Mini Facelift Surgery in Sydney with Dr Kernohan
A mini facelift is a modified version of traditional facelift surgery. When this procedure is performed, smaller incisions are created around the hairline that will lift up the lower half of the face and correct sagging skin. It is a cosmetic procedure that involves incisions to remove excess skin.
The surgery might suit you if signs of ageing started to occur but you want fewer incisions and less skin removal. Contrary to what the name suggests, a mini facelift is still a complex cosmetic procedure and you should choose your plastic surgeon wisely.
Dr Michael Kernohan FRACS (Plas) is a specialist plastic surgeon and top surgeon in Sydney. Find out more about what a mini facelift procedure involves, recovery time, and the benefits of surgery.
Download Dr Michael Kernohan Facial Rejuvenation Guide
Five Benefits of a Mini Facelift Surgery
The benefits of mini facelift include but are not limited to:
1. Fewer Incisions Compared to a Full Facelift
During the mini facelift surgery, fewer incisions are necessary, compared to a traditional facelift. Dr Kernohan will make smaller surgical incisions. This is often associated with faster healing and a shorter recovery period.
2. Less Scarring
As the mini facelift involves smaller surgical incisions, it will lead to less scarring. The incisions are typically made around your ears and hairline and avoid major scars.
3. Visible Improvement
The results of the mini facelift are visible. Just because it is less invasive than a traditional facelift, doesn’t mean it is any less effective in the lower face.
4. Lower Cost
Mini facelift surgery costs less than a traditional facelift because it addresses just a part of the face.
5. Quicker Recovery and Less Pain
With any plastic surgery, comes the downside of discomfort and recovery time. However, a mini facelift will cause less discomfort and pain as compared to a full facelift.
Is a Mini Facelift Right for Me?
Mini Facelift surgery is a highly customised procedure and may not be suitable for everyone.
Dr Kernohan will assess your face, medical history, general health and create a facial treatment plan that is the best for you.
Mini Facelift might be suitable for you if you meet the following criteria:
- You are experiencing skin sagging, mainly on the lower half of the face- loss of jaw definition, sagging cheeks, and jowls
- You are satisfied with how the upper half of your face looks- brow line, forehead but need help with ageing skin on the lower half of the face
- You are hoping for a quick recovery
- You are interested in getting a lower-risk alternative to a traditional or deep plane facelift surgery
- You are in your 40s and 50s
- You are physically healthy and do not have any chronic illnesses
- You don’t smoke or can quit smoking for a specified time duration
- You have lost contour in the lower half of the face
Mini Facelift surgery might not be a perfect option for you if:
- You are allergic to anaesthesia
- You struggle with bleeding problems and have poor healing abilities
- You deal with many chronic illnesses or comorbidities that can hinder the healing process
- You have significant loose skin on the upper half as well as the lower half of the face
It is important to know that suitability for the mini facelift procedure can only be determined after a consultation with Dr Kernohan. He will perform a medical examination and ask about your aesthetic goals and medical history and then determine whether you are the right candidate for the procedure or not.
Your Mini Facelift Consultation with Dr Kernohan
Ensure your consultation is with a plastic surgeon who is registered with AHPRA as a specialist in plastic surgery. Dr Kernohan will ask you about your general health and examine you as required.
If, after careful assessment, you are eligible for mini facelift surgery expect to discuss the type of surgery, principles of the operation, likely outcomes and potential risks of surgery.
You may have more than one consultation. It is very difficult to take on board all the information in just one consultation, and it is crucial that you have time to think about the information you have heard and get a chance to ask any questions.
Key points to discuss at the consultation include:
- Your expectations and the expected outcomes of surgery
- The benefits of the surgery
- Any concerns about surgery risks, complications or limitations
What is a Deep Plane Facelift Video
Preparing for Mini Facelift Surgery
Before your Mini Facelift Surgery, you will be assessed by an anaesthetist. The assessment covers overviewing your overall health and fitness prior to carrying out the tests and investigations. Most patients are required to undergo a series of blood tests, ECG, and chest x-ray to ensure they are the right fit for the procedure. You will be photographed for hospital records and to give you a before and after comparison.
