CosMedica - Cosmetic Surgery in New York City - Dr. Howard T. Bellin

For some patients, a traditional facelift is too extreme for their needs. If all you are really concerned about is a bit of fullness under your chin or the beginning appearance of neck cords, you may be a candidate for a new facelift procedure called the ‘mini’ facelift.

In the mini-facelift procedure, your surgeon uses smaller incisions and less invasive procedures that offer faster healing time and less expense.

For neck cords, your surgeon removes excess fat through a small incision made underneath your chin that is barely visible when healed. He can tighten your neck muscles and restore a smoother, more youthful contour.

If your jaw line is beginning to sag, your surgeon makes a small incision behind your ear, but no incision in front of your ear as in a traditional facelift. To lift your cheek area, an incision placed from the temple to the ear or, in some cases, the lower eyelid can accomplish a cheek lift that will give you a more rested look.

Keep in mind that these so-called ‘mini’ procedures cannot address aging taking place in your brows, eyelids or forehead area. To lift these areas, the mini-procedure is combined with other procedures to treat fine lines, wrinkles and skin texture.

While mini procedures can be less costly and require less healing time, they are not right for every person or every cosmetic surgery need. If your face has aged quite a bit overall, a traditional facelift may be more appropriate and offer better, longer-lasting results.

How should you decide what's right for you? Meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Howard T. Bellin, trained to expertly evaluate your bone structure and skin condition, as well as that of your underlying tissues.