Facelift vs. Mini Facelift: A GuideMalone Facial Plastic Surgery

If you are considering a Facelift, you have probably been looking for information on the available options. With such a wide variety of choices, it can take time to land on what each specific type involves. One of the most common points of confusion is the difference between these two procedures. These two have many similarities but also distinct differences. This guide will help you understand each of these procedures and what concerns they can address.

What is a facelift?

A facelift is a surgical procedure that addresses the effects of aging in the face, including wrinkles and sagging. This surgery is also called a rhytidectomy and is performed by making small incisions near the ear and sides of the face. The next step is lifting and tightening the skin and underlying tissue of the face, which smooths lines and wrinkles, contours the jawline, and revitalizes the neck. It focuses on the platysma muscle, a wide shallow muscle supporting the neck and lower face. Over time, this muscle can begin to sag and bunch up, which results in jowls, loose neck skin or "turkey neck," and deep folds between the nose and the corners of the mouth. A Facelift corrects the sagging in this muscle instead of just stretching the skin, which improves the results and gives you a natural look.

What are the benefits of a facelift?

Do you look in the mirror and feel like what you see doesn't match how you feel inside? A facelift can restore your youthful appearance and elevate your features. Fine lines and wrinkles are common concerns that result from aging. But many people seeking this procedure also note the dullness or perkiness they have lost, which can be restored with this procedure. A rhytidectomy can reverse multiple signs of aging in one course of treatment. Along with these positives, other benefits include:

• Pleasing facial contouring
• Firmer muscle tone
• Slimmer facial features
• Looking more awake and energetic
• Nearly invisible scars
• Can easily be combined with other facial procedures, such as eyebrow lifts or rhinoplasty

Who is the ideal facelift candidate?

Typically, with a traditional Facelift patients over 40-50 with significant signs of aging are the perfect candidates. This type of facelift addresses the effects of aging in the lower two-thirds of the face and the neck.

Since this is surgery, the healing process is crucial to getting great results. For this reason, suitable candidates are also in overall good health and are non-smokers. Both men and women wanting to address the following concerns are ideal candidates for the procedure.

• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Skin Laxity
• Jowls
• Double chin
• "Turkey neck"
• Nasolabial folds
• Dull or hollow areas
• Overall effects of aging

What is a mini facelift?

A mini facelift can address many of the same concerns as the traditional technique, but is shorter and less invasive. It is referred to as a Mini Facelift because the incisions are smaller, and the procedure is shorter since it only targets more specific parts of the face and neck. Sometimes this procedure is even performed using an endoscope instrument. Often, it is done with just local anesthesia and sedation, but general anesthesia is sometimes used.

What are the benefits of a mini facelift?

Sometimes called the "weekend facelift" because of a quicker procedure and recovery time, the mini facelift is a perfect option for those who need something less extensive than a traditional procedure but that still provides outstanding results. This surgery can perk up your face and offer great age-reversing results. After receiving a Mini Facelift patients should expect benefits which include:

• Addressing fine lines and wrinkles
• Correcting skin laxity
• Lifting both skin and muscle
• Less possible scarring
• Face sculpting and contouring

Who is the ideal mini facelift candidate?

Mini facelifts are most commonly performed on men and women in their 30s and 40s with moderate signs of aging. This procedure focuses on the lower third of the face and the neck. Like in a full facelift, ideal candidates are in good health and are non-smokers. Candidates for our Mini Facelift will be looking to address:

• Mild to moderate wrinkles
• Mild to moderate skin laxity
• Jowls and double chin
• An elevated, tighter look without extensive surgery

Considering a Facelift?

Both techniques can take years or even decades off of the appearance of your face. Whether or not these are the best procedures for you is a big decision. Weighing your options with the help of a trained, certified, and experienced facial plastic surgeon, including the possibility of combining these with complementary cosmetic procedures, is the best way to make a solid choice. Meeting with a professional Facial Plastic Surgeon like Dr. Malone and asking questions will help you sift through the information and make a reasonable determination for your cosmetic surgery.