Facelifts are performed to address signs of aging on the face, including wrinkles and changes to the overall texture of the skin. The face is one of the first areas on the body to show the signs of aging. Facial laxity occurs due to a variety of factors including loss of collagen, elasticity, and underlying volume loss. Dr. Michael Somenek provides a variation of the standard technique called the mini facelift for Washington DC patients.
Dr. Somenek is highly skilled when it comes to this type of procedure and is double-board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. He has studied under world-renowned facial plastic surgeons and was named the top facial plastic surgeon in the eastern United States by Aesthetic Everything.
What is a Mini Facelift?
Dr. Somenek has created a mini facelift for those patients that are looking to address minor skin laxity and jowling along the jawline. It is a procedure that has smaller incisions and less skin elevation than a standard surgery. This has been referred to by some as a weekend facelift or an extended weekend facelift. The incision is designed to be concealed in the natural skin creases around the earlobe. Because of smaller incisions and a reduced amount of skin elevation, the downtime, swelling, and bruising are less than a standard facelift.
A Mini Facelift in Washington DC addresses:
- Excess skin along the jawline
- Jowls
- Repositions sagging skin in the lower face
Why Choose a Mini Facelift?
If you are concerned with the aging changes along the jawline including the jowls and loose skin in this area, a DC mini facelift might be an appropriate procedure for you. Factors that also contribute to these changes include environmental factors, chronic stress and disease, genetics, smoking, and excessive weight gains and losses. These can all be addressed during the mini rhytidectomy that Dr. Somenek performs in his private state of the art surgery center.
What Specific Issues Can the Mini Version Address?
Mini facelifts are most appropriate for someone with early signs of aging. These can include mild jowls and laxity along the jawline that are contributing to an aged appearance. During the consultation, Dr. Somenek does a thorough assessment of the amount of skin laxity to determine if this is the best procedure for you. If you have an excessive amount of skin or very visible platysmal banding(neck bands), you are probably not an appropriate candidate for a mini facelift. In this case, a full rhytidectomy may be more appropriate for you to address the neck, as well as the lower face.
What Should I Expect During a Mini Facelift?
Dr. Somenek performs his mini facelifts in his state-of-the-art Washington DC surgical facility. Prior to performing the procedure, the face and neck structures are carefully assessed to address all areas of concern. The mini lift involves smaller incisions and minimal skin elevation which decreases the overall amount of downtime associated with the procedure, and it is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to go home shortly after the procedure. Dr. Somenek routinely performs these under local anesthesia which patients tolerate extremely well. We also offer higher levels of anesthesia in our Washington DC surgical facility.
How Effective Is a Mini Facelift?
When performed by a skilled surgeon like Dr. Somenek, the mini facelift is very effective at lifting and tightening the lower face and neck. If desired, it can be completed with a brow lift or other procedures to achieve a more youthful overall appearance.
What Is a Mini Vs. Traditional Facelift?
The mini version of the facelift uses shorter incisions than the typical procedure to the point that scars quickly become barely noticeable. These incisions are most often made under the ears and along folds. There is also less skin removal and tightening, especially in the neck area, compared to a full facelift. For these reasons, some patients can better meet their image goals with a traditional facelift surgery.
What Should I Expect During a Mini Facelift?
Dr. Somenek performs his mini facelift technique in his state-of-the-art Washington DC surgical facility. Prior to performing the procedure, the face and neck structures are carefully assessed to address all areas of concern. The mini lift involves smaller incisions and minimal skin elevation, which decreases the overall amount of downtime associated with the procedure. It is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to go home shortly after the procedure. Dr. Somenek routinely performs these under local anesthesia, which patients tolerate exceptionally well. We also offer higher levels of anesthesia in our Washington, DC, surgical facility.
Who Is a Good Candidate for this Procedure?
The weekend facelift works well for those concerned about the appearance of their neck, lower face, chin, or jawline. Because all surgical procedures carry some risk, you should be in generally good health and able to follow post-operative instructions.
Am I Too Young for a Weekend Facelift?
Younger patients often wonder if they are too young to have this miniature version of the facelift. You should know that most people do not have a procedure like this until they're in their early 40s. However, many factors can impact how the skin ages. During your initial consultation, Dr. Somenek will discuss how this or other non-surgical or surgical procedures, such as a nasal or eyelid surgery, might better help you feel confident in your look. MedSpa services, such as skin resurfacing or injectables, may also help you meet your skin goals.
What is the Downtime That I Can Expect?
The downtime is about 5 days with minor swelling and bruising possible. Dr. Somenek encourages a minimized activity level for the first 5 days to mini lift recovery ensure optimal healing. Discomfort is minimal but pain medication is offered if needed. Sutures are removed around a week after the procedure where you can immediately see a noticeable improvement to the jawline and jowls. Dr. Somenek recommends a few things post-procedure to optimize the appearance of the scars including a silicone scar gel and optional LED treatments to treat the redness associated with the incisions.
How Much Does it Cost?
The price of this procedure varies. Determining mini facelift cost involves factoring in the type of anesthesia used, the amount of time the procedure takes to perform, and many other aspects of the surgery.
Ask Us if a Mini Facelift in Washington DC is Right for You
Patients who are interested in a mini facelift in Washington DC should take the first step: arranging a consultation. If you have further questions regarding the procedure, please call or contact the office of Dr. Michael Somenek today to schedule your initial consultation.
