Basic Minilift
Over the years, many approaches to the aging face have been developed. Most of these techniques were based on what was done under the skin layer. This is because, skin can stretch and it was felt that deep support was needed. Most surgeons today, agree that something needs to be done to the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) for strength and support. This is often referred to as tightening the muscle - a patient friendly explanation but not quite true in practice.
Another variation on the standard full facelift began about twenty years ago. This amounted to changing the length of the incision to create a short scar lift or today’s minilift. In general, the incision behind the ear solves lower neck problems. The incision in front of the ear lifts the upper neck, jowel and cheek. Unfortunately, a single incision behind the ear does not give a quality neck lift. However the anterior incision can produce a good neck, jowel and cheek lift. The amount of tissue lifted really determines the length of the necessary incision. The better the SMAS lift the longer the incision needs to be. This is to avoid skin bunching and a pleated look. At Bray Plastic Surgery, our minilift incision extends from in front of the ear to just above the ear lobe in the notch behind the ear or when necessary the incision is higher and often turns the corner along the hair line, again to accommodate more skin.
Our basic minilift is much the same as that offered by a national chain of plastic surgeons. But, we are much more extensive with the SMAS support system. Additional procedures in the minilift such fat liposuction of the neck and tightening of the muscles of the neck are included. We also offer the Minilift Ultra, which has its own unique benefits.
Who benefits from a minilift? In general, younger patients in their thirties or early forties; this is particularly true if no lower neck problems need to be addressed. How is the procedure done? Injectable numbing medicine is used in safe amounts. This saves the patient the cost of general anesthesia or heavy sedation that requires special monitoring. All of these procedures are performed in our American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) certified operating room.
To learn more about the basic minilift procedure and whether it's right for you, call or email our cosmetic surgeons today to schedule a consultation.
