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Will My Mini Facelift Look Natural?

Are you considering facial plastic surgery to enhance your appearance, but feeling anxious about maintaining your natural look? Rest assured, aesthetic medicine has improved by leaps and bounds. Gone are the days of invasive surgeries requiring lengthy recovery times and delivering less-than-stellar results. Some of today’s options are so quick and convenient that you can have them done on your lunch break and return to work immediately after.

Though a mini facelift is a surgical procedure, it is minimally invasive, relatively quick, and offers less downtime than a traditional facelift. In addition, it subtly addresses sagging cheeks and jawlines. Also known as a short-scar facelift, it involves less extensive incisions made behind the ears or in the hairline above the temples. And the great news is its benefits typically last up to 10 years.

Mini Facelift vs. Traditional Facelift

While a conventional facelift targets the neck and the lower two-thirds of your face, a mini facelift is customizable to address specific trouble spots, such as the jowls or midface. Perhaps the most significant differences between the two proven techniques are scar length and downtime.

Compared to a full facelift, a mini facelift involves smaller incisions that will heal virtually invisibly. Though your surgeon will tighten the underlying muscles, there is less complexity involved. In contrast to the traditional facelift recovery timeline of about two weeks, a mini facelift can have you back to your usual routine in approximately a week. 

Another significant distinction between the traditional facelift and a mini facelift is the typical patient age. The mini faceliftis a popular choice for patients who are in their 40s and 50s.

Mini Facelift Delivers Natural Results

A mini facelift provides a plethora of physical and emotional benefits. Your hairline and facial contours easily conceal the incisions. As a result, it offers less bruising, swelling, and tenderness than other facial surgeries. It also complements your natural facial features, enhancing your beauty by resolving your degree of wrinkles and skin laxity.

Patients tell us they feel a boost of confidence soon after the surgery, making a tremendous difference in their self-esteem and quality of life.

An Excellent Complement to Non-Surgical Treatments

We find a short-scar facelift pairs beautifully with other treatments, including BOTOX®, dermal fillers, and Fraxel laser resurfacing. In addition, by combining two or more procedures in one session, you can experience a more comprehensive outcome to enhance your appearance and natural look.

With minimal recovery for each treatment, there is no added downtime, and your results will be a subtle improvement that will not make anyone suspect you’ve had work done.

Is a Mini Facelift Right for You?

There are benefits to each facelift technique offered at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg. The two approaches achieve outstanding results and offer our patients a customizable approach to enhanced beauty and appearance. To schedule a consultation to discuss optimal treatment options, reach out to us online or call us today at (540) 371-7730.

5 Areas of the Face That Can Be Improved with Fillers


When you look in the mirror, the signs of aging you see on your face can be distressing. Beginning as early as your 30s or even late 20s, fine lines around the mouth and nose, dark circles under the eyes, and drooping upper eyelids, little by little, have started appearing.

Many contributing factors can be causing these irritating symptoms: smoking, stress, lack of sleep, excessive sun exposure, and genetics are all to blame for the early signs of aging.

Fortunately, the board-certified plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg in Virginia have several non-surgical options in the form of injectable dermal fillers that can rejuvenate your face and help turn back the clock on aging.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Also known as injectable fillers, dermal fillers are a valuable tool in restoring fullness and volume to your face, ultimately reducing the appearance of age-related lines, wrinkles, and other flaws. Many patients experience facial fat and volume loss as a natural consequence of the aging process.

Fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin with a blunt tip cannula. Many of the elements injected, such as hyaluronic acid and collagen, occur naturally in the skin, making them well-received by most patients. Even better, injections require no recovery time and provide immediate results!

We offer a comprehensive selection of hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers, specifically formulated for specific skin areas, to patients in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area. These include:

  • Juvéderm® Voluma
  • Juvéderm® Ultra
  • Juvéderm® Ultra Plus
  • Restylane®
  • Restylane® Lyft
  • Restylane® Silk

Dermal Fillers, A Noninvasive Alternative

Dermal fillers are highly effective and easily customized for each patient, addressing specific problem areas. For long-lasting results, patients can maintain their results by following a customized treatment plan with routine scheduled treatments.

Curious about how your face could benefit from filler injections? Check out this list of five common areas where dermal fillers can be used!

