The surgeons at the Straith Clinic understand that each patient is unique and requires a specific approach. Surgeons must have training in many face lift techniques in order to be able to offer you the best result possible. Meeting the unique needs of our patients combined with our knowledge, experience, and training is what separates our cosmetic surgery clinic from other mini face lift surgeons in the Detroit, Michigan area.

The mini lifts provide a less dramatic result. The branded mini face lifts, like the Weekend, One-Hour, Thread, or other "break through" procedures are a compromise when compared to the more traditional surgical techniques. If it has a fancy name, it is usually better marketing than medicine. As plastic surgeons, we are continually asked to provide more with less downtime. Patients have to be realistic.

The mini face lift procedure, which is less invasive than the traditional face lift, will help rejuvenate the cheeks, and to a lesser extent, the neck. Mini face lifts are best suited for patients who want to correct minor sagging or drooping of the lower face, including the cheeks and jowls.

For sagging or drooping of the forehead, eyebrow, and eye area, a Brow Lift or Eyelid Lift would be more appropriate as the mini face lift technique does not target these areas. Mini face lift procedures involve less incisions than the traditional face lift.

View our mini face lift surgery before and after photos on the top right on this page.

Mini lifts use a combination of surgical techniques that target:

• Sagging skin of the lower cheeks
• Jaw line or jowls

The mini lift usually gives you a more youthful facial appearance by:

• Lifting cheeks
• Softening the nasolabial lines
• Reducing jowling

What to expect from mini face lift plastic surgery

• Anesthesia: Can be performed under local anesthesia. However, patients prefer IV sedation so as not to experience pain and discomfort.
• Length of mini face lift surgery: 1 to 2 hours.
• In/Outpatient: Out-patient in our accredited office surgical suite.

Frequently asked questions about mini face lifts

Q1: Will I look younger?

Yes. Mini lifts and plastic surgery of the face sets the clock back, but does not stop the aging process. The final results depend on varying factors such as healing, absence of complications, sun damage, texture and thickness of the skin, amount of face and excess skin, shape of the face and bone structure. Some of the improvement will be lost in the first six months after the postoperative swelling subsides.

Q2: How long does a mini lift it last?

A mini lift operation will give you a more youthful, improved appearance. However, the duration of improvement depends on the aging process because you will continue to age. The need of a secondary face lift is solely your choice and is usually based on a desire to maintain a youthful appearance.

Q3: What happens during the postoperative period?

A bandage is wrapped around the head and neck, but not your face. This bandage is removed by your mini facelift surgeon the next morning. There will be swelling, discoloration and tightness of the skin for ten to fourteen days and possibly longer. Some numbness may be present around the operative areas. The intensity and duration of these conditions vary with each individual. Normal healing is a gradual process and final result is not fully realized for approximately six months.

Q4: When are the sutures removed?

All sutures are usually removed by the fourteenth day by your mini facelift surgeon.

Q5: When can I wash my hair?

The hair must be washed the next morning. Wash your hair with your regular shampoo, at least every other day thereafter, and before each visit to the office. Postoperative instructions will be given to you by your mini facelift surgeon when you schedule your surgery.

Q6: When can I dye my hair and/or use makeup?

Hair color and/or a permanent can be applied three to four weeks after mini face lift surgery, if completely healed. New facial makeup can be applied to cover up any bruising as early as three days after surgery, but not on the incisions. It is important to gently remove all makeup.

Q7: When can I resume my social activities?

Normally, full social and employment activities can be resumed between one and two weeks after mini face lift surgery depending on the type of procedure. Strenuous exercise and activities such as sports should be avoided for three to four weeks. The healing process and your occupation may cause the length of time to vary.

The Straith Clinic is one of the premier cosmetic surgery centers in Detroit, MI, supported by our highly trained staff of certified mini face lift surgeons. Schedule a free consultation with one of our mini face lift surgeons and learn about rejuvenating your facial appearance now. You’ll get answers on the cost of a mini lift, recovery time and expectations, or any other issues that concern you. Once you’re at our surgery clinic, you’ll meet with one of our mini face lift surgeons and they’ll determine if you are a candidate for this surgery. Call 1-800-401-1212 or fill-in the contact form on the right of the page and a Straith Clinic representative will respond to you promptly.