Welcome to the Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery's Blog, where your journey of aesthetic exploration and education takes center stage. We deeply value empowering our patients through knowledge, providing insights, tips, and in-depth information to guide and enhance your aesthetic journey. Dive into our posts, where expertise meets understanding, and discover a space where your curiosity and dreams are nurtured and illuminated.
In a world of ever increasing technology, showing your best face to the world is vitally important. From family portraits on Facebook, to daily selfie updates on Instagram, to new cell phones that utilize facial recognition… at this rate, your face will be seen by hundreds – if not thousands – of your closest friends regularly for your entire life.
Because of this rise in social connection, there is a new need to look your best at all times, regardless of how old you are. With old exes, future employers, and your local nemesis all checking in on you on a regular basis, there’s no room for “letting time take its toll” these days. So let’s talk about the mini-facelift, and whether it’s the ideal option for you!
A traditional facelift can require some intrusive incisions which take quite a long time to heal. The mini facelift, on the other hand, requires a much shorter scar and therefore has an easier recovery. To better understand the differences between the types of facelifts, let’s talk about the four facelifts which Dr. Vinyard and VIPS offer: the full-facelift, the mid-facelift, the lower-facelift, and the mini-facelifts.
Women have been getting facelifts for over 100 years. Though the first few decades of the facelift were rather crude and extremely intrusive, over time they drastically improved until the current successful, modern techniques were invented. Today, a facelift more typically involves an incision near the hairline which extends down the temples to the ears.
Once an incision is made, the tissue and muscles underneath will be pulled and tightened, effectively lifting and smoothing the skin out. This, of course, reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and the effects of aging. Facelifts are for patients who have visible signs of advanced aging from years of facial movement and wear. The facelift is often paired with other various treatments, such as a blepharoplasty, to enhance the eyes or a neck lift for the lower region.
The facelift reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and the effects of aging.
A mid-facelift is closer in form to the mini-facelift. It focuses on the hollow areas around the cheekbones and upper jaw. With age, these areas tend to lose tissue and become thinner and more droopy. This lift is ideal for patients seeking improvement in the bottom half of their face and specifically the jowls.
The Mid-Face Facelift is ideal for patients seeking improvement in the bottom half of their face.
This third type of facelift focuses specifically on tightening a loosened chin and neck area. Typically, nonsurgical methods are used for these types of procedures. Injections such as Kybella or procedures such as CoolSculpting offer exceptional options for improving the lower face to achieve a more youthful, tighter aesthetic appearance.
Finally, the mini-facelift includes a small, thinner incision which is typically made around the hairline by the ears in order to pull and tighten the skin, improving the appearance of the mouth and jaw. These improvements look more natural than the full-facelift alternative, require a smaller incision, and have a shorter recovery time.
It should be noted that all plastic surgeons have slightly different techniques for these procedures, including cutting and pulling techniques. The exact techniques discussed here are the ones used by Dr. Vinyard and the VIPS nursing team. Be sure that you discuss the exact surgical procedures of the surgeon who you select to perform your operation and always be sure that you choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.
A full recovery for a full-facelift takes around 2 to 4 weeks. Whereas the sutures from a mini-facelift are typically able to be removed around 10 days after the surgery.
The Mini-Facelift has a shorter recovery time, is a third of the cost of a full-facelift, and produces a more natural appearance.
The mini-facelift is a bit more affordable than the full-facelift, typically costing around $5,000 in contrast to an average of $15,000. Since a smaller portion of the face is impacted and the surgical invasion is more minimal, the cost is not nearly as high.
The techniques used in facelifts determine how natural the face appears after the surgical procedure. The deeper and more intensive, the more extreme the pull, and less natural the face appears afterwards. The more gentle the pull upon the skin, the more natural the aesthetic appearance. However, every facelift is ultimately personalized for the individual patient. Whatever your personal goals are, Dr. Vinyard will help customize your surgery to accomplish them with cosmetic expertise and incredible surgical skill.
Because this technique deals with the bra roll area behind the underarm, along with the arms, it is perfect for any individual trying to find a visual enhancement in their arms as it guarantees much longer, enduring outcomes. If you thin out the arms, but not the bra roll area, you will still have a pudgy, puffed up look. Eliminating some excess fat from the bra roll location enhances the overall appearance of the shoulder and also back areas, making certain that you will walk away from the surgical treatment with the results that you are seeking.
Choosing to have a facelift is a very personal, customized procedure which begins with a consultation with your selected Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. A 30 to 45 minute consultation will allow you to discuss your desired outcomes and precisely how you wish your skin appeared with Dr. Vinyard.
Dr. Vinyard will also have the opportunity to examine your face and make recommendations as to what additional procedures you should consider, such as an eye lift or dermal fillers. It is possible that you will be asked to avoid specific medications, smoking, or activities for both a few days before and after the procedure.
The surgery typically takes place under general anesthesia, meaning that you will have to schedule transportation to and from the medical facility. This is something you must consider when you book your surgery. Ensure you have a friend, spouse, or family member available to drive you home afterwards.
Complete recovery from a facelift or mini-facelift can take a number of weeks. Following your doctor's post-surgery instructions during this stage is absolutely crucial!
When your new facial procedure is complete, you will likely have dressings, drains, or both which need to be cleaned and maintained. You will need to go back to the cosmetic surgeon a few days after the procedure to have the stitches removed. This typically takes 5 to 10 days. Complete recovery from a facelift or mini-facelift can take a number of weeks. Following your doctor’s post-surgery instructions during this stage is absolutely crucial. You will obtain information from the VIPS office on properly attending to swelling, bruising, and taking care of any discomfort.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation to discuss whether the mini-facelift is the right option for you, send us a message at the VIPS office!
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