1. Cheeks and Temples: Added Contour, Curve, and Lift

The rich formula of Juvéderm® Voluma can create more structured-looking cheekbones and add plumpness to your temples, adding a more youthful look to your mid-face.

2. Smile Lines: Smoothed Nasolabial Folds

Filler applied to the mid-face fills in the smile lines and wrinkles known as nasolabial folds, providing a perfect balance of flexibility and smoothness. It’s an ideal treatment for an area that constantly moves as you talk and smile.

3. Lips: Volumized, Smoothed Vertical lines, Improved Symmetry

Not only can we use dermal fillers to achieve natural-looking volume in our lips, but they can also smooth vertical lip lines and wrinkles that form around the lips.

4. Chin: Balanced Proportions, Added Definition

By adding definition to the chin, fillers can create an improved, balanced, and better-defined profile. Many patients are surprised at how much more youthful they look with artfully placed filler injections creating a slimmer chin, together with filled-in lines and wrinkles.

5. Jawline and Neck: Smoothed, Confident, Youthful

The highly cohesive Juvéderm® Voluma formula can be applied along the bony jawline area, strengthening the natural contours, smoothing horizontal wrinkles and lines in the neck.

Take the Next Step, Refresh Your Appearance!

Are you tired of fine lines and wrinkles on your face? Then dermal fillers or other non-invasive facial rejuvenation may be your best move towards refreshing your appearance.

Since no surgery is involved, the recovery time associated with injectable fillers is virtually nonexistent. Patients can quickly complete a filler treatment and then continue with their daily routine, even returning to work the same day.

For more information, schedule a consultation at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, conveniently located near downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Call us today at (540) 371-7730 to start your path towards a more youthful appearance!

The Major Benefits of the Mini Facelift

Sometimes, a small procedure can have big benefits. If you’re between the ages of 35-50, the mini facelift can help you achieve a naturally revitalized look—without the downtime associated with conventional facelift surgery. The mini facelift is used to correct the early signs of aging, such as deep nasolabial folds, sagging cheeks, and jowls. It can also be combined with complementary treatments, like BOTOX® and dermal fillers, for more comprehensive rejuvenation.

4 Advantages of the Mini Facelift

Though mature patients (those over age 50) often require a full facelift to reverse the visible signs of aging, mini facelift surgery is usually the best choice for younger patients. This procedure has a number of benefits that make it an appealing alternative to conventional facelift surgery:

  1. The mini facelift requires very little recovery time.

Most people only need to rest for three to five days after having a mini facelift. Likewise, they generally experience a comfortable recovery period as this procedure produces minimal swelling and bruising. Mini facelift surgery is, therefore, the most practical choice for patients who are juggling work obligations with a busy family life.

  1. You’ll enjoy long-lasting results.

Though injectable compounds are peerless when it comes to ease of treatment (and recovery), temporary treatments aren’t right for everyone. Those who don’t want to commit to having “top up” injections of BOTOX® or dermal fillers every three to six months typically prefer the longevity of surgical results. Just one mini facelift can last for five years or longer, depending on your age and lifestyle.

  1. You won’t have to worry about scarring.

The incisions made during mini facelift surgery are very short, so they don’t create visible scars or lead to hair loss. Usually, incisions are made around the patient’s ears in order to hide scar tissue within the natural crease of the ear.

  1. The mini facelift produces more natural-looking results for younger patients.

Mini facelift surgery won’t make your face look “tight,” and it won’t make you look like a different person. By making powerful yet subtle adjustments to the tissues that support the face, this procedure treats the core causes of early aging without pulling or removing any skin.

Choosing the Right Type of Mini Facelift

The term “mini facelift” doesn’t refer to a single standardized procedure. Instead, this label is applied to a number of different facial rejuvenation methods that are less invasive than conventional facelift surgery. In fact, some mini facelifts don’t involve surgery at all; they may be completed with sutures or a series of injectable treatments. To ensure that you get the thorough, long-lasting results you want, it’s important to seek out a proven procedure like the “S lift” or the mid facelift. The S lift and mid facelift work by lifting the system of muscles that support the cheeks, thereby raising the jowls and restoring facial fat pads to a more youthful position. Procedures that don’t incorporate these steps can’t change your facial contours in a profound, enduring way.

