Short Scar Facelift

The short scar facelift (also called a mini facelift) is a less invasive procedure designed to give patients a youthful lift without the long incisions. This surgical technique produces effective anti-ageing results with less pain and downtime than traditional methods. As a result, it has become an increasingly common aesthetic procedure for both men and women.

Experienced surgeon Dr Jeremy Richardson tailors the procedure to each patient’s needs in order to achieve natural and long-lasting rejuvenation results.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Due to the personal nature of short scar facelift surgery, you will need to have an initial appointment to discuss which options are best for you. During this meeting, you will discuss your health and medical history, such as any past surgeries you have had. This will help us ensure you are a good candidate before developing a surgical treatment plan. Good candidates are generally healthy, non-smokers, and do not have health issues that would interfere with the results of surgery.

You will also be able to express any concerns as well as ask any questions about the procedure. After this meeting, you should have a clear idea of the process and what to expect, including the recovery and results.

The Procedure

This surgery is a less invasive process than a traditional facelift. A full facelift involves a long incision spanning from the hairline near the temple, down to the ear, and towards the lower scalp. In comparison, a short scar facelift requires a shorter incision from the temple to the earlobe. The incision is also shallower. Unlike a full facelift, a mini facelift does not involve cutting into the muscle, but rather, using sutures to pull and secure the muscles into a better position. After altering the position of the skin and soft tissue, Dr Richardson will close and bandage the incisions.

This process takes as little as one hour to complete, depending on how much excess skin is being removed. The result is a smoother, lifted look without any scarring along the lower hairline.

Cost of a Short Scar Facelift

The fees for a short scar facelift can depend on the patient and their needs. The more extensive a procedure, the more costly it is likely to be.

A number of things can affect the total fee, such as how much skin needs to be removed. Along with this, we will need to consider the cost of the anaesthetist, surgeon, and aftercare fees, as well as hospital fees, support garments, and medications. At your first meeting with us, we can take you through the details of your procedure and the likely fees involved.

Aftercare

After your short scar facelift, Dr Richardson will bandage the site and may insert tubes to prevent fluid build-up. You can expect some swelling and bruising, but we can help ease any discomfort with pain medication.

Although recovery times are different for everyone, most patients can expect to spend a week or two recovering. You should organise to take some time off work so that your body has enough time to heal. Additionally, we will provide at-home care advice in order to help you care for your incisions and achieve a great recovery. For example, Dr Richardson may advise you to:

• Get plenty of rest, lying with your head elevated
• Avoid exercise and tasks that put a strain on your body
• Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol
• Maintain a healthy diet
• Wear support garments
• Take prescribed pain medicine
• Avoid spending time in direct sunlight
• Contact us if you notice any complications

Patients can generally expect the following timeline after a short scar facelift:

• Return to light tasks and walking after one week
• Resume driving and work after two to three weeks, depending on your healing
• Wear a support garment for four weeks or as advised by Dr Richardson
• Return to a normal exercise routine and social functions after six weeks

Risks and Complications

Every surgery comes with some risks. You should be aware of these risks before going ahead, as this will help you weigh them with the benefits. We will discuss the risks with you before your surgery to ensure you are fully informed. Risks of short scar facelift surgery can include:

• Persistent pain and swelling
• Bleeding and infection
• Reactions to anaesthesia
• Injury to nerves
• Unwanted results
• Changes in skin colour
• Revision surgery to correct issues