Salt Lake City, Utah

Mini Facelift

Introduction

Introduction to Mini-Facelift

Facial aging may not occur all at once. Some areas of the face may exhibit signs of aging before others, resulting in an uneven appearance that may not require an entire facelift to correct. However, it cannot be addressed with a routine skincare treatment alone. For some patients, this aging may first occur in the lower area of the face.

Dr. Scott Urban offers mini-facelifts at Utah Facial Surgical Arts, based in Salt Lake City, UT. A mini-facelift may be the ideal solution for patients who maintain a firm contour in their neck and upper face and do not require or desire an entire facelift. Read on to learn more about the several types of mini-facelifts and schedule your consultation today!

What is a Mini-Facelift?

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, involves tightening the lower facial and neck muscles, as well as removing excess skin. The term “facelift” is actually a misnomer. A more accurate term for a facelift would be a lower face and neck lift. Full rejuvenation of facial gravitational skin laxity would require a combination of a facelift, cheek implants, upper and lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), and brow lifting.

There are many different procedures for rhytidectomy. The differences are primarily related to the type of incision, invasiveness, and the area of the face being treated. Each surgeon practices multiple types of facelift surgery. At a consultation, the procedure with the best outcome is chosen for every patient. 

The patient’s expectations, age, possible recovery time, and areas to improve are among the many factors considered when choosing a rhytidectomy technique, specifically the less invasive type of full facelift. The primary difference between the full facelift and the mini-lift procedure is the omission of extensive neck lifting in the latter. It is also known as the S lift due to the shape of the incision used, also referred to as a short-scar facelift. This lift is a more temporary solution for facial aging, with less downtime, suitable for individuals who have deep nasolabial folds and sagging facial structure, yet still maintain a firm and well-contoured neck. The position of the incision is usually made from the hairline around the ear, with scars hidden in the natural crease of the skin and the posterior ear hairline. Following this, the underlying skin structures are tightened, which helps ensure a more lasting result. Then, the surgeon repositioned the skin with small sutures. This type of lift is a suitable alternative to a full facelift for individuals with moderate signs of skin laxity.

Another option is the weekend facelift. The weekend facelift is the least invasive type of facelift; the only difference is the omission of the neck lifting and posterior ear incision in the weekend facelift procedure. The position of the incision is typically made from the hairline around the ear, with scars concealed in the natural skin crease. The weekend facelift was designed for younger patients, usually in their 40s, with mild lower facial jowling. The weekend facelift recovery typically takes about 5 days, hence the term “weekend facelift.” This type of lift is a suitable alternative to a full facelift for individuals with minimal signs of skin laxity.

Close-up of a woman gently pulling back the skin near her jawline to highlight signs of aging and sagging skin along the lower face. - Mini Facelift in West Jordan, UT

What Are the Benefits of a Mini-Facelift?

Our patients in Salt Lake City, UT, often request a mini-facelift procedure for the following benefits:

  • Targets the lower face only
  • Adds definition to the jawline
  • Reduces jowls
  • Less invasive compared to a traditional facelift
  • Minimized scarring
  • Faster recovery

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Mini-Facelift?

Dr. Urban recommends that patients in Salt Lake City, UT, consider a mini-facelift if they exhibit some or all of the following characteristics:

  • Loose skin from mild to moderate laxity
  • Sagging areas of the face are concentrated around the lower region
  • Displaying early signs of aging incongruent with other facial features
  • Maintain realistic expectations

What’s the First Step?

A mini-facelift may be a more suitable alternative than a full facelift procedure. To learn more about your candidacy for the procedure, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Urban at Utah Facial Surgical Arts, based in Salt Lake City, UT. At this consultation, Dr. Urban will listen to your reasons for choosing a mini-facelift and evaluate your medical history and areas of concern. He will show you before-and-after pictures of previous patients who have received a mini-facelift and a full facelift, and will explain the surgical process for both procedures. If you agree that a mini-facelift is better suited to your needs, Dr. Urban will create a customized surgical plan addressing your specific areas of concern. You may then schedule your surgery with a member of our patient care team, and you will be given pre-operative instructions. Please follow these instructions carefully to ensure a successful surgery outcome.

