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What is a Short Scar Facelift?
A short scar facelift, often referred to as a mini facelift, is a type of facial cosmetic surgery designed to address the early signs of ageing in the mid to lower face region. It’s a less invasive alternative to a traditional, or “full,” facelift.
In a short-scar facelift, the surgeon makes shorter incisions, typically around the ear area, which is why it’s called a “short-scar” facelift. Through these incisions, they then reposition underlying tissues and remove excess skin to create a smoother, more youthful appearance. This surgery primarily focuses on improving the appearance of the jowls and the mid-face area.
Since it’s less invasive, the recovery time for a short-scar facelift is typically shorter than a traditional facelift. The procedure can often be performed under local anaesthesia and might be a good option for people who want to address mild to moderate sagging in the lower face but aren’t quite ready for a full facelift.
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Why might you prefer a short-scar facelift to a regular facelift?
Perfect for those with busy schedules or needing quicker results
If your daily routine doesn’t allow for extended recovery periods, or if you’re looking for a subtle rejuvenation rather than a dramatic transformation, focusing mainly on improving the look of your jowls and mid-face, a short-scar facelift could be the ideal choice for you.
Speedy recovery
One of the biggest benefits of a short-scar facelift is the rapid recovery time. While a traditional facelift might keep patients in recovery for around 4-6 weeks, those who opt for a short-scar facelift can usually head home not long after the operation, and can anticipate being fully healed within a week. It’s often referred to as the ‘weekend facelift’ because you could theoretically have the procedure on a Friday and be back to your normal routine by Monday.
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Minimal discomfort
As the short-scar facelift is less invasive, the level of pain or discomfort you might feel after the procedure is typically quite low. You can expect a bit of swelling, but it’s generally much less severe than what you’d experience following a traditional facelift.
Local anaesthetic
While a regular facelift typically needs general anaesthesia, a short-scar facelift usually only requires local anaesthesia, thanks to the fewer incisions needed to carry out the procedure. This could be a big advantage for some people who might be at risk of certain side effects from anaesthesia.
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Downsides of a Short-Scar Facelift
Doesn’t Last as Long
While more invasive facelift procedures typically provide results that last longer, the effects of a short-scar facelift can usually be expected to last between two to six years, given that the patient maintains a healthy lifestyle post-surgery. This is in contrast to patients of traditional facelifts, whose results can last up to a decade or even more. It’s important to remember, however, that regardless of the type of facelift, the natural ageing process will continue.
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Less Dramatic Results
Due to the less invasive nature of a short-scar facelift, the results tend to be less dramatic compared to a full facelift. The short-scar facelift is primarily effective for treating mild to moderate signs of ageing, such as sagging skin, making it a popular option for individuals in their 40s and 50s who are just starting to notice the signs of ageing.
Doesn’t Target the Neck Area
Another limitation of a short-scar facelift is that it doesn’t address sagging or loose skin in the neck area. This procedure primarily focuses on the face, and specifically the mid-face and jowls. If you’re also concerned about ageing signs in your neck area, you might need to consider a traditional facelift or a separate neck lift procedure.
The Ideal Candidate for a Short-Scar Facelift
The perfect fit for a short-scar facelift is usually a person in their 40s or 50s who are beginning to notice the initial signs of ageing on their skin. This procedure can effectively address and often erase the early ageing effects as the skin’s sagging at this stage is not overly severe. An added bonus of a short-scar facelift is its convenience – patients can often resume their normal daily routines, sometimes even on the same day of the procedure.
However, for older individuals or those with more significant sagging skin, a traditional facelift or SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) lift might be a more suitable choice. While these procedures are more extensive, taking around 3-4 hours to complete and requiring a recovery period of 3-6 weeks, they can provide more dramatic and long-lasting results.
Each person is unique, and the best procedure for you would depend on your individual needs, lifestyle, and expectations. Consulting with a skilled plastic surgeon is crucial to determine the most suitable approach for you.
How long does a short-scar facelift last?
The longevity of a short-scar facelift varies between individuals and depends on various factors such as age, overall health, skin quality, lifestyle, and genetics. However, on average, the results of a short-scar facelift can last for about 5 to 10 years.
A short-scar facelift targets the mid to lower face and is less invasive than a traditional facelift, meaning that it may not last as long as a traditional facelift, which can last up to 15 years in some cases.
It’s important to remember that while a short-scar facelift can reduce signs of ageing, it does not stop the ageing process. Factors such as significant weight fluctuations, smoking, excessive sun exposure, and poor skincare habits can accelerate the ageing process and shorten the longevity of the results.
Regular follow-ups with your plastic surgeon, a healthy diet, regular exercise, good skincare routines, and a healthy lifestyle can help maintain the results for a longer period. Ultimately, how long a short-scar facelift lasts will depend on how well you take care of your skin and overall health after the procedure.
What’s the cost of a short-scar facelift?
The cost of a short-scar facelift can vary widely based on a number of factors, including the surgeon’s experience, the complexity of the procedure, and whether any additional procedures are performed at the same time.
In the UK, you can generally expect to pay somewhere between £4,000 and £8,000 for a short-scar facelift. This is generally less expensive than a traditional, full facelift, which can range from £7,000 to £10,000 or more.
Remember, while cost is certainly an important factor when considering plastic surgery, it should not be the only factor. The surgeon’s experience, the safety and cleanliness of the clinic, and your comfort with the surgeon and staff are all just as important, if not more so.
Short-Scar Facelifts at Centre for Surgery
At Centre for Surgery, our short-scar facelift procedures are performed by our team of expert facial surgeons. With over 50 years of combined experience in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, our surgeons bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to each procedure. Our broad range of expertise encompasses various facelift techniques, such as SMAS, mini facelifts, one-stitch facelifts, full facelifts, and neck lifts.
Our priority is to provide personalised care that focuses on your unique needs and goals. We aim to guide you towards the best treatment plan that can provide optimal results.
Should you wish to discuss treatment options, or simply seek further advice, we’re here to help. You can arrange a consultation at our clinic on Baker Street by getting in touch with us. To contact us, simply fill in our online contact form or give us a call at 0207 993 4849. We’re looking forward to assisting you in your journey towards rejuvenation and renewed confidence.
