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If
you're considering a short-scar facelift...
The short-scar facelift is also known by a variety
of different names, such as the s-lift, baby boomer
facelift, limited-incision facelift, or mini-lift.
It is generally appropriate for people who show
aging in the mid-face and do not have a severe amount
of excess skin around their jaw line and neck.
A short-scar facelift cannot stop the aging process.
What it can do is "set back the clock," improving
the most visible signs of aging. A short-scar facelift
can be done alone, or in conjunction with other
cosmetic surgery procedures.
If you're considering a short-scar facelift, this
section will give you a basic understanding of the
procedure when it can help, how it's performed,
and what results you can expect. It can't answer
all of your questions, since a lot depends on the
individual patient and the surgeon. Please ask your
plastic surgeon about anything you don't understand.
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The
best candidates for short-scar facelifts
The short-scar facelift is particularly valuable
on younger patients in their forties and fifties.
It can be combined with liposuction in the neck
area to give a remarkable overall improvement.
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All
facelift surgery carries some uncertainty and risk
When a short-scar facelift is performed by a qualified
plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and
usually minor. Still, individuals vary greatly in
their anatomy, their physical reactions, and their
healing abilities, and the outcome is never completely
predictable.
Complications that can occur include hematoma
(a collection of blood under the skin that must
be removed by the surgeon), injury to the nerves
that control facial muscles (usually temporary),
infection, and reactions to the anesthesia. Poor
healing of the skin is most likely to affect smokers.
You can reduce your risks by closely following
your surgeon's advice both before and after surgery.
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Planning
your short-scar facelift
Short-scar facelifts are very individualized procedures.
In your initial consultation the surgeon will evaluate
your face, including the skin and underlying bone,
and discuss your goals for the surgery.
Your surgeon should check for medical conditions
that could cause problems during or after surgery,
such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood
clotting problems, or the tendency to form excessive
scars. Be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke
or are taking any drugs or medications, especially
aspirin or other drugs that affect clotting.
If you decide to have a short-scar facelift, your
surgeon will explain the techniques and anesthesia
he or she will use, the type of facility where the
surgery will be performed, and the risks and costs
involved. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any
questions you may have, especially those regarding
your expectations and concerns about the results.
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Preparing
for your short-scar facelift
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions
on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines
on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding
certain vitamins and medications. Carefully following
these instructions will help your surgery go more
smoothly. If you smoke, it's especially important
to stop at least a week or two before and after
surgery; smoking inhibits blood flow to the skin,
and can interfere with the healing of your incision
areas.
If your hair is very short, you might want to
let it grow out before surgery, so that it's long
enough to hide the scars while they heal.
Whether your short-scar facelift is being done
on an outpatient or inpatient basis, you should
arrange for someone to drive you home after your
surgery, and to help you out for a day or two if
needed.
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Where
your short-scar facelift will be performed
A short-scar facelift may be performed in a surgeon's
office-based facility, an outpatient surgery center,
or a hospital. It's usually done on an outpatient
basis, but some surgeons may hospitalize patients
for a day when using general anesthesia. Certain
conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure
should be monitored after surgery, and may also
require a short inpatient stay.
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Types
of anesthesia for short-scar facelifts
Most short-scar facelifts are performed under
local anesthesia, combined with a sedative to make
you drowsy. You'll be awake but relaxed, and your
face will be insensitive to pain. (However, you
may feel some tugging or occasional discomfort.)
Some surgeons prefer a general anesthesia. In
that case, you'll sleep through the operation.
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The
short-scar facelift procedure
The procedure for a short-scar facelift includes
repositioning all of the portions of the face that
show signs of aging, but the incision is approximately
one-half the length of a traditional facelift incision
and eliminates most of the incisions behind the
ears. Some people believe that the recovery and
bruising after this type of operation is minor compared
to that of a traditional facelift. However, this
has not been proven in the literature.
Incisions for a short-scar facelift
are more "pony-tail friendly," as
there is a shorter incision behind
the ear.
