Facial surgery in Alicante
A more limited version of the facelift to treat early sagging along the jawline and in the lower third of the face, with shorter incisions and no overnight stay. Dr Navarro first assesses whether it is enough in your case or whether a facelift and neck lift would suit you better.
Anaesthesia
Local with sedation
Duration
2 to 3 hours
Hospital stay
Day case
Back to social life
Around 2 weeks
Final result
Around 3 months
Approximate figures. They are confirmed at your consultation for each case.
The technique
A mini facelift follows the same principles as a conventional facelift: it does not simply pull the skin tight, but also tightens the fibromuscular layer underneath (the SMAS). The difference is that much less of the skin and muscle is separated from the underlying tissues, and the shorter incisions are hidden in front of the ear and along the hairline.
Its effect is concentrated on the lower third of the face: the contour of the face, the jawline and the start of the lines running down from the corners of the mouth. That is why it is designed for early sagging and subtle rejuvenation, not for a neck with a lot of excess skin.
Although it is simpler than a full facelift, it is still surgery carried out in an operating theatre, with a recovery period and risks. Its effect is more limited and, in general, shorter-lasting than that of a facelift and neck lift.
Suitability
If sagging is already noticeable in the face and neck, with bands or excess skin under the jaw, a mini facelift will not be enough and a facelift and neck lift is usually more appropriate. If the main issue is loss of volume, facial fat transfer may be more suitable.
Smoking or poorly controlled blood pressure increases the risks. Dr Navarro will go through this with you before suggesting surgery.
Before you decide
The key to a mini facelift is offering it to the people it will genuinely help. At your first consultation you are seen personally by Dr Navarro, who assesses whether your degree of sagging will benefit from a limited technique or needs something more.
01
What bothers you when you look in the mirror and what kind of change you are looking for: subtle or more noticeable.
02
Skin elasticity, the contour of your face, your neck and your bone structure, from the front and in profile.
03
Whether a mini facelift or a facelift and neck lift would suit you, where the scars will be, the type of anaesthesia and what recovery will involve.
04
You take the information away in writing, with the quote and the risks. You can ask about anything you are unsure of before you decide.
On the day of surgery
Before
Pre-operative tests and simple instructions for the days beforehand. If you smoke, it is best to stop for a few weeks before and after surgery.
Start
It is always carried out in an operating theatre, usually under local anaesthesia with sedation. It usually takes between 2 and 3 hours.
During
Through short incisions in front of the ear, a limited area of skin is lifted, the SMAS is tightened and the excess skin is removed.
Finish
The incisions are closed with fine stitches and a light dressing is applied, along with a small drain behind the ears if needed. You go home the same day, after a few hours of observation.
Afterwards
Days 1 to 3
Swelling and tightness, with discomfort that is usually mild and eased by the prescribed medication. It is best to sleep with your head raised for the first few days.
First week
Follow-up appointment at the clinic and removal of the drain, if one was placed. The stitches are removed towards the end of the week.
Weeks 2 and 3
Any swelling and bruising gradually settle. Many patients return to their social life after around two weeks.
Weeks to months
It is normal for some areas of skin to feel numb. This feeling goes away within a few weeks or months.
Around 3 months
The swelling goes down gradually and the appearance improves little by little. The final result is assessed at around three months.
Comparison
Both operations follow the same principles. What changes is the extent: how much tissue is separated, which areas are treated and how long recovery takes.
| Facelift and neck lift | Mini facelift | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | Noticeable sagging in the face and neck. | Early sagging, especially along the contour of the face. |
| Incisions | Around the ear and in the scalp; sometimes under the chin. | Shorter, in front of the ear and along the hairline. |
| Areas | Cheeks, jawline and neck. | Mainly the lower third of the face. |
| Anaesthesia and hospital stay | Usually general, with one night in hospital. | Usually local with sedation, as a day case. |
| Result | More extensive and, in general, longer-lasting. | More subtle and, in general, shorter-lasting. |
Important information
Like any surgery, a mini facelift carries risks. They are uncommon, but it is important to know about them before you decide:
Dr Navarro will go through them with you at your consultation, and they will be set out in the informed consent form.
Common questions
A mini facelift follows the same principles, but with shorter incisions and much less separation of the tissues. That is why it treats early sagging, with a shorter recovery and a more subtle result.
Usually between the ages of 40 and 50, although it can be considered between 50 and 60 if a subtle change is wanted. The degree of sagging matters more than age.
Usually not. It is carried out in an operating theatre and most patients go home the same day, after a few hours of observation.
Discomfort is usually mild and eased by the prescribed medication. Most people notice tightness and some numb areas.
It depends on how the swelling settles, but many patients do so after around two weeks.
It is long-lasting, although in general less so than a facelift and neck lift, and your face continues to age. It depends on your skin and your lifestyle.
Yes, for example with blepharoplasty or facial fat transfer. This is decided at your consultation.
It depends on the areas to be treated. The quote is confirmed after your first consultation.
Your surgeon
Plastic surgeon in Alicante, focused on facial, breast and body surgery. He sees you personally at the first consultation, during surgery and at every follow-up.
“Every procedure is unique. My commitment is to combine advanced technique with sound medical judgement, with one clear aim: natural results in harmony with your face and body.”
Clinic at Carrer de Velázquez, 2, 03560 El Campello (Alicante)
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