Mini Facelift Houston
Mild facial skin sagging such subtle jowls and marionette lines may become more apparent beyond our 30s and 40s. A mini facelift, may be called a ‘weekend facelift‘ or limited-incision facelift, is a procedure to address these changes and restore youthful lower facial contours. This facial plastic surgery technique offered at our Houston practice – is less invasive, involves shorter incisions, and has a shorter recovery time than a full facelift.
Chaowen Wu, MD, PhD, is a board certified plastic surgeon and leading expert in the mini facelift technique. Dr. Wu is one of the country’s top-trained and most experienced plastic surgeons, focusing exclusively on facial plastic surgery. She performs mini rhytidectomy procedures at her Houston clinic to help patients from Texas around the country to achieve their aesthetic goals with a natural-looking result.
Facelift Before & After Photos
Deep Plane Facelift, Deep Neck Lift
Age: 45-50
Deep Plane Facelift, Neck Lift
Age: 35-40
Deep Plane Facelift, Deep Neck Lift
Age: 35-40
What is a Mini Rhytidectomy?
A mini facelift procedure lifts your jowls, redefines your jawline, tightens your neck skin, and restores youthful appearance. Dr. Wu performs this technique by making camouflaged incisions around your ear lobes, behind your ears, and into your hairline. The surgeon will remove excess skin and reshape your lower face and neck soft tissue to achieve a contoured jawline. Incisions are small and strategically concealed during healing, and the recovery time is shortened significantly. The procedure results in a natural-looking appearance that gives you a refreshed look and boosts your confidence.
Who is a Good Candidate for Mini Facelift Surgery?
A mini facelift is the least invasive cosmetic facial surgery to reverse mild to moderate signs of facial aging. You may be a good candidate for this procedure if you:
- Feel self-conscious about your sagging lower face and neck skin.
- Are in your 30s and 40s with early signs of aging.
- Have youthful cheeks with minimal drooping.
- Are in generally good physical and mental health.
- Don’t have underlying medical conditions that prevent optimal wound healing or recovery.
- Don’t smoke or are willing to stop smoking several months before and after the surgery.
- Have realistic expectations.
During your mini facelift surgery consultation in Houston, Dr. Wu and her team at Revel You Facial Plastic Surgery will listen to your concerns and let you know whether a mini rhytidectomy is the best way forward.
What Can the Weekend Facelift Treat?
- Jowling from the downward pull of gravity.
- Mild to moderate sagging of facial muscles from aging.
- Loss of jawline definition.
- Marionette lines at the corner of the mouth that have become more prominent or visible.
- Double chin
- Turkey neck.
- Vertical neck bands.
Why Choose Dr. Wu for the Best Mini Facelift in Houston
Selecting the best plastic surgeon is the first step towards enabling a professional and fulfilling mini facelift experience. Dr. Chaowen Wu is a leading authority in the mini rhytidectomy procedure technique. She has worked with countless patients from Houston and Texas areas of The Woodlands, Humble, Spring, Tomball, Cypress, and Conroe through the years. Many of the surgeon’s mini facelift patients also travel from around the country to benefit from the surgeon’s unique focus and specialty in facial aesthetic techniques. Dr. Wu's patient-centric approach prioritizes open communication in a judgment-free environment to ensure a positive experience and remarkable mini-facelift results.
Patient Testimonials
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I had the best experience at Revel You! Joanna has been so helpful, and supportive through the entire process. I went to consultations at several local facilities before deciding to... read more
Gabrielle Escamilla
Amazing doctor! Dr. Wu actually was honest enough to suggest an alternative procedure which cost 1/3 the price of procedure i went to the consultation for. I had surgery yesterday... read more
April Sanders
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Dr. Wu and her staff are excellent. My face and neck lift is perfect. If anyone is considering undergoing any of the procedures she offers, make an appointment!... read more
Renee Harrington
Happy new me 2024! I would like to thank and recommend Dr. Wu and the Revel You. In the fall of 2023, underwent a lower neck and face lift.... read more
Susan Ponce
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I had a mini facelift. Dr. Wu is very professional while being personable and attentive, spends the time to talk with you about the process. I'm very pleased... read more
Stacy
After an exhaustive search for a plastic surgeon with expertise in deep place facelift I decided to schedule an initial consultation with Dr Wu from Revel You Plastic Surgery in... read more
Maria Camarena
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Dr. Wu and her team are incredible professionals and wonderful, warm people. I had contacted several plastic surgeons and chose Dr. Wu because of the technique she uses, internet searches... read more
Lena G
Dr Wu is absolutely an amazing meticulous facial surgeon. I came to her after a failed neck lift that i had done with a “triple board certified” plastic surgeon.... read more
Kmm
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Beautiful results. Very friendly attentive staff.
