Minimally Invasive Facelift and Brow Lift In San Antonio, Texas
The traditional facelift is a classic plastic surgery procedure. The gradual appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face inevitably happens to us all, and the facelift is a reliable solution to such aesthetic concerns.
For many patients, however, a full facelift is either not necessary, or doesn’t align with their lifestyle and recovery time. That may be because they are younger and their aging concerns don’t warrant a full traditional facelift, or they don’t want to make too drastic a change.
In such cases, minimally invasive facelift and brow lift options are fantastic alternatives for patients who want to eliminate wrinkles and fine lines.
Here, Dr. Jose Barrera of San Antonio, Texas, discusses several different minimally invasive facelift and brow lift options available to his San Antonio patients. These procedures include the mini-facelift, lateral brow lift, and endoscopic brow lift. Each procedure brings different benefits to a patient and treats slightly different areas of the face. Patients can get the best insight into which procedure best fits their needs with either an in-person or virtual consultation with Dr. Barrera.
What Is a Minimally Invasive Facelift Procedure?
Despite having variations in technique and focus area, all the above-mentioned minimally invasive facelift procedures have the common goal of smoothing the skin of the face and brow. These techniques can eliminate or reduce the appearance of fine lines that come with the onset of aging.
These wrinkles appear gradually over time as a response to repetitive facial expressions – such as squinting, smiling, laughing, or frowning – and because your skin gradually loses its elasticity as you age.
By removing varying amounts of skin from different areas of the face and scalp and resuspending the fatty and muscle layer of the face called the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), an expert surgeon such as Dr. Barrera can pull the remaining skin into a tighter setting which smooths the skin and eliminates the wrinkles. As we have mentioned, each minimally invasive facelift procedure has its own nuances and variations.
Types of Minimally Invasive Facelift
Mini-Facelift
The mini-facelift uses similar techniques to the traditional facelift to help correct sagging skin in the bottom half of the face. It is often combined with a neck lift to address jowling and fatty deposits in the chin. Dr. Barrera has developed the Minimally Invasive Deep Elevation (MIDE) facelift to provide a deep plane facelift result to the lower face. The MIDE facelift elevates the SMAS and resuspends the jowls.
By making small incisions with the MIDE Facelift along the hairline, Dr. Barrera can lift the skin of the lower face, eliminating jowls and creating a more defined and youthful jawline.
Because it requires making incisions, the mini-facelift is still technically an “invasive” surgery, but the number of incisions necessary are minimal compared to a traditional facelift procedure.
Upper Facelift
The upper facelift treats the upper third of the face – the skin of the brow, temples, and cheeks.
One concern some patients experience with a traditional facelift is noticeable scarring. In performing the upper facelift, Dr. Barrera will use his skill to make small incisions behind each ear, which discreetly hides the scars and makes them unnoticeable.
Furthermore, Dr. Barrera performs the upper facelift with a technique that stretches the skin upward against the gravitational pull of time and not horizontally, giving patients a natural appearance after the procedure. An upper facelift elevates the SMAS in a vertical direction and restores sagging cheeks.
The Deep Neck Lift
Certain patients present with deep fat pockets and muscle banding. In addition, the neck can be obtuse and full of superficial and deep fat. Dr. Barrera explains that the neck is like a seven layer cake. The top layer is comprised of skin, then superficial fat. While liposuction and kybella can improve the superficial fat, these procedures don’t affect the third layer, the platysma muscles. Neck banding from platysma muscles can cause unwanted creepiness and distort the neckline. The Deep Neck Lift addresses platysma bands. Deeper to the neck bands is a deep fat layer. A Deep Neck Lift sculpts this deeper layer of the neck forming a more acute angle. Further still are the digastric muscles and then the tongue base. A Deep Neck Lift addresses all layers of the cake.
The GenioLift Procedure (Genioplasty combined with a Deep Neck Lift)
Patients presenting with a small or retrodisplaced chin often have deep neck fullness from submental fat. Younger patients don’t have skin elasticity problems that could be improved with a facelift procedure. Instead, patients with small chins need advancement of the chin bone combined with a neck liposuction or a deep neck lift. Dr. Barrera has developed the GenioLift procedure. The GenioLift procedure is a subperiosteal deep neck lift. It combines a sliding genioplasty with a deep neck lift. The advantage of performing the GenioLift procedure are numerous:
- Using the patient’s natural chin bone to form a more aesthetic profile
- Combining a chin liposuction or necklift to form an acute angled neck line
- Minimal chin incision and no facial incisions
- No need for silicone chin implants
- Improved posterior airway space that may improve snoring
Lateral Brow Lift
Also known as a temporal lift, the lateral lift uses a single incision through which to lift the skin and musculature of the brow and forehead.
The standard brow lift is a beneficial procedure for those with deeply furrowed brows and more pronounced forehead wrinkling. The lateral brow lift provides less drastic results, but also has minimal recovery time, with patients needing only a weekend to recover from the treatment.
