Mini Face Lift (S-Lift) Procedure in South Florida

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What is S-Lift surgery?

An S-Lift is a facelift that helps to restore mild to moderate sagging jowls and tighten the cheek skin. It is less extensive than other facelifts, but also has less downtime. To optimize results, an S-lift is often combined with laser resurfacing which will add additional tightening and smoothing of the skin. An S-lift can be performed under local anesthesia using numbing medication with the tumescent technique. A medication may be given to help you relax. After the procedure, you will have some swelling in your cheeks as well as experience a sensation of tightness. Because of the bruising and swelling with an S-lift, expect to take 7-10 days off from work.

Who is a candidate for S-Lift Surgery?

The S-Lift is ideal for healthy adults who are interested in staying ahead of their natural aging process. There is no strict age guideline dictating when the S-Lift would be ideal. Patients who are in good general health, do not smoke, and understand what this treatment can achieve can enjoy lasting rejuvenation from their lift.

How long does S-Lift Surgery usually last?

The procedure may take about 2 hours, including a brief preparation period in which sedation and anesthetic are administered. Patients do not receive general anesthesia for the S-Lift. The procedure is comfortable with a few injections of local anesthetic followed by a mild infusion of tumescent fluid into the lower face. Tumescent fluid contains a numbing agent as well as other substances that minimize bleeding and help separate the skin and fat from other tissues. Because a mild sedative is given, patients need to arrange to have a loved one accompany them to their procedure, as they cannot drive themselves home.

What do I need to do before the procedure?

Please stop all aspirin or aspirin-related products two weeks before the operation as well as all anti-inflammatory medications including Advil/Ibuprofen/Naproxen/Vioxx/Celebrex or others at least 10 days before the operation. Please stop Ginkgo Biloba, Vitamin E and Vitamin C at least 10 days before surgery. You should arrange to have someone pick you up after surgery as you will not be able to drive.

What can I expect on the day of the surgery?

You should eat a light meal before your surgery. After greeting you and having you fill out the consent forms, Dr. Weiss will mark your face with a surgical pen. You will be given some relaxation medicine and we will then numb your face with injections. Initially, there will be some sharpness from the small needle, but then you will feel only pressure.

What can I expect after the surgery?

You should place ice bags over both of your cheeks for 20 minutes per hour while you’re awake for at least the first 72 hours after the procedure. You should avoid lying down and elevate your head when going to bed. You should take it easy for the next 2 weeks. No heavy physical exertion. You may resume jogging and non-contact sports 3 weeks after the surgery. You may resume more strenuous sports at 6 weeks. You will need to keep the suture areas dry for 48 hours and may gently shampoo your hair 72 hours following the surgery. You will need to return the day following the operation for a dressing change, and so that Dr. Weiss can make sure everything is going well.

What should I expect from my results?

The results from the S-Lift procedure can be immensely gratifying. Patients can expect minor bruising and swelling to subside over 5 to 7 days. We recommend taking one week off work and other obligations to focus on rest and eating well to support tissue healing. Taking good care of the skin through sunscreen use and daily skin care, patients can expect their S-Lift results to last several years. Professional collagen-induction therapy treatments may be performed as needed to help prolong the effects of this rejuvenating procedure.

Can I combine an S-lift with other procedures?

Yes! An S-Lift may be combined with eyelid rejuvenation via blepharoplasty or with non-surgical rejuvenating treatments. For more profound results, many patients combine their S-Lift with some form of laser skin resurfacing. The follow-up resurfacing treatment builds on the outcome of surgery by instigating prolonged collagen production to firm and smooth the skin.

Is S-Lift Surgery painful?

No. Our team ensures that each patient is adequately anesthetized with numbing medications before the procedure begins. Patients may feel the slight pinch of the small needle used to administer lidocaine but, after that, they only feel pressure as the doctor works to reposition and trim tissue. After the procedure, the lower face may feel sore or tender. Pain relievers may be prescribed to assist with comfort, or the patient may take over-the-counter medication to manage this minor side effect.

Will I have scars from an S-Lift?

Scarring is an inherent side effect of all surgical procedures. The S-Lift incisions are made in the most discreet area behind the hairline and just in front of the ears. Once they have healed, patients may apply a scar cream as they wish to facilitate optimal scar healing. Even without a formal scar treatment program, patients usually see their S-Lift scars lighten gradually over several months. Because much of the incision is behind the hairline, there is minimal visible scar tissue.

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

For more information regarding S-Lift Surgery or to schedule a consultation with Hollywood Dermatology & Cosmetic Specialists, call us today at 954.961.1200 or click here to contact us online.

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