The minituck and other forms of facelift
A deep plane minituck is one name for a facelift that involves less surgery than a deep plane facelift. To perform a minituck, the surgeon first makes an incision around the ear, then lifts the connective tissue and releases the ligaments under the skin of the cheeks. The next step in the operation is to lift the lateral border of a fan-shaped neck muscle known as the platysma muscle. This helps to improve the line of the neck, reducing its unsightly sagging. The surgeon may also lift the malar pad, the pad of fat inside the cheek that gives a baby’s face its distinctly youthful plumpness.
The recovery time from a mini tuck is shorter than from a deep plane facelift, which makes it a good choice for people who can’t afford to spend too much time off work. It’s also good for people who need less extensive surgery, or who have specific issues that need fixing on the midface but not so much of a need for work elsewhere.
A more extensive operation
A deep plane facelift is much more thorough, involving the deeper tissues of the midface and lower face and a lift to the fatty tissues in the neck area. Sometimes it means shaving the backs of the submandibular glands, two salivary glands in the cheeks.
A deep plane facelift should be much more long-lasting in its effect than a minituck, and it should create a much more youthful look, especially when combined with other lifts.But it may be up to two weeks before you can go back to your normal daily routine, and it will take even longer for the swelling to go down. While your face is healing, you should avoid smoking and drinking and should get as much sleep as you can while trying to keep your head elevated.
Charlotte’s most experienced facial plastic surgeon
Dr. Sean Freeman is the best facial plastic surgeon in Charlotte. He has done only facial plastic surgery since 1988 and has been certified by two different surgery boards, the American Board of Otolaryngology (head and neck surgery) and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
He’s also developed and trademarked a procedure called the SignatureLift, a variation of the traditional lift which is well suited to younger patients or to those who have already had facelifts or need relatively minor work. Unlike a deep plane facelift, it can be performed under sedation rather than general anesthesia, with much less bruising and swelling and much shorter recovery time. Most patients can return to normal activity after only a few days. If you live in or near Charlotte and are interested in a facelift, schedule your appointment or online consultation today.