The lateral brow lift is ideal for patients concerned about encroaching fine lines, saggy cheeks, and particularly crow’s feet radiating from the eyes.
Endoscopic Brow Lift
An endoscopic brow lift is particularly useful in treating drooping eyebrows, eyelids, and forehead wrinkles.
Dr. Barrera performs the surgery through micro-incisions, which allows him to insert a small camera to guide his movements. He then places tiny sutures to internally anchor the skin in a more youthful setting.
What Can I Expect Before, During, and After My Minimally Invasive Facelift Procedure?
The first step in your facelift journey is to do your research to understand what these procedures entail and what qualities might make you an ideal patient. It is then vital to consult with several different facelift surgeons to find someone who fully understands your aesthetic goals and can help you realize your wishes.
Before
Choosing the correct type of facelift is essential to get the results and recovery you desire. You’ll start by doing independent research, and then sitting down for a consultation with Dr. Barrera.
Dr. Barrera advises all his patients to eat a healthy, balanced diet leading up to the surgery, and to avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and blood-thinning medication (all of which impair recovery). Patients should also get any prescriptions filled before their surgery, so they don’t need to worry about doing it afterward.
During
The length of your minimally invasive facelift procedure will depend on the procedure you choose, and Dr. Barrera will give you a time estimate during your consultation.
After
Recovery from these facelift procedures can take from between two to four weeks. We recommend resting for the two days immediately following your treatment, and slowly returning to regular activity as guided by Dr. Barrera.
FAQs for Minimally Invasive Facelift & Brow Lift
Yes. These procedures all take place while you are under a local anesthetic, meaning you are safe to travel after your surgery.
As with all surgeries, there are inherent risks and potential complications, such as bruising, swelling, hematoma, numbness, facial nerve paralysis, and dissatisfaction with your results. These risks are far greater when you choose a poorly trained, inexperienced surgeon to perform your minimally invasive facelift.
Choosing an experienced, recognized, and board-certified surgeon such as Dr. Barrera will make your facelift journey enjoyable and give you the results you desire.
Ideal patients are healthy, well-informed, and have realistic expectations for the procedure. Some patients may benefit from a traditional facelift or brow lift, whereas others may do better with dermal fillers and Botox injections.
The best solution is to consult with Dr. Barrera before making any solid decisions.
These procedures generally range from between $7,500 to $10,000. Your final cost will depend on your expectations and any variables such as anesthesia fees, prescription medications, and follow-up appointments. Dr. Barrera will give you a more accurate estimate during your consultation.
The typical recovery time for a minimally invasive facelift is four weeks. However, some patients feel most of their side effects subsiding before this time.
Typically, it takes two weeks to recover from a minimally invasive brow lift. Depending upon your procedure, your recovery may be shorter.
Preparing for a minimally invasive facelift is not difficult. In addition to undergoing important lab tests to determine your overall health, you may also need to stop taking certain medications with your primary physician’s permission. You will also be required to stop smoking for at least six weeks before your procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Barrera will provide precise instructions to help you prepare for your minimally invasive facelift.
Patients can typically return to work a week after a minimally invasive facelift. While recovery will look different for everyone, Dr. Barrera monitors your recovery and will advise when it’s safe for you to resume work.
A lateral brow lift offers minimal recovery time. You can typically resume working within two days after your lateral brow lift.
You might be a good candidate for minimally invasive facelift surgery if your aesthetic concerns do not require a traditional facelift, you don’t want to undergo a lengthy recovery, or you are uncomfortable with the incisions involved with a traditional procedure. After a personalized consultation, Dr. Barrera will recommend whether minimally invasive facelift surgery is suitable.
A minimally invasive facelift surgery has shorter incisions than a traditional facelift; however, it requires you to follow many of the same post-procedural instructions. After minimally invasive facelift surgery, you should avoid touching the treatment area, sleeping on the treated area, strenuous exercise, and direct sun exposure without sunscreen. Before your procedure, Dr. Barrera and our team provide a thorough list of aftercare instructions, including all activities you should avoid during recovery.
A minimally invasive facelift surgery aims to minimize scarring and promote fast healing. Depending upon the minimally invasive facelift, Dr. Barrera will make inconspicuous incisions along the hairline or behind the ears to prevent scarring from overshadowing your more youthful appearance and optimal results.
Depending on the type of procedure, your minimally invasive facelift surgery may be completed within a couple of hours. During your consultation, Dr. Barrera will provide a more precise timeline for the procedure suitable for your needs.
Minimally Invasive Facelift Surgery in San Antonio, TX
Minimally invasive facelift surgery provides younger patients with a brilliant alternative to the traditional facelift. Minimally invasive facelifts slow the aging process and provide more natural results earlier, making them an ideal option. For your no-obligation consultation, contact Dr. Jose Barrera via our online form or by calling our San Antonio office at 210-468-5426.