Katie Garcia
Posting this review on behalf of my wife: "After researching many plastic surgeons who specialize in deep plane facelifts, as well as learning more about the procedure itself, I... read more
Lone Ranger
Key Mini Rhytidectomy Benefits
A mini facelift performed by a top specialist like Dr. Wu offers many unique benefits:
- Less invasive.
- Shorter recovery time.
- Reduced scarring.
- Targeted rejuvenation to address early signs of aging.
- Natural-looking results without appearing “overdone” or “pulled.”
- Local anesthesia with IV sedation for a safer procedure experience.
- Lower procedure cost.
What is the Best Type of Facelift for You?
Dr. Chaowen Wu specializes in various facelift techniques, and it can be hard to select one that’s ideal for your needs. The surgeon is uniquely positioned to help you make an informed decision. During your in-person visit to her Houston clinic, Dr. Wu will examine your unique facial structure and personal goals to assess your best facial rejuvenation options. Patients who need extensive facial rejuvenation may benefit from Dr. Wu’s expertise in advanced techniques such as the deep plane facelift and deep neck lift.
Dr. Wu’s Surgical Technique for Mini Facelift
Chaowen Wu, MD, performs mini rhytidectomy as an outpatient procedure in an in-office setting or at an accredited surgical facility. Incisions are made after an anesthetic is administered, and the appropriate amount of lower face and neck skin is gently dissected from around the ears.
Unlike a full facelift, a mini facelift focuses more on tightening the superficial tissues and muscles. The surgeon may tighten the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer to provide a lifted and smoother appearance. The tightened skin is then carefully redraped over the rejuvenated facial framework. Any excess skin is meticulously trimmed to achieve a natural, youthful appearance. Incisions are usually closed with sutures or skin adhesives before dressings are applied. The surgery typically takes between one to one and a half hours to complete.
Facial Fat Grafting
Dr. Wu may recommend facial fat transfer as a complementary procedure if you have facial hollows and a gaunt appearance due to the loss of volume from your cheeks and jawline. In this case, your own live fat cells are collected from another part of your body (such as the abdomen) and strategically transferred to volumize your facial tissues.
Mini Face Lift Anesthesia Options
Revel You Facial Plastic Surgery offers general anesthesia with IV sedation. Dr. Wu’s team is particularly experienced in using local anesthesia with an IV sedation option and prefers it whenever possible because it offers unique benefits:
- Decreased risk of bleeding during surgery.
- Decreased risk of nausea and vomiting after surgery.
- Avoid systemic side effects of general anesthesia that may make you feel groggy and uncomfortable after surgery.
- Overall faster recovery compared to general anesthesia.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery after your mini facelift Houston will vary from one patient depending on your heating capacity, the extent of your procedure, and other factors. However, the week-by-week recovery experience typically looks like this:
Week 1
Days 1-3
Moderate swelling, bruising, and some discomfort. are common here. You’ll need to keep your head elevated, apply cold compresses as instructed, and take prescribed medications.
Days 4-7
Swelling and bruising should start to slow down, and you might be able to gently cleanse incisions and remove bandages. Dr. Wu recommends you engage in light activities like walking.
Week 2
Days 8-14
You should continue to see improvement in swelling and bruising. Stitches or staples are usually removed at this time, and you will continue to feel more like yourself as you resume light activities.
Weeks 3-4
Days 15-28
Most visible swelling and bruising are usually resolved at this time. Incisions continue to heal well, though some numbness or tightness may persist. You may usually return to work and social activities but must avoid strenuous exercise.
After Week 4
Months 1-3
Residual swelling has now faded, and the final results have become more apparent. Scarring will continue to fade over time. Most normal activities, including exercise, may be resumed.
How Much Does a Mini Facelift Cost?
The cost of mini rhytidectomy in Houston and other Texas areas varies based on factors such as the surgeon’s expertise, specific surgical technique used, and whether combined procedures are recommended. You can see our recommended starting budget by visiting the contact page form. The surgeon’s team will provide a personalized estimate following your in-person visit to Revel You Facial Plastic Surgery in The Woodlands, Tx.
Chaowen Wu, MD Best Facelift Surgeon Houston
Chaowen Wu, MD, is one of the few plastic surgeons who have chosen to dedicate their career to facial plastic surgery. Over the years, she has carved a niche as the go-to leading expert for any facial cosmetic surgery. Many of her past patients can attest to the professional plastic surgery and excellent outcomes that Dr. Wu can achieve. She also offers comprehensive support services for patients who are traveling from around the country to receive tier-one plastic surgery at Revel You Facial Plasstic Surgery, including through partnerships with local hotels.
