Facelift surgery — whether full or mini — is considered the gold standard in terms of facial rejuvenation. The surgery can beautifully reduce sagging skin, improve definition in the jawline, and erase wrinkles, lines, and creases. It restores a youthful countenance, boosting your self-confidence and giving you a new lease on life. In this blog, we will discuss the key differences between a mini facelift and the standard full facelift.
COMPARISON CHART:
MINI FACELIFT | FULL FACELIFT | |
Synonyms | Mini lift, weekend lift | Rhytidectomy |
Level of invasiveness | Minimal to moderate | Significant |
Anesthesia | Local anesthesia with or without sedation | General anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation |
Procedure length | 60-90 minutes | 2-4 hours |
Symptoms treated | Early signs of aging | Moderate to severe signs of aging |
Longevity of results | 10-15 years | 2-6 years |
Recovery time | 1 week | 2-4 weeks |
Procedure differences
Mini facelift — A mini facelift uses shorter incisions than its conventional counterpart made within the folds of the ears. Limited muscle tightening and skin removal are then performed, typically in the lower third of the face. Mini facelifts are well suited for clients who have minimal sagging in the neck.
Full facelift — A full or traditional facelift firms the muscles, excises redundant skin folds, and then redrapes the remaining skin over the restructured face and neck. Incisions extend around the ears and into the hairline, where they are well-concealed. An additional incision may be created under the chin to combat banding in the front of the neck.
Level of invasiveness
A mini facelift is less invasive than a full facelift, which requires longer incisions to give the surgeon greater access to the underlying facial structures. A mini facelift uses shorter, smaller incisions.
Anesthesia
A mini facelift can be performed using local anesthesia with or without sedation. This is more cost-effective and also reduces the likelihood of complications. With a full facelift, the patient typically receives general anesthesia, although in some cases, the surgeon may approve local anesthesia with twilight sedation.
Procedure length
A mini facelift is straightforward and simple, usually lasting from 60 to 90 minutes on average. By contrast, a traditional full facelift will take several hours to perform. If additional procedures such as a neck lift or blepharoplasty are added on, procedure length will naturally be extended.
Longevity of results
Because a mini facelift is less invasive and addresses only minor to moderate signs of aging, results will not last as long as with a conventional facelift. Mini facelift results tend to last 2-6 years. A full facelift, on the other hand, will last 10-15 years with the proper care and a healthy lifestyle.
Recovery time
A mini facelift’s shorter incisions mean less downtime. Patients can usually resume normal activities within 5-7 days. For a full facelift, patients may need 2-4 weeks of recovery, depending on their natural healing ability and the extent of the work performed.
What is the takeaway?
While a mini facelift is ideal for those with minimal signs of aging who want to recover quickly, a full facelift provides more dramatic, long-lasting outcomes and can treat a wider range of symptoms, including neck laxity and jowls. Both procedures will bring about a more positive self-image and help you to feel more youthful, confident, and secure.