The weekend or mini facelift is a series of procedures, which are performed to rejuvenate an aging face without the extensive incisions and dissection that are normally performed for the standard facelift. As with the standard facelift, this procedure is indicated in order to minimize or eradicate nasolabial folds, excess and sagging skin in the jowl area, and excess skin in the neck area beneath the jowl line which oftentimes will give the so-called "turkey gobbler" defect. The basis for these procedures are to tighten and redrape the skin so that each of these areas is improved as indicated.

The benefit of having the procedures done in a minimally invasive manner, is that the amount of time that is required for convalescence can be decreased to three to five days, i.e., one can return to work and/or social activities at the end of that time frame.

In order to achieve improvement in the area of the jaw line, lipo-suction over and under the jaw line utilizing a small cannula placed through an incision in the crease behind the ear with the intent of not only removing any fat which is encountered in the space between the skin and the muscles of facial expression, but more importantly to allow the skin to contract and redrape in a more aesthetically pleasing configuration.

For the nasolabial folds, liposuction utilizing a small cannula placed either in the nasal vestibule on each side or sometimes through the corner of the mouth. And again, the main intent is to contract and scarify the skin that is creating the unsightly folds. There are situations where in order to diminish the extent of the folds, augmenting the crease in front of the fold with either fat injections or some type of permanent implant, i.e., Gortex or Softform may be indicated simultaneously.

In order to enhance the jaw line, it is also sometimes necessary to rotate the sling muscle of the neck called the "platysma" in a posterior superior direction utilizing suture fixation. This will usually be performed by a very small incision that again is placed in the crease behind the ear.

In order to eliminate the "turkey gobbler" defect of the neck and, in addition, strengthen the jaw line, a horizontal incision is made in the crease just beneath the chin. Subsequent to this, liposuction is performed underneath the jaw line extending into the neck and subsequently this plane of tissue is lifted off the underlying musculature. The anterior or forward part of the muscles of the neck called the "platysma" are contoured and then sutured together along the anterior part of the neck in order recreate a defined and youthful angle between the neck and the jaw line. From the 3-inch incision made in the crease beneath the chin, the skin is then pulled forward and all the excess is removed in a crescent-shaped configuration. At this point the undersurface of the skin is then treated with the carbon dioxide laser in order to enhance the contracture and tightening of the skin involving the skin of the neck beneath the jaw line. The incision is then closed and a pressure dressing is placed, which depending on the situation will stay in place from three to five days. The net effect is improvement in the contour of the jaw line, removal of the sagging skin of the neck and recreation of the youthful angle between the neck and the jaw line. This result is noted best on profile view.

This procedure is especially indicated and useful for individuals who are in the early stages of the aging process, i.e., individuals in their late 30's, early to mid 40's, or older individuals who have aged in a more youthful manner.

As I have alluded to in my discussion, this procedure is a favorite procedure for both men and women. It is especially indicated and favored by men in all age groups, because of the fact that the incisions are inconspicuous and thus there is no fear in terms of creating an incision, which may have to be covered by hair or by makeup if it heals in a thickened or visible manner.