Have you ever caught yourself admiring the face of a woman who has her hair pulled back in a braid, ponytail or a veil? When you wear your hair pulled back, your face looks smooth and youthful. With a new procedure called a Micro Lift, you can look like this all the time, even when you wear your hair down.
Dr. Philip Miller of Gotham Plastic Surgery New York created a minimally invasive procedure popularly known as the “Ponytail Facelift”.
WHY HAVE MICRO LIFT?
Having a full face lift is a commitment in many ways. The procedure is invasive and requires general anesthetic. You will also have a period of recovery to endure before you can enjoy the results.
With a Micro Lift, you don’t have to endure any of these things. The procedure is minimally invasive and can actually be done on an outpatient basis with local anesthetic only. Best of all, it takes less than an hour to complete and most patients report little to no pain or down time after the procedure.
There are other advantages as well, chief among which is that you can begin enjoying your new youthful facial appearance immediately. Not only will the results be noticeable on your face, but you will feel the results as well in your younger looking, more vibrant and toned skin.
MICRO LIFT PROCEDURE
As with any surgical procedure, the Micro Lift is not without its risks, but they are very minimal, especially when compared to a traditional face lift.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Miller will talk about your goals for having a Micro Lift. He will take a thorough personal and family medical history just to make sure you are a good candidate for a Micro Lift. You can also ask all of your questions and find out what to expect during and after the procedure.
Before you leave your phone or online consultation, you can set up your Micro Lift appointment and also talk about payment and financing options (if available). You will also receive instructions for pre- and post-operative care. It is important to review these and ask any additional questions you have before the day of your procedure arrives. In particular, you will want to fill any medication prescriptions before the day of your procedure. You will also want to make arrangements for transportation and lodging before and after the procedure.
When the day of your Micro Lift comes, you can eat and drink as normal. When you arrive at the Gotham Plastic Surgery world-class medical facility, Dr. Miller will prepare you for surgery, including making pre-op marks on your face to indicate where the incisions will be made. You will be given a local anesthetic and the procedure will begin. It will take less than 60 minutes from start to finish and then you are free to return to the comforts of your hotel to rest.
You may experience some minor redness, bruising and/or swelling near or at the incision sites for up to one week following your Micro Lift. You may also notice a bit of tenderness or a feeling of tightness or numbness in your cheeks which should wear off within a few days.
Because the Micro Lift is so minimally invasive and comes with little if any pain, you should be able to return to your job within a couple of days. However, you will want to refrain from any vigorous physical activities until after you have seen your surgeon for your post-operative follow-up appointment, which typically occurs a few days after your Micro Lift procedure. There is also an option to make the post-operative follow-up appointment at your home country, which Dr. Miller will discuss during the initial consultation.
Once you are fully recovered, you can expect the results of your Micro Lift procedure to last as long as 10 years. Dr. Miller will give you specific skin care recommendations to ensure the results of your procedure last as long as possible.
ABOUT GOTHAM PLASTIC SURGERY & DR. PHILIP MILLER
Dr. Philip Miller is one of the co-founders of Gotham Plastic Surgery and one of the most lauded and respected plastic surgeons in New York state. Dr. Miller is one of only a handful of physicians to hold double board certifications in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology (head and neck surgery). He has been awarded the honor of being named one of the Best Doctors in America and a Top Doctor in New York for multiple consecutive years.
To schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Miller, fill out our contact form in this page.
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE?
The best candidates for a Micro Lift procedure are patients who are in great physical health otherwise and have balanced, realistic reasons for seeking a Micro Lift. There are only a few reasons why Dr. Miller might recommend that you delay your Micro Lift or not have the procedure at all.
Here are the most common reasons why this might happen:
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You are pregnant or have just delivered and are nursing.
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You have recently had a significant treatment or procedure in the facial area.
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You have recently had major surgery and are still recovering.
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You are taking medications which would contraindicate having local anesthetic.
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You are on blood thinners or have a blood disorder.
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You have diabetes or an autoimmune disorder.
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You have a history of very sensitive facial skin, skin discoloration, an ongoing skin issue or disorder or recurring skin allergies.
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You are a heavy smoker and/or drinker and are unwilling to stop for at least two weeks before and after your procedure (heavy smoking and drinking can significantly impact your body’s ability to heal itself after a procedure).
MICRO LIFT FAQS
You likely have many questions about the Micro Lift procedure itself and how you can best prepare. These are some of the most frequently asked questions Micro Lift procedure candidates ask.
How long will the procedure last?
The procedure itself from start to finish typically lasts less than one hour. The total time you are in the surgeon’s medical facility may be slightly longer than that because of filling out paperwork and pre-procedure prep time.
What can I expect after the procedure?
After your Micro Lift procedure, you may experience some very minor discomfort or swelling for a few days. Typically you will return to your surgeon’s office after about three days to have your sutures removed and have a follow-up exam. You may opt to do so in your home country with a certified plastic surgeon affiliated with Gotham Plastic Surgery.
At this time, you may receive additional instructions for what you should or shouldn’t do to safeguard your still-healing facial skin. This may include limiting physical activity or applying salves or creams as your incisions heal.
Are there risks?
As with any surgical procedure, there are always risks, even a very safe procedure like a Micro Lift. Of the few known risks, these are the most common:
• Risk of infection at the incision sites.
• Risk of excessive bleeding.
• Risk of nerve damage due to incisions.
• Risk of asymmetrical results.
Be sure to talk with Dr. Miller about the risks, since your personal and family medical history may indicate additional risks that should be factored in to your decision.
How soon can I return to work?
In nearly every case, it should be possible to return to your workplace within a couple of days following your Micro Lift procedure. The only exception may be if you have a very physical job. In this case, your surgeon may want you to rest a bit longer before resuming your regular job duties.