Mini face lift

The principle of the mini-facelift remains the same as that of a conventional facelift, i.e., to re-tension the skin muscles and remove excess skin: it's a treatment for sagging skin, which causes sagging volumes and a tired or sad appearance. But compared with the cervico-facial lift, the procedure is more moderate, less extensive and less invasive. It's a gentler surgical procedure for a very natural result.

Post-operative recovery is also shorter, with less than a week's social withdrawal.

In addition to a mini-facelift, blepharoplasty, liposuction of the neck and jowls, and lipofilling (or lipostructure) of the face can be performed in the same operation.

It is also possible to perfect the result by complementing it with aesthetic medicine techniques such as peeling, hyaluronic acid injections and botulinum toxin injections.

Dr Christelle Santini offers you a personalized, tailor-made solution every time.

This procedure can be performed at the first signs of facial aging.

This cosmetic procedure is not covered by social security.

A pre-operative check-up should be performed.

A consultation with the anaesthetist is compulsory: it should take place no later than 48 hours before the surgical procedure, to enable the anaesthetist to carry out additional tests if necessary.

All medications containing aspirin should be avoided for 10 days prior to surgery.

We strongly advise you to stop smoking at least 1 month before and 1 month after surgery, to facilitate healing and avoid post-operative infection.

You will also be asked to wash your body and hair with Betadine, and to remove your make-up carefully the day before and the morning of the operation.

You must not eat, drink or smoke for 6 hours before the operation.

The mini-facelift is most often performed on an outpatient basis (discharge the same day with the surgeon's approval), but may in some cases require a 24-hour hospital stay. (1 postoperative night in the clinic, with discharge scheduled for the following morning, subject to the surgeon's approval).

Several types of anesthesia are possible for a mini face lift:

• In-depth vigil anesthesia, in which the patient is awake but relaxed and insensitive to pain, thanks to a combination of an analgesic and a neuroleptic,
• A general anaesthetic under which you are completely asleep.

The surgical procedure is lighter than for a facelift, resulting in a shorter convalescence period and lighter post-surgical after-effects.

Dr. Christelle Santini first draws the incisions before the anesthesia, using a surgical marker.

She follows them to incise and loosen the skin, to restore tension to the muscles and skin. Finally, excess skin is removed.

Dr Santini's aim is to perfectly match the curvature of the face, without excessive traction that could harm expression and physiognomy.

The scars are hidden behind the perimeter of the ear, so they are virtually invisible after healing.

A mini face and neck lift takes an average of 1h30.

Dr Christelle Santini will apply a light dressing to the scars before your discharge.

It is strongly recommended that someone accompany you home.
Even if the pain is moderate, he or she will prescribe a painkiller to ensure a comfortable post-operative period.

Following surgery, it is common to experience facial edema (swelling) for 5 to 7 days, ecchymosis (bruising) for around ten days, and tightness related to scarring.

The sutures will be removed by Dr Christelle Santini at her practice between days 7 and 10.

Several post-operative consultations are required to check that the tissues are recovering correctly.

You will be able to shampoo your hair from day 2 and apply make-up from day 7 after surgery.

Hair coloring or perms should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure.

The final result of the mini face and/or neck lift will be visible between the 2nd and 3rd month, and optimal after 6 months.

The results of a mini facelift are generally subtle but effective, offering a more refreshed and rejuvenated appearance without the drastic effects of a full facelift. After the procedure, patients often notice a noticeable improvement in firmness and facial contours, with a faster, less invasive recovery compared to other techniques. Scars are usually discreet, and results can last for several years, depending on the patient's natural aging and lifestyle.

• Maximum one night at the clinic
• 7 days of professional unavailability
• Final result at 6 months

What to do before a mini-facelift?

• 1 to 2 office consultations with medical photography
• Delivery and signature of the estimate with a 15-day forensic delay between the first consultation and the mini face lift
• Anesthesia consultation, blood test

How does a mini-lift procedure work?

• Neuroleptanalgesia or general anesthesia
• 1h30 to 2 hours of intervention
• Outpatient or overnight hospitalization for mini face lift

What is the post-operative course of a mini-facelift?

• Possibility of wearing a press-lift
• Follow-up visit with me and removal of sutures 7 to 10 days after surgery
• Allow 7 to 10 days off work after a mini-lift.
• 1 month off sports after a mini facelift
• 10-day return to work
• Final result after 6 months

What's the difference between a mini lift and a traditional facelift?

The mini lift concerns smaller areas and requires less recovery time. It is also less invasive and often involves smaller scars. The traditional facelift, on the other hand, treats the entire face and can deliver longer-lasting, more complete results.

What is the recovery time after a mini lift?

Recovery time varies from person to person, but most patients can resume normal activities within one to two weeks. However, it is advisable to avoid strenuous physical activity for about a month.

Are the results of a mini lift permanent?

The results of a mini lift are long-lasting, but not permanent. The natural aging process continues, and touch-ups may be necessary after several years to maintain the desired appearance.

What are the risks associated with a mini face lift?

As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks, including infection, bruising or unsatisfactory results requiring further intervention. If the first side effects disappear within a few days, it is necessary to consult an experienced surgeon to avoid further risks.

How long do the results last?

The results of a mini lift can last between 5 and 10 years, depending on factors such as skin quality, lifestyle and natural aging.