A facelift procedure is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed in the US year in and year out. This is true for both men and women due to the facelift’s ability to help people rejuvenate the appearance of the face and achieve a younger, more refreshed look. For anyone unfamiliar, facelift surgery is used to treat visible signs of facial aging including wrinkles and sagging skin. However, it’s important for patients to know that “facelift” is not an all-encompassing term. In fact, there are different varieties of facelift surgery that all patients should be aware of.
I personally perform both full and mini facelift procedures to help make sure each prospective patient is able to receive the specific results they desire. While both procedures are able to correct similar issues on the face, there are a number of factors that differentiate the two including the size of the incision and the area it is made. As an instructional tool for prospective facelift patients, I have taken some time to lay out some of the fundamental differences between a full facelift and the mini facelift.
A full, or traditional, facelift is designed to eliminate wrinkles, add volume to areas that need it, and create a more youthful appearance. During a full facelift procedure, an incision is made around the ear. I am then able to remove sagging skin and tighten and/or reposition muscle and tissue. Although this can vary, a full facelift is a multi-hour procedure that may require an overnight hospital stay.
A mini facelift, sometimes referred to as a rapid recovery lift, is a less extensive and invasive procedure. During the surgery, I will make smaller incisions to target specific areas on the lower portion of the face including the cheeks, jawline, and neck. A mini face lift can be tailored to the specific problem areas of each individual patient. In many cases, a mini lift can be performed in less than 90 minutes and may not require a hospital stay.
So, there you have it. Both the full and the mini facelift procedures that I perform can provide patients with outstanding, long-lasting, natural-looking results. Both options can be paired with other facial procedures like eyelid surgery. However, understanding the differences between the two procedures can help patients have a better idea of which surgery option will best be able to help them before their initial consultation appointment. For more information or schedule a complimentary plastic surgery consultation today, please contact me, Dr. David Whiteman, at Southern Plastic Surgery. Don’t forget to follow along with us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for additional plastic surgery tips, practice updates, and so much more.