Short Scar (Mini) Facelift by Dr Turner in Sydney & Brisbane

Dr Scott J Turner is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) practising in Sydney with over a decade of experience specialising in facial aesthetic surgery. At his Sydney Clinic, Dr Turner offers short scar facelift techniques for patients experiencing early to moderate facial ageing who seek meaningful improvement without the extended recovery associated with more comprehensive procedures.

The short scar facelift—also termed the S-lift or limited-incision facelift—focuses primarily on the mid and lower facial regions whilst utilising shorter incision lengths compared to traditional techniques. This targeted approach proves especially effective for individuals who demonstrate early jowl formation, midface tissue descent, and modest jawline softening without significant neck laxity, achieving substantial improvement while minimising visible scarring and reducing recovery duration.

Understanding Short Scar Facelift Surgery

The short scar facelift occupies a distinct position within the spectrum of facial aesthetic procedures, bridging the gap between non-surgical interventions and more extensive facelift techniques. Understanding where this approach fits within the broader landscape of facial surgery options helps patients determine whether it appropriately addresses their specific concerns.

Defining Characteristics of the Short Scar Technique

The short scar facelift derives its name from the limited incision employed during surgery. Unlike traditional facelift procedures requiring incisions that extend from the temporal region, around the entire ear, and into the posterior hairline, the short scar approach utilises incisions confined to the temporal area and pre-auricular region, terminating at or just behind the earlobe.

This reduced incision length limits the extent of tissue mobilisation and the areas that can be effectively addressed. The technique focuses on:

• The malar or cheek region
• The jawline and jowl area
• Limited improvement in the upper lateral neck
• Moderate nasolabial fold and marionette

The SMAS Layer: Central to Short Scar Success

Despite the abbreviated incision pattern, effective short scar facelifts still address the superficial musculoaponeurotic system—the fibromuscular support structure underlying facial skin. This critical layer provides architectural support to overlying tissues and, when manipulated appropriately, enables the repositioning of meaningful tissue despite limited access.

Within the short scar framework, Dr Turner employs specific SMAS manipulation techniques adapted to the restricted surgical field:

High SMAS Elevation: By dissecting superior to the zygomatic arch, this variation specifically targets descended midface tissues and cheek deflation. The elevated SMAS receives vertical repositioning to restore cheek prominence and improve the transition between the midface and lower face regions.

Deep Plane Modification: For select patients requiring more substantial correction within the limited access provided, a modified deep plane approach releases specific retaining ligaments whilst maintaining the restricted incision pattern. This provides an enhanced lifting capacity compared to superficial techniques, while preserving the benefits of abbreviated incisions.

The choice between these approaches depends upon individual facial anatomy, tissue quality, and the degree of correction required to meet aesthetic objectives.

Comparison to Traditional and Extended Facelift Approaches

Understanding how the short scar facelift compares to alternative techniques clarifies its appropriate application:

Compared to Full Facelift Procedures: Traditional facelifts provide comprehensive correction extending from the midface through the entire neck region via extended incisions and extensive tissue mobilisation. Short scar techniques sacrifice comprehensive correction and longer-lasting results in exchange for reduced scarring, a shorter recovery period, and focused improvement in specific facial zones.

Compared to Mini-Lift Techniques: The terms “short scar facelift” and “mini-lift” are sometimes used interchangeably, though variations exist. True short scar facelifts incorporate meaningful SMAS manipulation, rather than relying solely on skin tightening, which distinguishes them from purely superficial “mini” approaches that provide limited durability.

Compared to Thread Lifts: Non-surgical thread lifting procedures utilise absorbable sutures to create temporary tissue elevation without incisions. While offering minimal downtime, thread lifts provide temporary improvements that typically last 6-12 months, compared to the more substantial, long-term results achieved through short scar facelift surgery.

Am I a Suitable Candidate for Short Scar Facelift Surgery?

Short scar facelift surgery proves appropriate for carefully selected individuals whose facial ageing patterns align with the technique’s capabilities. Appropriate selection remains essential for achieving satisfying outcomes whilst maintaining realistic expectations about the degree of improvement possible through this focused approach.

