Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is also known as the HourLift, a rejuvenating facial surgery that uses discreet incisions to lift and smooth the face. Patients who choose to undergo a mini facelift enjoy a more affordable, less invasive way to turn back the clock, as well as shorter recovery time and targeted improvements for the cheeks, lower face, jowls and neck. Most people start to think about a facelift when they find themselves saddened by their reflection, and pushing the skin back towards the ears to see what they used to look like. For those looking for long-term improvements like firmer skin, less sagging, and fewer lines and wrinkles, a mini facelift is an excellent solution. In addition to our offices in Michigan, patients in San Diego and La Jolla now have the ability to experience the dramatic results that Dr. Eric Seiger’s revolutionary HourLift can offer, and join the thousands of satisfied patients that have achieved natural-looking rejuvenation with his advanced version of the mini facelift.

After years of success in Michigan, Skin & Vein now offers men and women in San Diego premier dermatology and cosmetic services at a convenient location on Villa La Jolla Drive. There’s no reason your appearance should keep you from feeling your very best. If you’ve been thinking about a facelift, but are hesitant to commit to the extensive incisions and long recovery times that a traditional facelift requires, you owe it to yourself to learn more about what this transformative procedure can do. For the California office, call 619-704-2100 to schedule a personal consultation and get started.

About Aging

There’s a lot that changes as the years pass, and needless to say, most of those changes are more than skin deep. Nevertheless, the skin on our faces doesn’t get any favors, no matter how vigilant we are about our skincare routine. It’s one of the few parts of our bodies that are always on display, and nearly constantly exposed to the elements. Photodamage and other environmental stressors can accelerate the aging process, in particular the breakdown of collagen, which keeps our skin firm and smooth. And while we notice additional wrinkles and looser, thinner skin as a result, there are also other structural changes that occur as the years pass. The many compartments of fat that give our face its youthful contours atrophy and descend. And on an even deeper level, changes occur in the bone structure of our face, which can leave cheeks looking sunken, and our jawlines less defined.⁽¹⁾  

Other common signs of aging include:

About Facelifts

Before and After Photos

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Luckily, we have a better understanding of these changes than ever before, which has allowed surgeons to develop more effective solutions!⁽²⁾

There’s no shortage of options when it comes to facial rejuvenation. Laser treatments can firm skin and resolve pigmentation issues. Dermal fillers can restore volume in targeted areas. However, in order to truly address the changes that occur beneath the surface of the face, surgical facelifts remain the gold standard. This can be daunting, since many of us are all too familiar with the “stretched” or “wind-swept” appearance that can result from poorly performed facelift surgery. However, when performed by a skilled surgeon who specializes in advanced techniques, patients can look forward to natural-looking results and a refreshed appearance.  

Better understanding of facial anatomy has also allowed surgeons to make more meaningful changes with shorter incisions and less invasive procedures, which means a faster and more comfortable recovery for patients. That’s why more patients today are opting for a mini facelift.

What is a Mini Facelift?

Mini Facelifts use short incisions that are concealed in the natural curves of the ears. Dr. Seiger’s proprietary HourLift is a unique mini facelift and has become an accessible and effective way for patients to achieve a natural-looking, rejuvenated appearance. 

After an HourLift, patients enjoy better jawline definition, smoother skin, with dramatically reduced jowling and tighter neck. 

Dr. Seiger began offering HourLifts over a decade ago, and since then has performed over 6,000 of these transformative procedures. 

What is Included in the HourLift?

The HourLift is an affordable and comprehensive facial rejuvenation package designed to enhance your appearance using a blend of subtle yet effective treatments. The HourLift procedure includes a mini facelift and mini neck lift to gently lift and tighten sagging skin, resulting in a more youthful contour to your face and neck. To enhance volume and smooth out lines, mid-face fillers are used to give your cheeks, chin and under-eye area a natural, more youthful appearance. Botox is then administered to relax the lines at rest and soften wrinkles, particularly around the eyes and forehead for a refreshed look. As an added benefit, a chemical peel may be included, that can be tailored to your skin’s needs be it improved skin texture or pigmentation issues. This all-encompassing procedure provides natural results with minimal downtime, giving you a refreshed, lifted appearance in just a few hours.

Mini Facelift Benefits

Dr. Seiger developed this range of minimally invasive facelift procedures to deliver effective results, and offer patients some well-deserved and significant benefits! 

