Mini Facelift vs. Full Facelift: Which is Best?

Do you have some wrinkles you'd like to see go away? Maybe the area around your jaw isn't quite as firm as it used to be. Today there many different options available for anyone looking to make facial improvements or remove some of the signs of aging. In fact, there are so many options you may not know where to start or what procedure to choose.

At 77 Plastic Surgery, Dr. Fan has performed hundreds of facial rejuvenation treatments and his office fields a lot of questions about the different procedures and the results they bring. One popular question is about the differences between a full facelift and a mini facelift.

Deciding on which kind of facelift is best for you is a difficult one, and one you should make together with your plastic surgeon. However, here are some of the main factors that determine which of these procedures might be the best fit for you.

Full Facelift vs. Mini Facelift: Which is Better?

After making the decision to have some wrinkles removed, you want to pick the procedure that is best for both your personal needs and your wallet! You never want to waste time and money on a product or treatment that doesn't give you the results you're after.

What is a Full Facelift?

A facelift is a surgical procedure that aims to correct age-related imperfections of the mid to lower face. General or local anesthesia is used, and incisions are made above the hairline, in front of the ear, and along the lower scalp in order to reduce scar visibility. The skin, tissue, and muscle of the neck and face are then separated so that fat can be contoured, muscles and deep tissue tightened, and excess skin trimmed or lifted.

The goals of a full facelift are:

• Excellent cheek volume
• Smooth, angular jawline with no jowls
• Neck without excess fat or muscle laxity
• Complete absence of an “operated on” look

Full Facelift Pros and Cons

The results of a full facelift may be more satisfying because the skin, tissue, and muscle is accessed and moved to a greater extent. This procedure is best for patients who are concerned about loose skin and fat around their neck and jaw area, sagging tissue around the middle of the face, and deep folds around the nose and mouth.

A full facelift is more expensive than other facial rejuvenation treatments. It also takes longer to perform and recover from, with an expected downtime of about two weeks. However, the results are more lasting compared to alternative procedures.

What is a Mini Facelift?

The mini facelift is also a surgical procedure. However, it is a less invasive alternative to the traditional face and brow lift. Smaller incisions are used, allowing the surgeon to lift muscle and tissue, remove excess fat, and lift or trim excess skin.

The Pros and Cons of a Mini Facelift

Mini facelifts are best for younger patients who'd like to reduce minor sagging in the lower face, jaw and neck area and fight the earliest signs of aging.

The results of a mini facelift are not permanent; they last about 5-10 years. Continued aging has an impact on the results over time. A mini facelift may be performed using local anesthesia along with an oral sedative, and the procedure and recovery time is much quicker. Sutures are removed in about a week. When it comes to costs, a mini lift is less expensive than a full facelift.

Mini facelifts are not the best fit for everyone, so it's best to talk to your doctor about your skin and results you want.

If you have significant skin laxity or sagging, this procedure will produce suboptimal results. Other skin factors, such as elasticity, must also be taken into consideration before making the final decision to have a mini facelift of not.

Mini Facelift vs. Full Facelift: Which is Best For You?

Deciding to invest in a facelift is never a minor decision. You only have one face, and we understand that you want to feel confident in the way you look. In choosing between a facelift, mini-lift, or any other cosmetic treatment, you need to make sure it's the right procedure for you, and that it's performed the right way.

Don't rush into a decision for an operation. Instead, consult a board certified plastic surgeon you trust, who will tell you the truth rather than just sell you an operation. They will be able to recommend the best procedure that can deliver the results you want, and have you looking and feeling great!