18th Feb 2026
Short-scar Facelift
If you are interested in a short scar facelift or would like to discuss other facelift options then please call to arrange a consultation or get in touch with any questions, we are hear to help.
At Kensington Medical short-scar facelifts are handled by our expert facial surgeons:
Mr David Gateley, has over 30 years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery and was head of Plastics at one of the biggest NHS hospitals in London. His extensive experience in facelifts includes the SMAS, mini facelifts, one stitch facelifts, full facelifts, and neck lifts
Mr Paul Tulley with decades of experience in facial surgery is a Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon. He specialises in all facelifts which include deep plane facelift and neck lift, SMAS, short scar, mini facelift and facial palsy surgery.
If you would like to arrange a consultation to discuss treatment options or simply want further advice, please contact us today by filling in our contact form or calling us on 02045514892.
Definition and Overview
A short scar facelift is a type of facial cosmetic surgery that aims to rejuvenate the lower face and neck area with minimal scarring. Often referred to as a mini facelift or S-Lift, this procedure is also known as mini facelift surgery, offering a less invasive facial rejuvenation option.
The Short scar facelift is designed to restore a more youthful appearance by addressing mild to moderate signs of aging, such as sagging facial skin, sagging jowls, and loose skin on the neck. Unlike a traditional facelift, which involves longer incisions, a short scar facelift uses small incisions, known as a short scar facelift incision, typically made in the temples and in front of the ears. This approach not only minimises visible scarring but also allows for a quicker recovery. The results are natural-looking, making this procedure ideal for patients seeking subtle improvements without dramatic changes. The procedure can be performed under local or general anaesthesia, depending on the patient's needs and comfort, making it a flexible and less invasive option for those seeking facial rejuvenation.
Types of Facelifts
There are several types of facelifts available, each tailored to address different degrees of facial aging and patient goals. The traditional facelift is the most comprehensive option, involving a longer incision that allows for significant facial rejuvenation, making it suitable for those with advanced signs of aging. In contrast, the mini facelift—often referred to as a short scar facelift or S-lift—uses smaller incisions and is ideal for patients with mild to moderate signs of aging who want a refreshed appearance with less downtime and minimal scarring.
For those seeking more advanced correction, the deep plane facelift targets the deeper layers of facial tissue, providing dramatic improvements in facial contours and skin laxity. This technique is particularly effective for patients with more pronounced sagging and deeper wrinkles. Each facelift type, from the mini facelift to the deep plane facelift, offers unique benefits, and the choice depends on the extent of facial aging, desired results, and the patient’s individual anatomy. Consulting with a skilled cosmetic surgeon can help determine which scar facelift technique is best suited to your needs.
Benefits and Advantages of a Short scar facelift
The short scar facelift offers several benefits and advantages over traditional facelifts, making it an attractive option for many patients:
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Minimal Scarring: The shorter incision results in barely visible scarring, making it ideal for those who want to avoid noticeable scars.
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Reduced scarring allows patients to wear their hair short or in a ponytail without visible signs of surgery.
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Less Invasive: The procedure is less invasive than a traditional facelift, resulting in less trauma to the skin and underlying tissues. Short scar facelift surgery is associated with fewer complications, such as reduced bruising and swelling, making it a safer option for many patients.
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Quicker Recovery: The recovery time for a short scar facelift is typically shorter than for a traditional facelift, with most patients able to return to normal activities within a week or two. Recovery from a short scar facelift is generally quicker and more comfortable compared to traditional methods.
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Natural-looking Results: The procedure is designed to produce natural-looking results that enhance the patient’s existing features, rather than dramatically changing their appearance.
These benefits make the short scar facelift a popular choice for those looking to achieve a more youthful appearance without the extensive downtime associated with traditional facelifts.