Another option for a short-scar
facelift is to make an incision
along the hairline.
With a traditional facelift, incisions
usually begin above the hairline
at the temples, follow the natural
line in front of the ear, curve
behind the earlobe into the crease
behind the ear, and into or along the
lower scalp.
Every surgeon approaches the procedure in his or
her own way. Some complete one side of the face
at a time, and others move back and forth between
the sides. The exact placement of incisions and
the sequence of events depends on your facial structure
and your surgeon's technique.
In general, the surgeon separates the skin from
the fat and muscle below. Fat may be trimmed or
suctioned from around the neck and chin to improve
the contour. The surgeon then tightens the underlying
muscle and membrane, pulls the skin back, and removes
the excess. Stitches secure the layers of tissue
and close the incisions; metal clips may be used
on the scalp.
Following surgery, a small, thin tube may be temporarily
placed under the skin behind your ear to drain any
blood that might collect there. The surgeon may
also wrap your head loosely in bandages to minimize
bruising and swelling.
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After
your short-scar facelift
There isn't usually significant discomfort after
surgery; if there is, it can be lessened with the
pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. (Severe
or persistent pain or a sudden swelling of your
face should be reported to your surgeon immediately.)
Some numbness of the skin is quite normal; it will
disappear in a few weeks or months.
Your doctor may tell you to keep your head elevated
and as still as possible for a couple of days after
surgery, to keep the swelling down.
If you've had a drainage tube inserted, it will
be removed one or two days after surgery. Bandages,
when used, are usually removed after one to five
days. Don't be surprised at the pale, bruised, and
puffy face you see. Just keep in mind that in a
few weeks you'll be looking normal.
Most of your stitches will be removed after about
five days. Your scalp may take longer to heal, and
the stitches or metal clips in your hairline could
be left in a few days longer.
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Recovery
after your short-scar facelift
You should be up and about in a day or two, but
plan on taking it easy for the first week after
surgery. Be especially gentle with your face and
hair, since your skin will be both tender and numb,
and may not respond normally at first.
Your surgeon will give more specific guidelines
for gradually resuming your normal activities. They're
likely to include these suggestions: Avoid strenuous
activity, including sex and heavy housework, for
at least two weeks (walking and mild stretching
are fine); avoid alcohol, steam baths, and saunas
for several months. Above all, get plenty of rest
and allow your body to spend its energy on healing.
At the beginning, your face may look and feel
rather strange. Your features may be distorted from
the swelling, your facial movements may be slightly
stiff and you'll probably be self-conscious about
your scars. Some bruising may persist for two or
three weeks, and you may tire easily. It's not surprising
that some patients are disappointed and depressed
at first.
By the third week, you'll look and feel much better.
Most patients are back at work about ten days to
two weeks after surgery. If you need it, special
camouflage makeup can mask most bruising that remains.
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Your
new look after your short-scar facelift
The chances are excellent that you'll be happy
with your short-scar facelift, especially if you
realize that the results may not be immediately
apparent. Even after the swelling and bruises are
gone, your hair may be thin and your skin may feel
dry and rough for several months. Men may find they
have to shave in new places-behind the neck and
ears — where areas of beard — growing
skin have been repositioned.
You'll have some scars from your facelift, but
they're usually hidden by your hair or in the natural
creases of your face and ears. In any case, they'll
fade within time and should be scarcely visible.
Having a short-scar facelift doesn't stop the
clock. Your face will continue to age with time,
and you may want to repeat the procedure one or
more times-perhaps five or ten years down the line.
But in another sense, the effects of even one facelift
are lasting; years later, you'll continue to look
better than if you'd never had a facelift at all.
Adapted from the American Society of Plastic
Surgeons
If you would like to contact New York plastic surgeon
Darrick Antell, or if have any further questions
about short-scar facelifts, traditional facelifts,
or any of our plastic surgery procedures, please
use our contact form.
Related Plastic Surgery Procedures
Phone: (212) 988-4040
