Facelift vs. Mini Facelift: What’s the Difference?

When most people think of getting a facelift surgery, they think of having to get a complex surgery with extended recovery time and scars. Many patients opt out of the full facelift by having what is known as a Mini Facelift. While this procedure does come with many benefits, it is not right for everyone. Read on to learn more about these different facial procedures that Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery offers and the ways they can be beneficial to you.

How is the Mini Facelift Different from a Traditional Facelift?

There are many differences between a facelift and Mini Facelift. Some differences are dependent on the surgeon and their specific techniques. The main difference is that the Mini Facelift surgery involves shorter incisions in the skin. At the Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Sadati will make small incisions at the front of the ears that extend from the bottom of the earlobe to the hairline located behind the ear. The incision length will depend on the degree of change desired. Once the incisions are made, Dr. Sadati will lift just the mid-facial area rather than the entire facial region. The Mini Facelift can be combined with supplemental procedures like a neck or eyelid surgery. A great thing about the mini facelift at Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery is that this Mini Facelift can be performed without the need for general anesthesia. Instead, a local anesthesia and twilight anesthesia are used. This helps make the recovery period easier on the patient.

Another difference between these procedures, as you have probably already figured out, is that the Mini Facelift offers subtler results than a full facelift. The Mini Facelift is ideal for patients with mild to moderate degree of skin laxity on the neck and jowl. It can help to lift the skin for a youthful look but will not get rid of prominent jowls or treat the entire neck area. Although there are some disadvantages of a Mini Facelift there are many advantages that make it a great procedure for suitable patients. The main benefit being that Mini Facelift’s come with much shorter downtime. Many patients return to work within a week of undergoing the procedure. Also, since there are shorter incisions used then swelling and discomfort is decreased. Along with having less pain, it is a safer procedure since it is not performed with general anesthesia, but rather local anesthesia and twilight sedation is used to diminish any discomfort. Mini Facelift offers better options for sedation techniques. Finally, for patients who want a youthful look but are on a stricter budget, a Mini Facelift is more affordable than a traditional Facelift.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Mini Facelift?

Many Mini Facelift patients are younger than the average patient who undergoes a full facelift. Most patients are under the age of 50. These younger patients are typically in their 30’s and 40’s and only exhibit a mild to moderate degree of skin sagging, which is usually in the mid-face region. This makes these people perfect for getting a Mini Facelift. Patient’s over 50 typically have more skin laxity in the face and neck region which cannot be fully treated with a mini Facelift. Patients for a Mini Facelift typically experience mild skin laxity with some sagging of the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS). Even though younger patients get this procedure more, some patients over the age of 50 can be suitable candidates as well. If you have been slim your whole life, then you are more likely to show less skin laxity in the neck and jaw regions. This is related to the fact that slimmer people have fewer fatty deposits on their face so there is less stress being placed on the skin which will dispel some of the effects of gravity. Along with skin laxity, patients who want subtler results are good candidates for a Mini Facelift.

Enhance Your Mini Facelift Results

There are ways to accentuate the results of a Mini Facelift without surgery or invasive methods. These procedures won’t have any additional recovery time and can help you reach more satisfactory results. By pairing a Mini Facelift with an injectable such as Botox, or Juvederm, you can smooth our wrinkles, lines, and plump up the skin on the regions where your Mini Facelift couldn’t treat. During your consultation, Dr. Sadati will go over the Mini Facelift as well as all of the injectable treatments we offer so you can get your desired results.