Short Scar Facelift Surgery
The short scar technique involves making a shorter incision than a traditional facelift, typically in the temples and in front of the ears. This incision is designed to be as inconspicuous as possible, often hidden in the natural creases of the skin. During the procedure, the surgeon elevates and repositions the deeper facial soft-tissue layers, including the SMAS layer (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), and tightens the facial tissues to restore a more youthful appearance. Your plastic surgeon will remove excess skin to further enhance the facial appearance and achieve a smoother, more youthful look.
Fat grafting can also be performed in conjunction with the facelift to restore volume to areas such as the hollows under the eyes and temples. Procedures like lower blepharoplasty and upper eyelid lift can be combined with a short scar facelift for comprehensive facial rejuvenation, addressing concerns in the lower eyelid area. Achieving good neck contours is a key consideration in selecting the appropriate surgical approach. This technique allows for effective facial rejuvenation while minimising visible scarring and reducing recovery time. The procedure can be performed under general anaesthesia or under local anaesthesia or twilight sedation to reduce risks.
Target Areas
The short scar facelift is specifically designed to rejuvenate the lower face and neck, targeting areas where aging is most noticeable. This scar facelift technique effectively addresses sagging skin, loose skin along the jawline, and the development of jowls, helping to restore youthful facial contours. The procedure also improves the appearance of the nasolabial folds (the lines running from the nose to the corners of the mouth), marionette lines, and the pre-jowl area, resulting in a smoother, more defined lower face.
For patients seeking more comprehensive facial rejuvenation, the short scar facelift can be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as eyelid surgery, to further enhance the overall effect. By focusing on these key target areas, the short scar facelift offers a natural-looking lift and a refreshed appearance with minimal scarring and downtime.
Ideal Candidates
The ideal candidate for a short scar facelift is typically someone in their 40s or 50s who is experiencing mild to moderate signs of aging in the lower face and neck area. This may include:
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Sagging skin on the neck and jowls
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Loose skin on the face and neck
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Deepening nose to mouth lines
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Loss of youthful roundness in the cheeks
However, this procedure may not be suitable for everyone. Those who are not ideal candidates for a short scar facelift include:
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Older patients, as the procedure is generally not recommended for older individuals or those with significant loose skin, particularly around the neck
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Those with significant loose skin on the neck or face
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Those who require more extensive facial rejuvenation, such as a traditional facelift or neck lift
In some cases, more extensive procedures may be required to remove excess skin, which may require removal of additional tissue to achieve optimal results.
For these individuals, other options like a traditional facelift or neck lift may be more appropriate to achieve the desired results.
Comparison to Traditional Facelifts
A short scar facelift is often compared to a traditional facelift, which involves a longer incision and more extensive facial rejuvenation.
A traditional facelift can produce more dramatic results. It can also carries a higher risk of complications and does require a longer recovery time.
A short scar facelift is a more subtle and less invasive procedure that is designed to produce natural-looking results with minimal downtime.
Deciding on what is best between a short scar facelift and a traditional facelift will depend on the individual’s specific needs and goals, listening to the plastic surgoen and what adice they give. Not everyone is suited to a short scar facelift. If you are seeking a less invasive option with a quicker recovery time, the short scar facelift may be an option to discuss with our facial plastic surgeons.
Risks and Considerations
While a short-scar facelift is considered a safe and effective surgical procedure, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and considerations. Although the incisions are smaller compared to a traditional facelift, there is still a risk of scarring. However, these scars are typically hidden in the natural creases of the face, making them less noticeable.
As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of asymmetry, where one side of the face may not perfectly match the other. This can often be corrected with additional surgery if necessary. Nerve injury is another potential risk, which can result in temporary or permanent numbness or weakness in the face. Infection is also a possibility, though it can be managed with proper wound care and antibiotics.
Delayed wound healing is another consideration, which can lead to more noticeable scarring or other complications. Additionally, there is a risk of facial nerve damage, which can result in weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles. Patients are advised to stop smoking before the procedure to improve healing and reduce complications. Attending all follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon is vital to ensure proper healing after a short scar facelift. It’s essential to discuss these risks with your surgeon to determine if a short-scar facelift is the right choice for you.
