Early aging of the face and neck can be extremely frustrating. Even in healthy and fit women, changes can be seen in the jowl region, under the chin, and even in the neck. The hardest part of these changes is that frequently patients do not feel as old as they look – they are in their prime, advancing in their careers, and have energy and passion, but people still overlook them or ask them if they’re tired or not feeling well. Dr. Ransom can address all of these concerns with minimal-downtime techniques, including non-surgical treatments and minimally-invasive procedures. Among your options is a mini-facelift or mini-lift.

Will My Face Age After Surgery?

A mini-facelift is a short-incision type facelift (“S-lift“), and is a surgical procedure designed to release and reposition the soft tissues of the face and neck. This type of limited facelift is appropriate for early aging changes and has a faster recovery than a more complete or full facelift. It can be paired easily with liposuction of the neck and under-chin areas as needed. The combined effect of this procedure is a natural-appearing rejuvenation – restoring the patient’s face to a more youthful state. Dr. Ransom tailors his facelift approach to the specific anatomy of each patient, and works closely with each individual to satisfy specific goals – all the while making sure that, in the end, “you still look like you” …just a younger, more vibrant “you”!

Who is a candidate?

Candidates for a mini-facelift include all patients with early signs of facial aging, including loose skin in the lower face and jawline region and early jowls. The term facelift (or face-lift) can be used by doctors and in the media to imply a wide variety of procedures and approaches. Dr. Ransom tailors his surgical approach to each specific patient, working to achieve the desired goal and avoiding an “operated” look.

Dr. Ransom see patients from all over Bay Area, including Mill Valley/Marin County, Napa/Sonoma, San Rafael/Petaluma, Hillsborough, San Mateo, Menlo Park, Orinda, Palo Alto, Piedmont, Walnut Creek, and the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please note that all patients are different and individual healing times and results may vary. The statements regarding procedures and recovery made here are general rules.

For most patients, a week off of work is sufficient. Bruising and swelling will occur immediately after the surgery, and begin to resolve around the third day. The majority of this process occurs in the first week. Dr. Ransom works closely with you throughout the postoperative period, making sure that you are making progress toward an excellent result. Further details can be discussed with Dr. Ransom during your confidential consultation.

Yes, the mini-facelift is frequently combined with other surgical and non-surgical procedures. This commonly includes an upper and/or lower eyelid lift and various resurfacing techniques, including laser resurfacing. The combined effect of these treatments is a completely refreshed look, with a brighter, more youthful appearance.

Incisions are hidden in the hairline around the temple or sideburn area and behind the ear, as well as in the groove where the ear meets the cheek. Two layers of sutures are used, to make sure that the areas heal in a smooth and flat contour. Stitches are in place for about a week. After the sutures are removed, we will prescribe a topical treatment to further improve the healing and reduce any scar formation.

There are lots of different term used by surgeons and patients for the work that is done with a facelift. Mini-facelift generally means a shorter incision with less overall surgery, and is appropriate for patients with loose tissue and early jowls. For patients with heavy necks, including significant fatty tissue or bands, there may be more work needed. Dr. Ransom will discuss with you in detail during your consultation the recommended approach for your specific anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Dr. Evan Ransom is an Ivy League-educated and Ivy League trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He is a Double Board Certified Head and Neck Surgeon and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and fellowship-trained in facial plastic, reconstructive, and laser surgery. His practice is in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving patients from San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County, Palo Alto, Silicon Valley, Walnut Creek, the East Bay, and all over Northern California.