13 Jul Full Facelift vs. Mini Facelift
Contrary to what these two popular facelift procedures sound like, there are more differences than one being a “smaller” version of the other. At Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center, every procedure is customized to the patient. We all have different bodies and aesthetic preferences, so why should cosmetic surgeries be approached as a one size fits all solution? The reality is that every plastic surgery is (or should be!) modified to some degree for every patient. However, there are some usual differences between a full facelift and a mini facelift that we will explore.
First, there are no standard definitions of what every full facelift and mini facelift should entail. A recent nationwide survey of facial plastic surgeons actually asked surgeons to supply definitions for various procedures, and there was some variance. The one difference between a facelift and mini facelift that was agreed upon by all participants is that a mini facelift results in a shorter scar. However, there are so many techniques possible for each surgery that it’s impossible to create a single consensus—and that’s a good thing. You want and deserve your cosmetic surgery to be personalized to you.
What You Need to Know About Facelifts
Every cosmetic surgeon is going to have their preferred techniques and recommendations for a facelift or mini facelift. Years ago, a “facelift” just meant surgically tightening the skin. Today the goal is a completely natural and rejuvenated look that usually requires also tightening the muscles underneath that skin. A mini facelift can also incorporate muscle realignment as well as skin tightening, but again with a shorter scar. As you probably guessed, patients who are younger and/or have less laxity of the skin are better candidates for a mini facelift.
A longer incision, or an extended incision, allows a surgeon to remove more excess skin. Skin laxity is often most severe under the neck. It’s also important to note that a facelift and mini facelift include a neck lift as part of the procedure. It’s rare for a patient to be a good candidate for just a neck lift. Patients who are considered “younger” for a facelift are usually in their 40s or 30s. Regardless of the length of the scar, incisions are always hidden around the ear to make use of the face’s natural crevices for a completely natural look.
Recovering from a Facelift vs. Mini Facelift
A shorter incision with a mini facelift means a less invasive procedure and a shorter recovery period. However, the recovery time isn’t that much shorter so it’s best to consider your goals rather than how quickly you’ll recover when choosing between these two procedures. Recovery to the point where you can return to more relaxed activities of daily living, such as sedentary work, cooking, or running light errands, usually occurs at two weeks. More vigorous activities like cardio can often be resumed at four weeks. Again, this will also vary patient to patient, and your doctor will give you a full schedule of expected recovery that is designed for your unique situation.
How to Achieve the Best Facelift Results
Some patients wonder if a mini facelift will yield even more natural-looking results because it’s less invasive. It’s actually the surgeon’s technique and not the type of surgery that determines how aesthetically pleasing and organic-looking any cosmetic surgery is. Facelifts and mini facelifts yield one of the highest satisfaction rates out of all facial plastic surgery procedures because the results can be both dramatic and wholly natural. A lot of patients complement these procedures with upper and/or lower eyelid lift and a brow lift. A facelift and mini facelift only addresses the lower half of the face and the neck, so those with signs of aging on the upper half of the face might benefit from a series of procedures.
Working with a skilled and reputable plastic surgeon is the best way to get peace of mind and the results you want. Before and after photo galleries of patients whose skin and face look like yours will give you a preview of what you can expect. A consultation is the perfect time to learn more about your surgeon, their techniques, and what you can expect to be the first step in the process. Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center is currently open and available for consultations while practicing social distancing measures. Call (480) 282-8386 to schedule your face lift or mini facelift consultation today.