The desire to hang on to a youthful appearance has been around as long as civilization, with the first recorded facelift being performed in 1901 in Berlin. What has changed is the age at which people have started seeking intervention in the form of skin care products, injectable treatments, energy devices and surgical procedures.
The mini-facelift has become one of the most popular surgical procedures not only because of what this surgery can offer but because 2 generations are seeking it. Historically, people waited until they were in their 60’s before considering a facelift. Nowadays, millennials are opting for surgery at the slightest signs of aging. The age range for the mini-facelift can start as young as their late 20’s depending on ones’ anatomical concerns.
Millennials and Gen Xers are redefining what it means to age gracefully. This demographic has made a monumental shift by developing a more “wellness and self-care” focused lifestyle that is focused on healthier diets including colourful quinoa salads, avocado toast and an array of protein smoothies; incorporating regular and more mindful fitness such as yoga and Pilates; and developing a career that achieves a work-life balance.
Why is the mini-facelift an ideal procedure for Millennials and Gen Xers?
The mini-facelift can address multiple concerns in one procedure. Sagging and excess skin, deep nasolabial folds, both fine and deep wrinkles and a drooping jawline, can all be addressed in just a matter of hours with a mini-facelift. This procedure can deliver the commonly sought out “snatched” jawline that has become synonymous with looking youthful. It can also reverse gravity and provide a lift to the mid-face where gravity and collagen loss starts to play a role in our 3rd decade of life.
There is no question that social media has redefined beauty standards. Platforms such as Tik Tok, Instagram and Facebook have played a significant role in not only shaping Millennials’ perception of beauty and aging, but have been a main resource for information on how to defy the aging process.
Social media often features images of both men and women, faces and bodies that have been filtered or edited to enhance their appearance. This can create unrealistic beauty standards and low self-esteem amongst all ages but especially amongst millennials who regularly frequent social media apps.
Millennials (and some Gen Zers), between the ages of 23 and 38 have increased the demand for plastic surgery due to their exposure to social media and have become significantly more preoccupied with self-care.
How has social media impacted the demand for cosmetic surgery?
Millennials are of the age group that has grown up with social media and are often credited with the rapid rise of social media’s popularity. They are also often contributors to the platforms whether for personal reasons or work-related. By the time Millennials and Gen Xers reach their 30’s they have already been dabbling in non-surgical treatments for aesthetic enhancement and anti-aging, and want a permanent solution for their aging concerns. A mini-facelift is often within their comfort zone as it addresses the mid-face only and the downtime is 2-3 weeks on average.
Why choose to get a Mini-Facelift?
The modern day mini-facelift vertically lifts the face, reversing the downward fall from gravity. The mini-facelift techniques have come a long way from just tightening the excess skin and delivering the old fashioned “windswept” look, the result of a horizontal pull, opposed to a vertical lift.
Before
AfterThe mini-facelift can incorporate the deep plane and a shortened scar, both of which are often very appealing to Millennials who have done their research on how to achieve the most natural and long lasting facelift result. By addressing the deep plane, this will provide a more fluid and structural lift, repositioning the mid-face and while also alleviating the need for additional non-surgical interventions such as dermal filler or thread lifts. The mini-facelift is essentially a one stop procedure that delivers a natural, snatched look that can take the millennials well into their 50’s.
What also makes the mini-facelift appealing is that it allows patients to maintain their youthful look without going through the aging process and then reversing their appearance with surgery at an older age. The mini-facelift can allow for a flawless transition into mid-life, looking youthful every step of the way.
The mini-facelift scar is also what many younger patients prefer as it is very well concealed in front of the ear, along the tragus. The scar does not extend behind the ear which could expose signs of surgery when wearing a pony-tail (depending on healing).
The cost of a mini-facelift ranges depending on the expertise and experience of your surgeon.
Things to look out for when choosing your mini-facelift surgeon; their education, credentials, the frequency they perform the mini-facelift and reviewing surgical results and on-line testimonials of previous facelift patients. Understand the technique your surgeon uses when performing a mini-facelift and meet your surgeon’s team as they will play an important role in the patient experience.
Dr. Philip Solomon is a double-board certified Otolaryngologist Head and Neck Surgeon practicing Facial Plastic Cosmetic Surgery in Toronto and has specialized in the mini-facelift for over 20 years delivering exceptional results to his many patients. Schedule a consultation with us by filling in a form or call us at 905-764-7799 to book your mini facelift appointment today!
Jan 04th 2024