Explore the mini facelift, also called an S Lift, with Dr. Johnny Mao. Learn about candidacy, the procedure, and recovery as you consider your options for mild lower-face laxity.
An S Lift, also known as a weekend or mini facelift, is an alternative to the traditional facelift procedure and offers a more youthful and refreshed appearance through a less invasive, safer procedure. The procedure is named for the S-shaped incision that is made in front of the ear, which is typically hidden by the hairline and natural creases of the face and ears.
The S Lift procedure offers patients a smoother, refreshed, and more youthful appearance as it lifts the skin of the cheeks, neck and jowls, and removes excess fat from the area. A facelift treats the lower two-thirds of the face, restoring a youthful appearance to the areas that are most often affected by the effects of aging.
The best candidates for the S Lift procedure are patients who are in good overall health and have laxity in the lower facial area. Most patients are between the ages of 40 and 65 and looking to restore a more youthful appearance to their face. An S Lift is often sought by younger patients at the first sign of sagging skin in order to maintain their youthful appearance. The results for these patients are often more natural.*
It is important for potential patients to have realistic expectations in order to be satisfied with their results. Since the S Lift procedure is not as extensive as a traditional facelift, it is best suited for patients wishing to correct mild lower face laxity. Patients that require extensive cheek and neck lifting may not achieve their desired results with this minimally invasive procedure.
The Mini Facelift Procedure
An S Lift is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. After anesthesia is administered, the doctor will make a narrow S-shaped incision just in front of the ear. The skin is then lifted and the underlying muscles and tissues are tightened, and excess fat is removed. The incisions are then closed with small stitches. The whole procedure takes one to two hours to perform and patients can usually return home a few hours later.
Recovery from Mini Facelift Surgery
After returning home, patients may experience some bruising and swelling for up to 10 days after the procedure. These side effects are usually mild and will go away on their own. Your doctor will instruct you on how to conceal any bruising or swelling that may remain when you are ready to return to work. Most patients can return to work and other normal activities a few days after the procedure.* Exercise should be avoided for a month after the procedure.
The stitches used during the S Lift procedure dissolve on their own with a few days, leaving small scars that are minimally visible and can often be concealed by the hairline or natural contours of the face.
What results can I expect?
The results of an S Lift procedure are visible immediately and will continue to improve as swelling and bruising subside. Patients will enjoy a natural, fresher and more youthful appearance in the lower face, jowls and neck after this procedure. Although this procedure does not make patients immune to further effects of aging, it will leave them looking younger than they would have without any procedure.*
Can I combine a mini facelift with other procedures?
This procedure is often performed in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures in order to achieve optimal results. Many patients combine an S Lift with a skin resurfacing procedure. These procedures improve the overall look and texture of the skin and can enhance the refreshed, smoother results of a facelift as well. Since a facelift only treats the lower two-thirds of the face, many patients combine this procedure with an eye or brow lift. A refreshed lower face can often emphasize an aged forehead or tired-looking eyelids, so you may want to discuss your procedure with the doctor in order to ensure the best possible results for you.
Before and After Mini Facelift Results
Frontal view of Mini Facelift 6-months post-op
Oblique view of Mini Facelift 6-months post-op
What are the risks?
Although the S Lift procedure is considered a safe procedure, there are certain risks and complications associated with any type of surgery. Some of these potential complications include bruising, swelling, reaction to anesthesia, asymmetry and infection. Most of these complications are mild and will go away on their own after a short time.
If you are interested in learning more about the S Lift procedure, please call us today to schedule a consultation.
*Individual results may vary.
Individual results and recovery vary. Your consultation provides guidance specific to your needs.
Explore published patient cases related to this treatment at Mao Facial Plastic Surgery. Some cases include multiple procedures; the original case titles and details are retained. Individual results vary.
Get to know the surgeon behind Mao Facial Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Johnny Mao’s practice focuses on facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, with surgical and non-surgical options tailored to individual concerns. A consultation is the opportunity to discuss your features, your goals, and the care that may be appropriate for you.
Visit our Orange office to ask questions about treatment options, recovery, and follow-up, and learn more about Dr. Mao’s background and approach to care.
Injectables, fillers, and laser treatments remain available for patients exploring non-surgical care. Your consultation can help clarify which options fit your goals.
Welcoming patients from Branford, Cheshire, East Haven, Fairfield, Milford, North Haven, Orange, Shelton, Southport, Weston, Westport, Wilton, Woodbridge, New Canaan, Darien, and surrounding Connecticut communities.
Dr. Mao will listen to your concerns, examine your facial anatomy, and discuss surgical and non-surgical options suited to your goals. You will leave with a clear understanding of what to expect.
Facial plastic surgery focuses on procedures of the face, head, and neck — both cosmetic procedures like facelift and rhinoplasty and reconstructive treatments for functional concerns.
Recovery varies by procedure and by patient. Some non-surgical treatments involve little or no downtime. After surgery, the time needed to return to work or routine activities may range from several days to several weeks, while swelling, incision healing, and final results can continue to improve for weeks or months. During your consultation, Dr. Mao will explain the expected recovery timeline, activity restrictions, and follow-up care for the procedure being considered.
Good candidates are in general good health, have realistic expectations, and have specific concerns they would like addressed. A consultation is the best way to find out.
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Meet with Dr. Johnny Mao to discuss your aesthetic goals and available facial rejuvenation options.
