The facelift and the mini facelift are similar procedures that are designed to tighten the facial skin and restore a more youthful look, but there are a number of factors that make them very different in nature.
Here is some information to keep in mind when considering either procedure.
The Facelift Procedure
The facelift is also known as rhytidectomy. It is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the presence of sagging skin and tighten the muscles on the face to create a more youthful appearance. It is a more extensive procedure than the mini facelift procedure.
The patient may require general anesthesia and it will typically take several hours to complete the surgery. During surgery, the surgeon makes incisions beginning in the temple in the hairline and extending in front of and behind the ear. In addition, an incision below the chin is used for direct neck work.
Working through these incisions the underlying muscles are tightened and excess skin is removed. The skin will then be realigned over the face to create a smoother and tighter surface. The patient will usually need at least two weeks to recover and return to daily activities.It may take a few weeks to see the full results of the surgery, but the results of the facelift are dramatic and long-lasting.
The Mini Facelift Procedure
The mini facelift is similar to the facelift, but slightly different in some ways. Like the facelift, it helps reduce sagging skin and create a more youthful appearance. The primary difference is that there are more limited incisions and less downtime than the traditional facelift. The surgeon will make smaller incisions around both ears to remove excess skin and fat while tightening the facial muscles in those areas.
The surgery is usually done with either twilight or local anesthesia and can be completed within a couple of hours in most cases and the patients will be able to recover within a few days to a week after the surgery. The effects of the mini facelift procedure will usually last between 5-10 years for most people depending on aging, skincare, and other lifestyle factors.
Which Procedure Should You Consider
Determining the appropriate procedure will depend on your specific needs as well as what your facial plastic surgeon recommends. The facelift can be used to reduce sagging around the lower face and neck, and it can be ideal for treating more advanced signs of aging. The mini facelift, on the other hand, is really designed to target specific areas on the face around the cheek and jaw area and is often reserved for those showing early signs of aging.
The mini facelift is significantly less expensive than a facelift and it has a much faster recovery time, but the results are generally not as dramatic and may not last as long. However, the facelift provides a more dramatic and longer lasting results and goes into greater depth to remove sagging skin and fat on and around the face.
Dr. Mark Hamilton is a double board certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in reconstructive and facial surgeries such as the facelift. He has two offices located in the greater Indianapolis area. Please call his office at 317-859-3810 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.