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What to Expect on the Day of Mini-Facelift Surgery

The mini-facelift procedure will be performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation in our accredited surgical facility, one of the few practices in Utah to hold this accreditation, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety comparable to those of top hospitals.

It is possible that areas of your hairline will need to be shaved so that Dr. Urban can create incisions that will be hidden later as your hair regrows in place. When you are fully sedated and comfortable, Dr. Urban will proceed to create the incisions from the hairline around the ear with scars hidden in the natural crease of the skin. He will carefully excise excess skin and lift and reposition the remaining tissue to create a tight, youthful contour. Depending on your needs, the procedure may be completed within 2-4 hours.

When the procedure is complete, you will be taken to a recovery room, where you will be monitored until the anesthesia wears off. You may be discharged the same day as long as you are in the company of a trusted friend or relative.

Mini-Facelift Recovery

The advantage of a mini-facelift is that the recovery time is considerably less than that of a traditional facelift. Patients may experience swelling or bruising, which is normal and typically subsides within two weeks following the procedure. Any pain or discomfort can be managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain management medications.

While individual recovery periods may vary from patient to patient, most patients are able to return to work within an average of a week. Patients may experience swelling or bruising, which is normal and typically subsides within two weeks following the procedure. Dr. Urban encourages patients to rest and refrain from engaging in strenuous activities for a minimum of one month following their procedure.

How Much Does a Mini-Facelift Cost in Salt Lake City, UT?

facelift-cost

The cost of a Mini-Facelift in the greater Salt Lake City area will be based on the type of mini-facelift conducted, the extent of the surgery necessary to deliver your best results, and facility fees. Utah Facial Surgical Arts will be able to share the costs associated with your specific mini-facelift and surgical plan during your consultation.

For your convenience, we accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Lending USA, and CareCredit (call for details). We deliver the finest care at the most reasonable cost to our patients. Therefore, payment is due at the time service is rendered unless other arrangements have been made in advance. If you have questions regarding your account, please contact us at 801-282-5363. Often, a simple telephone call can clear up any misunderstandings.

If you reschedule or cancel your surgery less than 48 hours before it, you will be charged a fee of $500 to $1000.

Please remember you are fully responsible for all fees charged by this office, regardless of your insurance coverage.

We will send you a monthly statement. Most insurance companies will respond within four to six weeks. Please call our office if your statement does not accurately reflect your insurance payment within the specified time frame. Any remaining balance after your insurance has been paid is your responsibility. Your prompt remittance is appreciated. We can arrange a monthly payment plan, but that must be implemented before the actual procedure.

Why Choose Dr. Urban?

Scott D. Urban, MD, DMD, FAACS, specializes in Facial Cosmetic Surgery and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery. He received his doctoral degrees from Harvard University (DMD) and Mayo Clinic School of Medicine (MD) and completed a general surgery internship and an oral & maxillofacial surgery residency at the renowned Mayo Clinic. Afterward, Dr. Urban completed an American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery-accredited Facial Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham under the tutelage of Dr. Peter Waite, the Past President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Urban is triple board-certified in facial surgery by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Urban is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Dr. Urban loves the practice of healing, helping, and serving. His hobbies include bicycle riding, mountain biking, snow skiing, waterskiing, hiking, reading, and spending time with his family.

Mini-Facelift FAQs

Patient Reviews

  • I went home today and literally was blown away by how good my procedure looks! This is why you come to Dr. Urban and his team. I pulled out my license photo when I was 39 and I look just like that again. It’s amazing. Feel free to ask for before and after photos at the the office.

    You will not be disappointed!

  • Best experience! If you’re looking for a great result and great treatment, this is the place for you!

     

  • Mini facelift and I am loving it! The Drs follow up was beyond expectations. I feel so much more confident when meeting new people. I would do it again but only with Dr Urban.

Schedule Your Consultation

A mini-facelift offers long-lasting results with less time and invasiveness than a full facelift. If you believe this procedure may be right for you, please call Utah Facial Surgical Arts in Salt Lake City, Utah, at 801-282-5363 today or complete our online booking form to schedule your consultation. A patient care team member will contact you shortly to get you started!

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