Physical and Health Prerequisites

Suitable short scar facelift candidates demonstrate:

• Good general health status without conditions that compromise surgical safety or wound healing capacity
• Stable weight maintained consistently for at least six months prior to surgery
• Non-smoking status or complete willingness to cease all tobacco and nicotine products for a minimum of six weeks before and after the procedure
• Adequate skin elasticity enabling effective tissue redraping without excessive laxity
• Realistic comprehension of achievable outcomes within the limitations inherent to abbreviated techniques
• Psychological readiness for surgical intervention (mandatory psychological assessment required per Australian regulations effective July 1, 2023)

Anatomical and Aesthetic Indicators

The short scar facelift proves particularly effective for patients presenting with:

• Early formation concentrated in the anterior jawline region
• Initial midface tissue descent with cheek flattening
• Mild nasolabial fold prominence
• Minimal neck laxity confined to the upper lateral neck region
• Absence of significant central neck concerns, including prominent platysmal banding or substantial submental fat accumulation

Age represents a secondary consideration compared to the pattern of tissue changes present. Most short scar facelift patients fall within the 35-50 age range, though younger individuals with premature ageing or older patients with favourable tissue characteristics may prove suitable candidates.

Patients Better Served by Alternative Approaches

Short scar facelift may not represent the optimal choice for individuals with:

• Minimal facial laxity is better addressed through non-surgical interventions 
• Advanced facial ageing requiring comprehensive correction across multiple facial zones
• Significant neck laxity, platysmal banding, or central neck concerns necessitating direct surgical access beneath the chin
• Previous facelift procedures with limited remaining tissue mobility
• Inability to accept the limitations inherent in abbreviated techniques

Male Patients: Special Considerations

Male facial ageing typically manifests differently than female patterns, with men often developing concentrated changes in the lower face and neck region—including prominent platysmal banding and substantial submental fat deposition—before experiencing significant midface descent. This anatomical pattern frequently necessitates comprehensive neck lift procedures that require extended incisions and direct surgical access to central neck structures.

Determining Your Suitability

A comprehensive facial assessment during the consultation determines whether short scar facelift surgery is an appropriate solution to address your concerns. Dr Turner evaluates your facial anatomy, degree of tissue laxity, skin quality, and aesthetic objectives to recommend the technique most likely to achieve your desired outcome—whether that involves a short scar approach, a more comprehensive procedure, or alternative interventions entirely.

How is Short Scar Facelift Surgery Performed?

Short scar facelift surgery is performed exclusively under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited private hospital facility in Sydney, with continuous monitoring by a qualified consultant anaesthetist throughout the procedure. Surgical duration typically ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the specific techniques employed and whether additional complementary procedures are performed concurrently. Patients may be discharged the same day or remain overnight for observation based on individual circumstances.

Pre-Operative Planning and Marking

Your procedure begins with detailed surgical planning and marking performed whilst you remain awake and upright. Dr Turner identifies and marks:

• Precise incision placement along the temporal hairline and pre-auricular contours
• SMAS manipulation zones tailored to your specific anatomical requirements
• Tissue repositioning vectors for optimal lift direction
• Areas requiring volume augmentation through fat grafting, when indicated
• Critical anatomical structures, including facial nerve branches and vascular landmarks

Incision Design and Initial Tissue Elevation

Incisions commence within the temporal hairline just anterior to the sideburn region, extending along the natural pre-auricular curve and continuing around the earlobe before terminating at the posterior earlobe or extending minimally into the retroauricular sulcus. This abbreviated pattern provides adequate access to the lateral face whilst significantly reducing visible incision length compared to traditional techniques.

Through these strategically placed access points, Dr Turner carefully elevates the skin and subcutaneous fat layer to expose the underlying SMAS across the lateral cheek and jowl regions. The extent of undermining remains intentionally limited compared to traditional approaches, with dissection typically terminating at predetermined anatomical boundaries that respect the abbreviated access provided.

SMAS Layer Manipulation: The Critical Component

Despite the abbreviated incision pattern, meaningful SMAS manipulation remains essential for achieving durable outcomes. Dr Turner selects the specific SMAS technique—high SMAS elevation or modified deep plane dissection—based on your pre-operative assessment and the degree of correction required.

For High SMAS Approaches: The SMAS layer is elevated superior to the zygomatic arch, releasing attachments to enable vertical repositioning. This specifically targets descended midface tissues and cheek deflation. The elevated SMAS is then secured in its new position using permanent sutures placed to stabilise deeper structures, creating enhanced cheek prominence and improved midface contours.

