrease to the point that the fact of the operation is not noticeable to others.
Days 21-30: The face may periodically swell, depending on which side you slept on; the swelling may shift left or right, and it varies every day. Do not be alarmed; this is normal. Occasionally, the eyes and nose may still swell. Be patient and await results.
Days 31-60: Swelling practically disappears, and you forget that you had the surgery. You can start eating regular food, engage in sports, laugh, and use facial expressions.
Days 60-90: You can swim in the sea and sunbathe, perform regular exercises, and lead a normal life. During this period, the face may still swell in the mornings, especially after consuming alcohol. Don’t worry; the final swelling will subside a year after the operation.
1 year after the operation: Complete the rehabilitation.