Aftercare and Recovery
After undergoing a short-scar facelift, following a comprehensive aftercare and recovery plan is crucial to achieving the best results. Rest is essential during the initial recovery period. Avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting or bending, for at least two weeks to allow your body to heal properly.
At Kensington Medical your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort or pain you may experience. Swelling and bruising are common after a short-scar facelift, but applying ice packs to the affected areas can help reduce these symptoms. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions for wound care, including cleaning and dressing the incisions to prevent infection and promote healing.
We wil organise a set of post operative appointments to ensure recovery is going well. Attending all follow-up appointments with our plastic surgeon is vital to ensure proper healing and to address any concerns that may arise. Following the aftercare guidelines can help ensure a smooth recovery and achieve the best possible outcome from your short-scar facelift.
Results and Longevity
The results of a short-scar facelift can be long-lasting, with many patients enjoying a more youthful appearance for several years. On average, the results can last up to 10 years, depending on individual factors such as skin quality, lifestyle, and genetics. However, it’s important to remember that the natural ageing process will continue, and additional procedures may be necessary to maintain your youthful appearance.
To prolong the results of your short-scar facelift, it’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and protecting your skin from the sun, applying sunscreen 50+ and keeping environmental stressors to a minimum. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also help preserve your results.
Choosing a Qualified Surgeon
Selecting a qualified surgeon is crucial for a successful short-scar facelift. Start by looking for a surgeon who is board-certified in plastic surgery and has extensive experience with short-scar facelifts and facial cosmetic surgery. Reading reviews and asking for referrals from friends or family members can also provide valuable insights.
Schedule a consultation with the surgeon to discuss your goals and expectations. During this meeting, ask about the surgeon’s approach to short-scar facelifts, including the technique and incision placement. By choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon and following a proper aftercare and recovery plan, you can achieve optimal results from your short-scar facelift and enjoy a youthful appearance for years to come.
Preparation and Planning
Proper preparation and planning are key to achieving the best results from short scar facelift surgery. The process begins with a thorough consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon, who will assess your facial structure, skin quality, and overall health to ensure you are an ideal candidate for a scar facelift. During this appointment, you’ll discuss your goals, review your medical history, and identify any medical conditions or medications that could affect the procedure or recovery.
Your surgeon may recommend certain pre-surgery steps, such as stopping specific medications that can increase bleeding risk, quitting smoking to promote better healing, and avoiding heavy lifting in the weeks leading up to your facelift surgery. Following these guidelines helps ensure proper healing and reduces the risk of complications. Careful planning with your cosmetic surgeon will set the stage for a smooth surgical experience and optimal results from your short scar facelift.
Cost and Financing
The cost of a short scar facelift can vary based on several factors, including the surgeon’s expertise, the complexity of the procedure, and the location of the cosmetic surgery clinic. On average, patients can expect the price for a short scar facelift to range from £8,000 to £15,000. While this investment in facial rejuvenation may seem significant, many clinics offer flexible financing options to help make the procedure more accessible. At Kensington Medical a short scar facelifts cost £9,400.
Short-scar facelifts at Kensington Medical
If you would like to know more about a short scar facelift and find out if you are suitable then please call to arrange a consultation or get in touch with any questions, we are hear to help.
Please contact us by filling in our contact form or phoning 02045514892.
The short scar facelift is a highly effective facial rejuvenation procedure that delivers natural looking results with minimal scarring and a shorter recovery time compared to traditional facelift surgery. By understanding the different types of facelifts, preparing thoroughly, and targeting the right facial areas, patients can achieve a refreshed appearance and a more youthful look.
Choosing an experienced cosmetic surgeon who specialises in short scar facelift surgery is essential for achieving the best possible outcome. With careful planning, most patients can enjoy the benefits of a short scar facelift—restoring confidence and enhancing facial contours for years to come.