A mini lift, also called a weekend facelift, is a less invasive surgical procedure that addresses mild to moderate signs of facial aging. Unlike a traditional facelift, it focuses on the lower face and jawline, uses shorter incisions, and involves a quicker recovery time. Dr. McCollough offers this mini facelift in Gulf Shores to those with minimal sagging or those seeking subtle improvements with natural-looking results.
The Mini-Lift vs. the Face Tuck
Today, there is a lot of confusion as to what constitutes a “face lift”. In order to appeal to the masses, commercialized ventures often apply cute and easy-sounding names to the procedure.
The term, “face lift” has also been used to describe a renovation of a building, restructuring of a business, topical creams and lotions that are applied to the skin, threads that are placed under the skin of the face and part of a comprehensive and professionally-administered rejuvenation process to reverse the undesirable signs of aging.
The term “mini-lift” has been used to describe surgical procedures that provide minimal and short-term improvements in a person’s face and neck—and I emphasize “short term”.
If you are seeking a way to refresh your appearance, or help maintain the enhanced appearance that you obtained with prior facial surgery, and wish to continue turning back the clock of aging, the procedure that Dr. McCollough identifies as a “Face Tuck” procedure offers a way to do just that. These youth-maintaining lifts are less extensive and, therefore, less expensive than primary lifts, that often include liposuction to remove unwanted fat in the lower cheeks and neck and strategic suspension of sagging muscles. You should know that most “mini-lifts” do not properly address the muscles of the face and neck, or unwanted fatty tissues.
However, for patients in their thirties—whose skin still has a goodly amount of elasticity, and who are just beginning to notice the sagging of the jowls and jawline—a less-invasive cheek-neck lift, coupled with liposuction can often restore a more youthful appearance without the longer recovery associated with more comprehensive facelifts.
It is important to note that—while a Facial Tuck often does—a “mini lift” does not include addressing the multiple aspects of facial aging, particularly issues in the upper face, such as forehead wrinkles, sagging, or bulging eyelids. For these concerns, additional procedures like brow tucks, or eyelid tucks may be necessary. Therefore, a consultation with an experienced and board-certified facial or comprehensive plastic surgeon is crucial to determining if a mini facelift in Gulf Shores is the right choice for your specific needs.
How Often Do You Need Tuck-Ups?
No matter how snugly skin and underlying tissues are suspended at the time of surgery, in time, they will loosen. And the tighter the muscles and skin are pulled, the more unnatural are the results. This is why Dr. McCollough exercised the principle that he takes away what the tissue will give him, and no more—that “more” is not always “better”.
it is impossible to predict when—and to what extent—the signs of aging may reappear. Genetics, age differences, ethnic backgrounds, stress, illness, nutrition, compliance with post-operative instructions, etc., all play a role in how soon “tuck-up” procedures may be indicated or considered. However, as long as the patient maintains good health, it is possible to keep moving one back on the “conveyor belt of time” with such a maintenance program so that patients can maintain a more youthful appearance even though chronologically they may be much older. We like to evaluate patients every 12-24 months following facelift surgery.
Mini Facelift
Before & Afters
*Each patient is unique, and individual results may vary.
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Patient Testimonials
”One of the best decisions I made was going to Dr McCollough. He and his staff are so caring, knowledgeable and friendly. It is obvious that everyone you meet here loves their job! Dr McCollough has taken amazing care of me and I’m so happy with my results! He always takes time with his patients and I never feel rushed. He explains everything completely and answers your questions. The after care is wonderful. They have beautiful, relaxing villas on the grounds you can recover in. I’m so happy I went here and will continue to go here always. So if you’re reading reviews wondering what to do….. call them and set up a consult with Dr McCollough! You’ll be glad you did
-S.L.
Tuck-Ups After a Primary Facelift
When discussing “tuck up” procedures with my patients, I often use the following example: I point to the painting on the wall of my consultation or exam room and say the following: “If this room needed to be repainted—and we used the same color paint—one coat would suffice. However, if we chose to change colors, the job would require a base coat and two top coats. The same is true with facial rejuvenation procedures. We’ve already done the foundational work, we just need to add one coat to freshen the appearance of the room.”
So, with face-lifting, after the foundation work that was performed under the skin by the original facelift surgery, it is encouraging to see the long-lasting improvement that can often be obtained by “tuck-ups.”
The incisions and scars are in about the same places as with a facelift, but the recovery period is usually shorter.
So, for any person who wishes to obtain—and maintain—a more youthful, and natural appearance, the ideal situation is to have a facelift and follow with a “tuck-up” whenever noticeable new sagging develops. The results can be gratifying—and lasting.
Schedule Your Facial Consultation
With Dr. McCollough
Dr. McCollough is an internationally recognized expert in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery who believes that a more youthful—and natural-looking—appearance paves the way for enduring health and happiness. With numerous board certifications and a distinguished career that includes co-authoring major textbooks on facial and nasal plastic surgery, Dr. McCollough guides his patients to everlasting vitality. Located near the beaches of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, McCollough Plastic Surgery offers a trusted destination for a comprehensive transformation and ongoing enhancement of your appearance and overall well-being. Schedule your consultation for a mini facelift in Gulf Shores today.
