Full Face and Neck Lift vs. Mini Facelift

Facelift surgery is defined as an age-defying surgery that removes sagging skin on the face and neck, improves skin elasticity, and takes away years of aging. The fat is redistributed and the muscles are tightened to prevent further sagging. A mini facelift is a similar procedure but with a less invasive treatment. Patients should learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of obtaining a full or mini facelift. Getting more information about the differences between these procedures can help you to determine which one is right for you.

Full Face and Neck Lift

A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical cosmetic procedure that is designed primarily to reduce wrinkly, sagging skin. Incisions are made into the skin, which is lifted, pulled back and up to tighten it.

There are different types of techniques based on the extent of the skin problems. Muscles are also tightened and neck bands are improved.

Patients who have basic wrinkles and fine lines may be referred for fillers instead of an invasive treatment like this one.

Due to its invasive nature, a full facelift is often performed under general anesthesia and requires a couple weeks of recovery afterwards.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

The full face and necklift is recommended to people with sagging skin on the face, neck and muscle bands in the neck. They want the most effective, longest lasting results for removing wrinkles and tightening the skin.

Mini Facelift

The mini facelift is a reduced version of a facelift that is shorter in duration and less profound in its results.

How Is It Done?

This procedure mainly focuses on the lower half of the face, and requires less incisions than the full facelift. These small incisions will be made around the ears and hairline. Some patients, depending on their desired results, will pair this procedure with other treatments like dermal fillers or an eyelid lift.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

The procedure is recommended to people who want a light facelift and show early signs of aging but do not have wrinkly, sagging necks.

How Does It Compare?

Unlike the full facelift, a mini facelift does not include a neck lift. Overall, there is less swelling and numbness, the recovery time is shorter, and the procedure is less invasive. However, while the results are effective they are also less permanent.

Schedule a Consultation

Everyone develop a few wrinkles as they grow older. In some cases, a person loses the elasticity in their skin that appears as droopy cheeks, loose necks, and bags under the eyes. A full facelift or mini facelift is performed to reverse years of aging and restore your youthful look. To determine which procedure is best for you, schedule a consultation with Lee H. Colony, M.D. at the office of Michigan Plastic Surgery™.