The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) approximates that over 17 million US citizens sought plastic surgery in 2018. Over the past years, the demand for cosmetic surgical procedures has drastically grown. The most common cosmetic procedures are breast augmentation, nose reshaping, liposuction, facelifts, tummy tuck, and eyelid surgery. Out of the 17 million, about 15 million opt for minimally invasive procedures like botox injections, dermal fillers, laser hair removal, and microdermabrasion.
Why Is Cosmetic Surgery Becoming More Popular?
Previously, the idea of changing one’s appearance was faced with a lot of judgment. However, as more people talked about how they fixed certain insecurity concerning their bodies, more people embraced and accepted cosmetic surgery. Additionally, due to technological advancements, the procedures became relatively affordable.
What Is The Difference Between Traditional and Mini-Facelift?
There is no difference between a regular facelift and a mini-facelift. A smaller incision is made in a mini-facelift, and it is done on patients that show minimal signs of aging. The procedure, cost, and recovery time are almost the same in both.
Additionally, a mini-facelift targets the lower face region. The procedure concentrates on fixing the sagging cheeks and the jawline.
Pre-Surgical Preparations
It is paramount to book an appointment with a certified plastic surgeon before doing the procedure. Here the specialist will analyze your face, and you will get to discuss in-depth what the surgical procedure entails.
During this consultation, the plastic surgeon gets to answer all the questions you may have and show you the expected results. Additionally, you will be advised on the do’s and don’t when having a mini-facelift. Also, this will provide an opportunity for you to assess the qualifications and experience of the cosmetic surgeon that is going to operate.
What Does One Look For In A Cosmetic Or Plastic Surgeon?
With the rise in demand for cosmetic procedures, many quacks are in the market, feigning doctors. Therefore, you must ensure that the doctor that operates on you is a certified doctor from the (ABPS) American Board Of Plastic Surgery. Also, ensure that your doctor is a member of the (ASPS) American Society Of Plastic Surgeons.
Additionally, it is recommended to acquire these services from a certified hospital. Hospitals that offer pre-counseling and consultation services are considered more professional than the walk-ins clinic. It is crucial to disclose information regarding past medical history, medication allergies, and the medicine that one has used recently.
The consultation also offers the specialist an opportunity to inform their patients about the risks and dangers of mini-facelifts. Besides, the doctor may decide to incorporate other cosmetic procedures for a better outcome.
Cautionary Measures
Since the procedure is done when the patient is under general anesthesia, doctors recommend that the patient makes transport arrangements to and from the facility. Weeks before the procedure, patients are advised to avoid taking over-the-counter medications, particularly NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen, as they may worsen bleeding during surgery. Additionally, NSAIDs may cause excessive bleeding after the surgery.
Smokers are advised to quit smoking for a while before undergoing a mini-facelift. The nicotine found in cigarettes causes vasoconstriction, which delays the recovery process. Doctors recommend that one wears loose, comfortable clothes before and after the procedure. Additionally, one should avoid wearing jewelry unless the doctor clears them.
What Does the Procedure Entail?
Most patients are put under general or local anesthesia. A small incision is made on the hairline or behind the ears. The sagging facial muscles and skin are then pulled to create a more toned and firm appearance. The excess skin is cut, and stitches are done. Some physicians opt to put drains.
It will take about 5 -10 days for the swelling to come down, after which the patient is supposed to visit the cosmetic surgeon for a follow-up analysis. The drains and bandages are taken off, and the specialist analyses the healing process.
And the Cost?
The cost of having a mini-facelift varies from $3,500 to $8,000 depending on the plastic surgeon, and the facility contacted for the service. This fee only incorporates the surgical cost. It does not cater to the post-surgery medications or any other fee that may arise from the surgery complications.
It is important to note that mini-facelifts surgeries are not covered by health insurance as they are deemed medically unnecessary. Therefore, the patient will fully cater to the pre-surgical, surgical, and post-surgical cost of treatment.
Recovery Process
The recovery time takes several weeks to months. It is essential for individuals working in a regular 8 am to 5 pm job to make arrangements. The first 48 hours after surgery are critical in determining the outcome of the surgery. Initially, there will be some pain and inflammation at the incision site that will eventually wear down.
As with any other surgical procedure, when one does a mini-facelift procedure, they run the risk of over-bleeding on the surgical table or getting an infection. However, adequate precautionary measures are taken to prevent this.
The surgeon may ask to schedule follow-up appointments two to three weeks after the stitches have been removed to check on the healing process. The patient should expect some minimal scarring at the incision site.
The Outcome
Mini-facelifts are among the few cosmetic surgical procedures with the best outcomes. However, complications may arise. It is important to look out for:
- Loss of facial sensation or taste.
- Increased inflammation or pus production at the incision site.
- Increased body temperature especially in the initial 48 hours after surgery.
- The stitches have come out before the follow-up doctor’s appointment.
- Extreme pain, fever, or chills.
Considering having a mini-facelift done? Contact the Aesthetic Surgery Center, serving patients in Naples, Fort Myers, and Marco Island.