To learn more about the S lift and mid facelift, contact our team of board-certified plastic surgeons in downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia. During your consultation, our doctors will help you explore your options for facial rejuvenation and develop a personalized treatment plan that works with your lifestyle.

 

Facelift, Mini-Facelift, or Mid-Facelift – What Do I Need?

Are you hoping for some facial rejuvenation? A facelift can restore a youthful appearance to your face by lifting sagging skin, tightening muscles, and repositioning sagging tissues. You don’t need to wait until advanced aging has occurred to enjoy the rejuvenating benefits of a facelift.

In addition to our traditional facelift, we also offer a mini-facelift and a mid-facelift. Which option is best for you?

Facelift vs. Mini-Facelift vs. Mid-Facelift

A facelift, a mini-facelift, and a mid-facelift all rejuvenate the face, but they vary in the areas they treat and in the extent of aging they can successfully repair. A well-timed mini or mid-facelift can often delay or even eliminate the need for a full facelift later.

  • Mini-Facelift- The mini-facelift–or S-lift—is typically performed on patients in their 50s or 60s. It can be customized to focus on your trouble spots, including jowls. Incisions are shorter. With a mini-facelift, the muscles are tightened but not cut. Recovery is typically easier and takes about a week. Incisions are made in the hairline behind the temples and/or behind the ears.
  • Mid-Facelift- The mid-facelift is ideal for patients patient’s in their 40’s with aging in the cheeks but not in the chin or jowls. There is dramatic rejuvenation with volume restoration in the cheeks. Recovery takes about a week. Incisions are made behind the hairline, above the ear, and under the upper lip, therefore the incisions are completely hidden.
  • Facelift- A facelift provides dramatic rejuvenation to the lower and mid-face. You’ll see changes to the cheeks, under the eyes, chin, jowls, etc. It is often performed on patients in their 60s or 70s. A facelift combines and increases the results you would expect from a mini and mid-facelift.

Do I Need a Mid-Facelift, a Mini-Facelift, or a Full Facelift?

If you’re ready to rejuvenate your face, give us a call and learn about your options. After a consultation, we can help you determine if you need a full facelift, a mini-facelift, or a mid-facelift. We can also recommend other treatments to address your problem areas. Facelift surgeries are often combined with other facial rejuvenation treatments, such as dermal fillers, BOTOX®, eyelid surgery, neck lift surgery, etc.

When it comes to turning back the clock, you have options. Call 540-371-7730 today and schedule your consultation.

Head Off the Signs of Aging with a Mini Facelift

Who do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you look young and vibrant or are you starting to see the signs of aging? You don’t have to wait for advanced facial aging to do something about it. Fight back against Father Time with a mini-facelift. A less invasive procedure early on can save some patients from needing a full facelift later. Ask us about our mini-facelift by calling 540-371-7730.

What Is a Mini-Facelift?

A mini-facelift is a surgical procedure to help reverse common signs of aging. This treatment is highly customized to your problem areas. If you have jowls, we’ll focus on those. If you need treatment in the mid-facial area, we’ll target that. This treatment is designed around your specific problem areas and needs. It is less invasive than a full facelift and often requires a much shorter recovery period. Some people call it the “weekend facelift”.

How Is a Mini-Facelift Different than a Traditional Facelift?

A mini-facelift is a modified form of the traditional facelift. It is sometimes referred to as an “S-Lift” because the incisions are shorter and smaller. We typically place incisions behind the ears or in the hairline behind the temples. With a mini-facelift muscles are tightened but not cut. The surgery takes about 2.5 hours to complete. Recovery is much shorter—typically 5-7 days.

What Is a Good Age for a Mini-Facelift?

Our mini-facelift patients are typically in their late 40s and 50s. The key to a successful treatment is to come in before the signs of aging are advanced. If you have one or two problem areas or general aging, come discuss your options. Although age can help you determine if the time might be right for a mini-facelift, the more important factor is your appearance. During your consultation we can help you determine if you’re ready for surgery and if a mini-facelift or a traditional facelift would be the most appropriate.

If you aren’t quite ready for a mini-facelift, we can recommend injectable products (like BOTOX® and dermal fillers) and laser treatments to address your areas of concern. Our consultations are one of the best ways to determine your ideal course of action.