Dr. Wu's Other Facial Rejuvenation Techniques
Dr. Chaowen Wu specializes in multiple other facial plastic surgery procedures to suit the needs of different patients:
Full Facelift
Because your face represents you to the world, a facelift may be the most intimate procedure you have ever considered. The goal of facelift surgery is to tighten the facial skin by removing excessive skin from the face due to age, hereditary factors, or weight loss. Learn how Dr. Wu can preserve all of your defining features with a gentle facelift.
Deep Plane Facelift
A deep plane facelift technique addresses advanced signs of aging in the mid and lower face. This involves lifting and repositioning the underlying muscles and tissues (the SMAS layer) to improve sagging jowls, marionette lines, and nasolabial folds. Because it lifts the deeper tissues, a deep plane facelift provides longer-lasting results.
Mini Facelift
If you are bothered by signs of aging in your lower face including jowls, marionette lines, and general loss of definition in your jawline, the mini facelift can provide the solution to these problem areas. The incisions are kept in natural creases to keep them concealed. This procedure is one of the least invasive types of facelift.
Neck Lift
A neck lift is the most powerful way to treat advanced neck aging, including horizontal wrinkles, vertical neck bands, loose neck muscle, and loose skin that form the dreaded “turkey wattle.” It is often combined with a facelift procedure to achieve harmonious rejuvenation – as it uses the same incision around the ears.
Facial Fat Transfer
Facial volume is lost over time and may be restored to your youthful self using your own fat. Facial fat transfer heals without scars and provides a natural, soft, and lasting alternative to fillers. This is a great way to rejuvenate the eyes, cheeks, and even lips with minimal down time using your own excess body fat.
Eyelid Lift
Aging of the eyelids often appears as eyelid hooding, hollowing, dark circles and puffiness under the eyes, and just general tired appearance. Eyelid surgery is an excellent procedure choice to remove excess skin and reposition the fat in this area in order to reawaken tired eyes and achieve a lively facial aesthetic.
Brow lift
Your eyebrows frame your eyes and with age may start drooping. This can lead to the appearance of looking sad, tired, or angry. A brow lift restores the eyebrows to a youthful position which can help you look rested and relaxed.
Vertical Facelift
Dr. Wu offers the vertical facelift to lift the underlying facial tissues in a vertical direction (as opposed to the horizontal pull of a traditional facelift). This improves sagging cheeks, jowls, and neck laxity for a natural facial contour.
Rhinoplasty
Aging of the eyelids can appear as eyelid hooding, hollowing, dark circles and puffiness under the eyes, and just general tired appearance. Eyelid surgery can remove excess skin and reposition the fat to reawaken tired eyes.
FAQs
If you don’t find the answer you are looking for, simply contact us!
What is done in a mini facelift?
- Your neck may be contoured by removing excess fat with liposuction.
- Strategic incisions area made in the creases and shadows around your ears and hairline and loose face and neck muscles are lifted and tightened.
- Excess skin is removed and the incisions are carefully sutured.
- Your lower face volume is restored with strategic fat transfer to redefine the chin and jawline if needed.
How long does the mini facelift last?
It can last 10 years or longer if patients maintain a healthy lifestyle. Other cosmetic surgery facial procedures such as the Deep Plane Facelift can later be done to rejuvenate the entire face.
Who is the best candidate for a Mini Facelift?
You will see the biggest impact from a mini facelift if you notice early signs of facial sagging, such as subtle jowls and loose neck skin. Typically, beauties in their 30s and early 40s with healthy skin may see excellent refreshed results. Rather than looking at an individual’s age, we consider their overall health and treatment goals.
How much does a mini facelift procedure cost?
The cost of a mini facelift in Houston will vary based on the specifics of the treatment. However, Most patients can expect to pay between $3,500 and $9,000 for this treatment. Dr. Wu’s team will provide a precise cost estimate when you visit her Houston location in The Woodlands, Tx.
Is a mini facelift worth it?
Mini facelifts are for very select patients who are young, with healthy skin elasticity, without signs of aging in the cheeks, and only wish to improve the appearance of small jowls and neck aging. If you have signs of mid face aging such as nasolabial folds and lower eyelid hollowing, a deep plane face and neck lift would be a more comprehensive way to achieve your goals.
What is the downtime for a mini facelift?
A mini facelift requires 2 weeks of downtime.
Will a mini facelift leave visible scars?
With Dr. Wu, facelift scars are typically well-concealed and become less noticeable over time. To minimize visibility, the surgeon strategically places the incisions within natural creases and contours around the ears and hairline. Scars allow for the removal of excess skin and therefore produces more optimal and natural results compared to certain “scarless” procedures.