Opening treatment guide...

Mini Facelift | My Beauty Protocol

Mini Facelift

Short-Scar Rhytidectomy

Plain-English name: S-Lift

Also known asSMAS Plication/ImbricationWeekend faceliftLimited incision facelift

Educational info only, not medical advice. Ask a qualified provider. Disclaimer · Terms

Through minimal incisions, underlying facial tissues are repositioned and excess skin is removed, tightening the lower face and jawline.

Downtime: 2 weeks
Sessions: One surgical procedure.
Pain: Medium to high
Cost per procedure: Price level 5 of 5
Results last: 5–10 years

A smaller facelift focused on the lower face and jawline.

Check first: Bleeding disorders or use of anticoagulant medications.

Will it work for me?

What people use it for

Tap one to see how it helps.

Skin types to ask about first

Breakout-proneAsk first

Active breakouts near the cut can raise the risk of infection. Tell your surgeon about acne and any acne medicine.

The technique changes the scar and the recovery.

In no special order. Ask your surgeon which one fits you, and why.

3 techniques

Ask your provider

Which technique would you use for me, and why?
Where will the scars be, and how long is recovery?
What is the total price, and what does it include?

Before and after your visit

Plan it around your lifeMakeup, sun, workouts — see what fits around your treatment.

The visit

Duration: 2–3 hours
Total course: One day for the procedure.

What to expect, and what to avoid

Recovery

1–2 weeks of social downtime

Keep your head raised day and night

14 days

Avoid sun

2 weeks

No makeup

1 week

No sweat or heat

4 weeks

Your provider may give you different timing.

Day by day

Before your visit: ask when to start
Arrange a ride home and someone to help you for 24–48 hours
4 weeks before
Stop smoking for 4 weeks before
2 weeks before
Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil and vitamin E for 2 weeks before, if your doctor agrees
The day before
Don't eat or drink after midnight the night before, or as your surgeon says
After your visit
- Use a cold pack for swelling
- No hard exercise or heavy lifting for 3–4 weeks
- Go to all follow-up visits
- Keep your head raised day and night for 1 week
- No aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil or vitamin E for 2 weeks, if your doctor agrees
- Take your medicines as prescribed
- No direct sun
- Initial recovery focuses on rest, head elevated, for 48 hours to minimize swelling. Swelling and bruising usually peak around day 3-4. Most feel ready for light work and social activities within 7-14 days. Sutures are typically removed in 5-10 days. Final results emerge over several months as swelling fully resolves.

Side effects, and who should wait

Who may want to think twice

Bleeding disorders or use of anticoagulant medications
Uncontrolled chronic diseases like hypertension or diabetes
Active infections
Smoking (significantly increases risk of complications)
Unrealistic expectations
Pregnancy (planned cosmetic surgery waits until after the baby is born)

Possible side effects

Common

Swelling
Bruising
Numbness or changes in skin sensation
Tightness
Mild pain or discomfort

Less common

Hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin)
Infection
Nerve injury leading to facial weakness or asymmetry
Unfavorable scarring
Hair loss at the incision sites
Skin loss or poor wound healing

Your own risks may differ. Ask a qualified provider.

How it works, and common myths

The surgeon meticulously lifts and repositions the SMAS layer and underlying tissues, then excises redundant skin.

A little more technical

A surgeon repositions the underlying facial tissues and removes excess skin through small, discreet incisions to tighten and smooth the lower face and jowls.

Involves the elevation and repositioning of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) and the excision of redundant skin in the preauricular region via limited incisions.

Common device / product names: S-Lift · MACS Lift · SMAS Plication/Imbrication
Clinical descriptor: Short-Scar Rhytidectomy
Permanence / longevity: 5–10 years