S-Lift or Mini face lift

A mini face lift or S-lift is a procedure designed for those who aren’t quite ready for a full face lift but would like to improve the appearance of their jowls or loose skin. It is aimed at patients in their thirties, forties or even fifties.

With age, the soft tissue volume in our faces loses elasticity and starts to droop. This leads to the development of jowls and causes lines around the mouth to deepen which results in a tired looking appearance. The effects of gravity can also cause the area under the chin to become fuller and saggy.

The mini face lift is designed to counteract the early stages of these ageing processes; it will reposition the skin and tighten the jowls. This procedure has been described as the next stage up from injectables, i.e. Botox and fillers but is not as drastic as undergoing a full face lift. However, if patients wish to in the future, they can go on to have the full face lift following this procedure if they feel that it is necessary.

It is possible to combine the mini face lift with other procedures and it works particularly well with the eye lift/eye bag removal surgery resulting in a refreshed, youthful yet natural look.

This procedure involves the surgeon creating an S shaped incision running from the under the hairline, in front of the ear and underneath the earlobe.

The surgery procedure

Before surgery

1. Initial consultation to discuss anticipated results
2. Book surgery date

The surgery

1. The surgeon will mark the area with pen
2. The general anaesthetic is administered
3. The incision is made
4. The muscles and tissues are pulled into place and the excess skin removed
5. The incision is closed
6. The result is a tighter jowl and chin area

Benefits from this procedure:

• Scars are smaller than those resulting from a full face lift
• Healing time is reduced (compared to the full face lift)

The mini face lift is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually requires an overnight stay in hospital but can be performed as a day case under some circumstances. Healing time is quicker than a full face lift but patients should still expect some bruising and swelling after the operation for around 7 – 10 days.

Patients will be left with smaller scars in the creases of the front of the ears and in the hairline depending on the surgeon's recommendations. All stitches need to be removed by the surgeon or nurse at 7 – 10 days post op.

Risks

As with all surgical procedures, there are always some risks involved and these can include:

• Asymmetry Infection
• Loss of sensation
• Asymmetry
• Anaesthetic complications

However, these risks are rare and regulatory pre-operation checks are carried out in order to reduce and prevent these conditions from materialising. Patients are also provided with a course of antibiotics as a precautionary measure after surgery.

Cost: £5,500 - £6000

For more information on this procedure all you have to do is ask our experts your question via the portal on the homepage. You can receive free, tailored advice relating to your individual needs within 60 minutes and there is no obligation.