The Short Scar Facelift is a mini facelift procedure (also known as a MACS lift or midface lift) that produces effective results at any age and is particularly effective at treating the mid-face or cheek area, including the jowls. For older patients, the Short Scar Facelift corrects the signs of aging. For younger patients, the Short Scar Facelift is particularly effective in maintaining a youthful look.

Minimal scarring
• Procedure time just 1-2 hours
• 10-day recovery period
• Performed under local anesthesia
• More natural looking results

Who are the best candidates for short-scar facelifts? The short-scar lift is probably most applicable to patients in whom correction of mid-facial and lower facial aging is the primary concern. Like traditional lifts, the short-scar procedure is designed to lift the cheek, reduce the jowls and soften the nasolabial folds. By restoring a more sinuous facial curve the tired, "gaunt" look of age is improved as the more square aged face is shaped toward the more triangular shaped face of youth. By adding an additional step called a “platysmaplasty”, this procedure will also correct the loose and fatty neck tissues and eliminate the so-called neck “waddle”.

It is important for patients to understand that although it is sometimes referred to as a “mini-lift”, the short-scar lift does not give “mini” results. In most patients, the results are similar to a traditional facelift. The exception is in elderly patients with very loose skin of the lower neck. These patients are better candidates for a traditional face and neck lift.

What is a short-scar facelift? A short-scar facelift (or "minimal-incision facelift") is a lift that repositions the skin and soft tissues of the face and upper neck that have been affected by the aging process. The principle difference between a short-scar lift and "traditional" facelifts is that the short-scar lift features a significantly reduced scar, a shorter operating time and a quicker recovery. The scarring in the crease behind the ear and in the hairline behind the ear, typical of standard facelifts, is largely or completely eliminated

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A short-scar facelift, as performed by Dr. Benchetrit, is a multi-layer, multi-vector lift where the internal soft tissue structures (the so-called "SMAS" muscle layer and malar fat pad) are adjusted separately from the overlying skin.

How do I prepare for my short-scar facelift? Because facial rejuvenation must be individualized for each patient, Dr. Benchetrit will evaluate your face, including your skin, and with your assistance, make recommendations as to the specific procedures that will most likely help you achieve your aesthetic goals. A detailed history of medical conditions that could affect your surgery will be obtained including use of medications, vitamins, etc.

All operations have some risk. During your consultation, Dr.Benchetrit will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery.

Where are the incisions for a short-scar facelift? The incisions (and ultimately the scars) for a short-scar lift begin in the temporal hair above the ear and extend downward in front of the ear to the earlobe. Sometimes the incision can extend behind the earlobe or slightly behind the ear. The choice of placing the scar in the crease just in front of the ear or within the ear itself is determined by individual patient anatomy.

An alternative incision is to place the incision along the temporal hairline, rather than within the temporal hair. In order to minimize the incision at the earlobe area and minimize distortion of the sideburn Dr. Benchetrit sometimes also makes a horizontal "dart" incision just below the sideburn.

If a platysmaplasty is also done to correct the neck “waddle”, then an additional small incision is made just under the chin, in a natural skin crease.

Why is it important to eliminate or minimize the scarring behind the ear? Often the scar in the crease behind the ear is the most objectionable to the patient. This is because scarring in this area has a higher tendency to widen and thicken compared to the scarring in other areas of the face. When scars are placed in the hair behind the ear, there is almost always a permanent change in the hairline and the hair must be styled to provide camouflage for this area.

Finally, when a patient wears her hair in a pony-tail, French twist, or styles it backward or "up" the scarring in the crease behind the ear and in the area between the crease and the hairline can be visible. By eliminating the scarring in these areas, the most objectionable scarring of a short-scar facelift is reduced or eliminated. 

The surgery usually lasts about three hours (vs. 5 – 6 hours for a traditional facelift). If a patient desires, this procedure can also be done under local anesthesia with IV sedation. In most cases, the patient will go home 2 or 3 hours after their surgery is over.


YOU SHOULD ARRANGE FOR SOMEONE TO DRIVE YOU HOME AFTER YOUR SURGERY,
AND TO HELP YOU OUT FOR A DAY OR TWO IF NEEDED.