At ProDerm Skin & Surgery, we offer the Awake Mini Facelift as a less invasive option for facial rejuvenation. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia, sometimes with mild sedation, allowing patients to remain awake but relaxed and comfortable. By targeting the lower face and jawline, the awake mini facelift provides natural, refreshed results with shorter incisions, quicker recovery, and fewer risks compared to a traditional facelift performed under general anesthesia.
Treatment Overview
Discomfort: Moderate — local anesthesia and mild sedation are used to ensure comfort.
Recovery Time: Typically 1–2 weeks, faster than a full facelift.
Insurance Coverage: Considered a cosmetic procedure and not covered by insurance.
What It Is
- A Mini Facelift: Focuses on the lower face, jawline, and sometimes neck. The “mini” refers to shorter incisions and a more limited lift compared to a full facelift.
- Awake Anesthesia: Instead of general anesthesia, local numbing and mild oral sedation are used, reducing risk while keeping you comfortable throughout the procedure.
How It Works
- Incisions – Small incisions are typically made around the ears, often hidden in natural creases or along the hairline.
- Tissue Adjustment – Excess skin and fat are removed, and the underlying muscle layer (SMAS) may be gently tightened for longer-lasting results.
- Target Areas – Focuses on sagging skin in the lower face, jowls, and upper neck for a smoother, firmer jawline and neckline.
Benefits
- Enhanced Safety – Avoids risks associated with general anesthesia.
- Faster Recovery – Less invasive with shorter downtime.
- Outpatient Procedure – Typically completed in-office, allowing patients to go home the same day.
- Visible Results – Patients often notice improvement quickly, with continued refinement as swelling subsides.
- Cost-Effective – Reduced anesthesia and operating time may make this procedure more affordable than a traditional facelift.
Potential Results
Patients who undergo an awake mini facelift can expect:
- A more defined jawline and neckline
- Reduced jowls and sagging in the lower face
- Subtle, natural-looking improvement rather than an “overdone” look
- Results that may last up to a decade, though the aging process will continue
Aftercare & Recovery
Mild swelling, bruising, or tightness are normal after the procedure and typically improve within 1–2 weeks. Most patients return to normal routines sooner than with a full facelift. Detailed aftercare instructions will be provided to support healing and ensure the best cosmetic outcome.