Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology Research
Open Access

Abstract

MINIMALLY-INVASIVE LASER-ASSISTED (MILA) FACELIFT UNDER LOCAL ANESTHESIA

Spero J. Theodorou, Neil M. Vranis*, Aaron Rollins, Paul Durand and Christopher Chia*

Introduction: Facelifting procedures are continuously evolving as patients demand increasingly powerful results with less downtime. One way to achieve this is to perform the operation under local anesthesia and harness the power of laser technology.

Methods: First author developed a Minimally-Invasive Laser-Assisted (MILA) facelift technique that was performed in awake patients under local anesthesia.

Results: Two surgeons performed the MILA facelift on 10 patients (9 female, 1 male), with an average age of 61.1 (range: 32-74 years). Average body mass index was 24 (range: 20.5-31.8). The majority (n=8) were primary facelifts while the remainder were secondary facelifts. Average operative time was 203 min (range 120-350 min). There was one unilateral facelift, three isolated facelifts and the rest included ancillary facial rejuvenation procedures. There were no minor or major complications reported or observed with an average follow up time of 8 months (range 5-14 months).

Conclusion: The MILA facelift encompasses modern laser technology with established facelifting principles. This creates a reproducible, safe and efficient operation that can be comfortably performed under local anesthesia. Surgeons can benefit from understanding and embedding these techniques into their practice while patients benefit from a more expedited recovery without compromising aesthetic results.

Published Date: 2026-07-30; Received Date: 2026-06-19