18th May 2024
What are the advantages of a short-scar facelift over a regular facelift?
Quicker recovery time:
One of the fundamental advantages of a short-scar facelift is that it requires a shorter recovery time compared to the regular facelift. While conventional facelift patients might require 4-6 weeks to recuperate from a facelift, short-scar facelift patients can be ready to leave soon after the procedure and can expect to be fully recovered within a week. Short-scar facelifts are often referred to as the ‘weekend facelift’ as patients can receive the procedure on Friday and be ready to get back to their regular activity on Monday.
Less pain:
Since short-scar facelifts are less obtrusive, any pain or discomfort felt post-procedure would be minimal. Slight swelling is normal but far less extensive than what can be expected after a conventional facelift.
Local anaesthesia:
Whereas a conventional facelift would require general anaesthesia to complete the procedure, a short scar facelift, in most cases, will only require local anaesthesia. This is because of the lower number of incisions needed to complete the procedure. This can be an advantage to some patients who may experience risks and side effects from anaesthesia.
Ideal if you’re working or have a short timeline in mind
If you are looking to be refreshed and not have dramatic results with a focus on jowls with little skin laxity in the neck area and a focus on a mid-facelift, then this could be the one for you.
What are the limitations of a short-scar facelift?
Shorter lasting results
Facelift procedures that are more intrusive commonly have results that last longer. If short-scar facelift patients keep a healthy lifestyle after their procedure, they can normally anticipate that their results should last somewhere in the range of two to six years. This is different for conventional facelift patients who can expect their results to last a decade or even longer. Of course, the natural ageing process continues even with a facelift.
Results are less dramatic
Because of its less obtrusive nature, short-scar facelifts regularly yield a less dramatic outcome than a conventional facelift. The short-scar facelift is very effective for addressing light to moderate ageing effects on the skin, such as sagging skin. This is one of the reasons why a short-scar facelift is normally suggested for patients in their 40s and 50s who are beginning to show signs of ageing skin. Short-scar facelifts also don’t have a big focus on the neck area and so a conventional neck lift would be needed to address this area.
Who is the ideal candidate for a short-scar facelift?
A short-scar facelift is ideal for patients in their 40s and 50s who are beginning to show early signs of ageing in their skin. A short-scar facelift would be ideal in this case as the extent to the effects of ageing skin is not yet excessive. This allows for a short-scar facelift to reduce and even remove the effects of ageing skin while also allowing patients to get back to their regular day to day activities sometimes within the same day of the procedure
For older patients or patients who have more excessive sagging skin then a regular facelift, deep plane facelift or a SMAS might be the better option. It will be a longer procedure (3-4 hours) and have a longer recovery time (3-6 weeks), but the procedure will be more dramatic and last longer.
Short-scar facelifts at Kensington Medical
If you are interested in a short scar facelift or would like to dicsuss 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 hopsitals in London. His extensive experience in facelifts includes the SMAS, mini facelifts, one stitch facelifts, full facelifts, and neck lifts.
Mr Amir Sadri, is a Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Great Ormond Street NHS Hospital. He has a wealth of epxeriecne in facial cosmetic surgery and includes deep plane facelifts, SMAS, short scar and mini facelifts.
Mr Paul Tulley with decades of experience in facial surgery is a Consultant Plastic and Reconsturctive surgeon. He specialises in all facelifts which include deep plane facelift and neck lift, SMAS, shortscar, 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.