Could you benefit from a mini-facelift? Call today and schedule your consultation.

What’s the Difference Between the Facelift, the Mid-Facelift, and the Mini-Facelift?

Has your face lost its youthful look? Do you want to lift and rejuvenate? A facelift may be the solution you’re after. But when it comes to a facelift, what type do you need? Here at Plastic Surgery Services of Frederickburg we offer the traditional facelift, a mid-facelift, and a mini-facelift. Which is right for you? Check out the differences below.

Were you thinking of or planning a life style lift, or did you have a life style lift and have further questions? Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg is pleased to offer free consultations.  Call us at 540-371-7730 to schedule your consultation where you can discuss all your options and get answers to any questions you have.

Facelift

The traditional facelift lifts and tightens skin across the face. This procedure can be done on its own, but is often paired with other procedures like a mid-facelift, brow lift, facial liposuction, or a neck lift. During facelift surgery incisions are made around the ears and behind the hair line. The surgeon removes excess fat, cuts and tightens muscles, and redrapes the skin. A facelift can significantly improve the appearance of the lower half of the face. When paired with liposuction, a facelift can reduce eliminate a double chin. Facelift recovery usually requires a couple of weeks off from work.

Mid-Facelift

The mid-facelift is a new innovation in facelift surgery. This procedure allows the surgeon to lift and tighten tissues that aren’t affected by a traditional facelift. This surgery tightens skin in the cheeks and lower eyelids by elevating the fat pad in the cheek. This revolumizes the face and restores fullness to the eye and cheek areas. Dermal fillers can provide similar results, but aren’t as permanent.

Recovery is much faster than a traditional facelift (most patients take about a week off from work). This procedure can be performed on its own, but is often paired with a traditional facelift. When combined with a facelift the mid-facelift helps to create a more natural, revitalized look. Performed on its own, this procedure is often done on younger patients for a boost without a full lift.

Mini-Facelift

For patients in their late 40s and early 50s, a mini-facelift can really turn back the clock. If performed early on the mini-facelift may prevent the signs of aging before they become obvious and may reduce the need for more extensive cosmetic surgeries down the road. This procedure is highly customizable and can be custom tailored to your trouble areas. The incisions are smaller and shorter than with a regular facelift. Muscles are tightened, but not cut. Recovery is much easier than with a regular facelift and takes about a week.

Which facelift is right for you? Come see us and we’ll help you find the best option for your face. Call us today and schedule your consultation.

Facelift, Mini-facelift, Mid-facelift: What’s the difference?

Q: How long is the recovery time?

Approximately one week.

Q: How long does a facelift last?

A patient will always look at least 10 years younger, but they will continue to age. EX: If you have your facelift at 60 you will look 50 10years later you will look 60 again, but you are now 70.

Q:How is a facelift different than a mini-facelift or mid-facelift?

The incision for a full face lift is longer providing for greater correction of skin laxity on the neck. A mid face lift only provides for greater fullness in the cheeks.

Q: I have excess skin around my cheeks, which would be best for me?

Mid face lift for early aging changes with volume loss on checks, very rejuvenating for those in the 30’s – 40’s.  Mini face lift for volume loss on cheeks along with correction of jowling and skin laxity in the cheeks and neck.  Full Face lift correction of both listed above with excessive skin laxity.

Q: Is recovery from a mini or mid facelift quicker than a full facelift?

All require about one week for recovery.

Q:How long should swelling and numbness last after a facelift?

Bruising and swelling lasts about one to two weeks, numbness last approximately one month.

Q:How can I avoid getting a pulled up look from a facelift?

The key is to provide increased volume in the cheeks and not a flat and taut look.

Q:How to avoid bruising after a facelift?

Keeping your head elevated, avoid NSAID’S prior to surgery, and Arnica may be used to help reduce the bruising and swelling.

Q:What are potential facelift side effects?

Bruising, swelling, and transient numbness.

Q:Will I have visible scars from a facelift?

The scars should hide well around the ears.

Q: Is there a non-surgical alternative for facelift?

Other options are fat transfer, fillers, BOTOX®, Fraxel laser, peels, laser liposuction of the neck.  These will soften the signs of aging; however, none of these will provide the same quality result as surgery.