For Modified Deep Plane Technique: In select patients requiring more substantial correction, Dr Turner releases specific retaining ligaments whilst dissecting in a plane beneath the SMAS. This enables more comprehensive tissue mobilisation despite the limited access, providing enhanced correction of moderate jowl formation and nasolabial fold prominence. The SMAS and overlying tissues are then repositioned as a unified composite, secured to stable anatomical points.

Addressing Limited Neck Concerns

Whilst the short scar approach does not provide comprehensive neck access, modest improvements in the upper lateral neck region can be achieved through techniques performed via the limited incision pattern:

• Conservative liposuction addressing superficial fat in accessible neck areas
• Lateral platysmal plication when bands remain accessible through the abbreviated incisions
• Skin redraping provides modest improvement in the upper lateral neck

Patients requiring more substantial neck correction—including central platysmal plication, deeper fat excision, or submandibular gland reduction—necessitate extended incisions providing direct access to these structures.

Volume Restoration Through Fat Grafting

Short scar facelifts frequently incorporate facial fat grafting to address age-related volume loss that tissue repositioning alone cannot correct. Fat is gently harvested from an appropriate donor site using low-pressure techniques, processed through centrifugation to isolate viable adipocytes, and strategically injected in multiple tissue planes to restore youthful fullness in:

• Temporal depressions
• Lateral cheek areas
• Anterior cheek regions
• Nasolabial fold depth when indicated
• Any additional zones requiring volume enhancement accessible through the abbreviated approach

This combined lifting and volume restoration philosophy addresses both tissue descent and volumetric depletion within the constraints of the limited access provided.

Skin Redraping and Meticulous Wound Closure

With deeper structural support reestablished and volume restored where indicated, facial skin is carefully redraped. Conservative skin excision without excessive tension remains paramount; structural repositioning, rather than skin tightening alone, creates optimal outcomes.

Incisions are meticulously closed in multiple layers using fine sutures designed to minimise scarring. The abbreviated incision length inherently reduces total scar burden. Compressive dressings and a supportive facial garment are applied to minimise swelling and support healing tissues during the initial recovery phase.

Recovery and Aftercare After Facelift Surgery

Following your short scar facelift, you will either return home the same day or remain in the hospital overnight, depending on individual circumstances. The first two weeks represent the most intensive healing period, with swelling and bruising peaking at 48-72 hours before gradually improving. During this time, keeping your head elevated, limiting facial movements, eating soft foods, and avoiding straining activities are essential. Sutures are removed progressively over the first two weeks. Most patients find discomfort manageable with prescribed medications in the first week, then transition to over-the-counter pain relief. Temporary numbness around the ears and cheeks is normal and resolves gradually over the following weeks to months.

By weeks 2-3, most people can return to non-strenuous work, though swelling and bruising remain visible. Between weeks 4-6, you’ll notice significant swelling reduction and can resume most regular activities, while still avoiding high-impact exercise and heavy lifting. Your complete transformation becomes fully apparent at 3-6 months when all swelling resolves, sensation returns to normal, and incision lines fade to barely visible traces.

For detailed information about each recovery milestone, including specific care instructions and activity restrictions, please visit our comprehensive resource:

Recovery After Facelift Surgery

Risks and Complications of Facelift Surgery

All surgical procedures carry inherent risks that must be understood before proceeding with treatment. While short scar facelift surgery typically achieves excellent outcomes when performed by an experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeon, patients should be aware of both common temporary effects and potential complications.

Most patients experience expected post-operative effects, including swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, and mild discomfort, which typically resolve naturally during healing. Potential complications may include haematoma formation, infection, unfavourable scarring, prolonged altered sensation, asymmetry, or hair loss along incision sites. More serious but uncommon risks include nerve injury affecting facial movement or sensation, skin necrosis, significant asymmetry requiring revision surgery, and adverse anaesthetic reactions. The short scar techniques may reduce certain risks compared to more extensive procedures; however, the limited access may also result in less comprehensive correction or subtle contour irregularities at the treatment margins.

Dr Turner employs meticulous surgical technique, comprehensive preoperative assessment, surgery exclusively in accredited facilities, and detailed postoperative care protocols to minimise these risks while optimising patient safety and outcomes.

For comprehensive information about specific risks, preventive measures, and what to expect during recovery, please visit our detailed guide:

Risks and Complications After Facelift Surgery