Advantages of an HourLift include:

The HourLift is a shorter and less invasive procedure, and as a result, dramatically reduces the risk of complications associated with traditional facelifts. While traditional facelift procedures can address a more extensive list of signs of aging, and can potentially last longer in certain patients, there are more potential risks that patients must consider. Many layers of facial tissue are altered during a facelift, particularly during facelifts like the deep plane facelift. These layers contain intricate networks of nerves that control sensation and muscle movement. For those who simply aren’t willing to gamble, a mini facelift performed by a skilled surgeon is a logical alternative. Dr. Seiger is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, American Academy of Dermatology, and the International Society of Dermatology. His extensive experience performing these procedures and outstanding care ensures that patients can confidently expect a safe procedure and exceptional results. Unlike the traditional facelift and other plastic surgeries, a mini facelift can be performed in a few hours. Another advantage is the reduced cost. While a traditional facelift can cost $15,000 – $30,000 or more, Dr. Seiger’s Upper Lift procedure starts $3,900, while his HourLift pricing starts at $7,200 (prices vary per state, call for more information). However, when it comes to patient comfort and savings, another advantage to consider is that the HourLift is safely performed in-office under local anesthesia.

Upper Lift

Not ready for an HourLift? The Upper Lift is a minimally invasive procedure designed to lift and rejuvenate the upper portion of the face, particularly for younger patients. The procedure involves a hidden incision starting at the top of the ear ending behind the temporal hairline (the area behind the temple), to lift the skin in the cheeks and jowls. This provides a more youthful appearance. Recovery time is minimal, typically one to two days, with little to no bruising and minimal to no scarring. The results are natural and enhance the facial contours for a refreshed appearance. This procedure can also be combined with mid-face filler or eyelid surgery for enhanced overall results.

Upper Lift Before and After

*Results may vary

Advantages of Local Anesthesia

Most extended facial surgeries are performed using general anesthesia. And, although it’s used every day, there are considerable risks associated with this form of anesthesia – often more than the actual surgery itself. After general anesthesia is administered, patients aren’t “asleep” – they’re unconscious. Although the patient isn’t aware of any pain, their body is. The barrage of pain signals that occurs during surgery can lead nerves to become hypersensitive, and as a result, patients can experience greater levels of discomfort after surgery that extend further into their recovery. The HourLift is performed using local anesthesia, so the area is completely numb during the procedure, and nerves are spared the stress that occurs during surgeries using general anesthesia. And, because local anesthesia lasts well after the surgery is complete, patients remain numb and comfortable for many hours after returning home. 

Other drawbacks of general anesthesia include:

Mini Facelift Candidates in San Diego and Michigan

Candidates for a mini facelift have a good understanding of what this procedure can achieve. For those who are tired of repeating temporary dermal filler injections, a mini facelift is an appealing alternative with long-lasting results. This procedure focuses on rejuvenation in the lower face, so candidates are typically looking to address early signs of aging, or looking to address jowling and other signs of aging below their cheekbones. However, this procedure can be performed on any patient that fits the criteria, including those who:

Reviews

Personal Consultation 

The best way to determine whether you are a good candidate for a mini facelift is to schedule an appointment for a personal consultation at our La Jolla offices or Michigan. Dr. Seiger employs expert mini facelift consultants who pre-qualify candidates and share information on their suitability for the procedure. In some cases, Dr. Seiger will FaceTime patients or meet with them in the office.

Ready to get started? To reach our San Diego office, call 619-704-2100 to schedule your consultation today! To reach our Michigan office, call  800-439-7546.

Recovery and Results

Mini facelifts have a much shorter recovery time than traditional facelifts, and most patients are able to return to light activity in just three days. In the meantime, you’ll wear be able to manage discomfort and swelling with ice packs. Sutures are removed a week after the procedure. Once any residual swelling has diminished, patients enjoy a younger, refreshed appearance with smoother skin and restored contours. While no one will be able to tell that you’ve had surgery, you can still look forward to the compliments!

How Much Does a Mini Facelift Cost in San Diego?

A mini facelift is considerably more affordable than a traditional facelift, and often only half the price. You’ll be able to discuss your treatment plan and the cost of your procedure following your consultation with Dr. Seiger. Patients that qualify can take advantage of Skin & Vein Center’s financing and payment plans. 

References

1. Swift, A., Liew, S., Weinkle, S., Garcia, J. K., & Silberberg, M. B. (2020). The Facial Aging Process From the “Inside Out.” Aesthetic Surgery Journal. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjaa339 
2. Barrett, D. M., Casanueva, F. J., & Wang, T. D. (2016). Evolution of the rhytidectomy. World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 2(1), 38–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wjorl.2015.12.001 
3. Steadman J, Catalani B, Sharp C, Cooper L. Life-threatening perioperative anesthetic complications: major issues surrounding perioperative morbidity and mortality. Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open. 2017;2(1):e000113. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5887586/