Make sure to let Dr Kernohan know about any current medications, allergies, and any illnesses you are dealing with at the time of the consultation. Make sure that you are completely satisfied with the information given to you by Dr Kernohan. Every cosmetic surgery comes with its own set of risks and benefits. Make sure you fully understand them prior to committing to surgery.
Dr Kernohan will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for mini facelift surgery. Do not wear makeup and jewellery on the day of the surgery. Make sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery.
Let Dr Kernohan know about all the medications, supplements and herbs you take. You will be asked to quit any blood-thinning and anti-inflammatory medications, supplements and any OTC drugs as they can increase the risk of excessive bleeding. If you smoke, you will be asked to quit smoking several weeks before the surgery as it can hinder your recovery.
Mini Facelift Procedure
Mini Facelift is a complex surgery that can be performed under local or general anaesthesia. Once the anaesthesia is administered, Dr Kernohan will create markings around the hairline and ears.
Once the markings are made, Dr Kernohan will create the incisions. Unlike a traditional facelift, smaller incisions are needed.
After that, the underlying skin tissues are manipulated and excess skin is removed. Dr Kernohan will pull your skin tissue upwards to correct sagging skin. Once the process is completed, he will close the incisions with the help of sutures.
What to Expect After a Mini Facelift?
After the surgery, you will be sent home on the same day (in some cases, Dr Kernohan might ask you to stay overnight). Your face will be covered in dressings and possible drains to eliminate the excess fluid. The stitches will stay in your face for several days. Then you will be required to come in for a follow-up visit.
You will experience bruising, and swelling on the treatment site for the initial few days. It is important to stay clear of physically intensive activities such as intense workouts, heavy lifting and exercises. It can take you several weeks to recover from the surgery.
How Much is a Mini Facelift Surgery in Sydney?
If you want to undergo mini facelift surgery in Sydney, the cost can vary significantly based on the experience and expertise of the surgeon, geographical location, and facility.
Check out the prices and fees page for more information. Or contact Dr Kernohan’s team to set up a consultation now.
Funding Mini Facelift Surgery
Cosmetic procedures performed for aesthetic purposes only are not covered by Medicare or health insurance. Find out more details about Medicare item numbers.
Read more about a Mini Facelift payment plan on the financing options page.
Finding the Right Facelift Surgeon in Sydney
Choosing the right plastic surgeon is one of the most important steps that can ensure the success of your facial surgery. An experienced, talented plastic surgeon can help you achieve the results you desire and minimise the risks and complications that could occur during the recovery period.
Make sure that the surgeon you choose is a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and has years of experience performing Mini Facelift surgeries. Research the credentials and experience of your surgeon thoroughly.
Make sure to take your time in choosing the plastic surgeon for your mini facelift surgery in Sydney. The plastic surgeon should be someone you can connect with and speak freely and honestly about your goals and expectations.
Ask Your Mini Facelift Surgeon the Right Questions
It is important to ask the right questions during the initial consultation with your plastic surgeon:
- Which surgical facility do you recommend for my surgery?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with mini facelift surgery?
- How do you plan to handle any risks and complications?
- What if something goes wrong during the surgery?
- How involved you will be during the recovery phase?
- What if I am not satisfied with the results of the surgery?
Now, that you have done your research, read enough, consulted the surgeon, asked all the right questions, it is time to trust your instinct. If you feel comfortable with the surgeon and can trust him completely, go ahead and proceed with the surgery.
Mini Facelift Surgery FAQs
Here is a list of frequently asked questions we get regarding the mini facelift surgery:
What is the right age to get a mini facelift?
- There is no right and wrong age to get the mini facelift done. However, most people who get the mini facelift surgery are in their 40s and early 50s.
How long will the swelling last post a mini facelift?
- Your face will be quite swollen for the first week. The swelling might get a bit worse before it gets better. Expect most of the swelling to subside in about two weeks. The rest of the swelling will take a few months to go away completely.
How long is the recovery post a mini facelift?
- Recovery time after a mini facelift is shorter than a traditional facelift. Most patients can get back to their day-to-day routine in one to three weeks.
How long will the results of a mini facelift last?
- The results of the mini facelift will last for up to10 years. You don’t have to worry about getting regular touch-ups like it is the case with some non-surgical injectable reatments. Your face will continue to age – using skincare and having stable weight also helps prevent ageing.
