Short Scar Facelift

The short scar facelift (also called a mini facelift) is a less extensive procedure as it involves smaller incisions.
Dr Jeremy Richardson, a specialist plastic surgeon, tailors the procedure to each patient’s needs.

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 the options. During this meeting, you will discuss your health and medical history, such as any past surgeries you have had. Suitable 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 and ask any questions about the procedure. After this meeting, you should clearly understand the process and what to expect, including the recovery and results.

The Procedure

This surgery is less extensive than a traditional facelift. A full facelift involves a long incision 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. 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 higher position. After altering the position of the skin and soft tissue, Dr Richardson will close and bandage the incisions. This process takes one hour to complete, depending on the amount of excess skin removed.

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 will likely be.

There are various factors that can impact the total cost of the surgery, such as the amount of skin that needs to be removed. In addition to this, we will also need to take into account the fees charged by the anaesthetist and surgeon and the cost of aftercare, as well as hospital expenses, support garments, and medications. During your initial consultation with us, we can go over the specifics of the procedure and provide you with an estimate of the fees involved.

Aftercare

After a 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, which can be managed by taking the prescribed pain medications. Although recovery times differ for everyone, most patients can expect to recover for a week or two. You should organise to take some time off work so your body has enough time to heal. Additionally, we will provide at-home care advice to help you care for your incisions. 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 risks. You should be aware of these risks before proceeding, as this will help you weigh them with the benefits. We will discuss the risks with you before the 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