Differences Between a Mini Facelift and a Facelift
A facelift is an operation aimed at correcting sagging in the middle and lower parts of the face and in the neck. A mini facelift is a type of facelift performed on a more limited area with shorter incisions. Both are surgical procedures and both carry risks. The doctor decides at the examination which one is suitable. Results vary from person to person.
What Is a Facelift (Classic Facelift)?
In a classic facelift, the tissue layers beneath the skin are repositioned and excess skin is removed. The areas targeted are the cheeks, the jawline and the neck. The incisions usually start in the hair-bearing skin of the temple, follow the natural fold in front of the ear and extend behind the ear into the hair-bearing scalp.
Eyelid surgery, a brow lift or fat injection are not part of a facelift; if needed, they can be performed as separate procedures during the same operation. For detailed information you can read our facelift page.
What Is a Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift is a method considered for mild to moderate sagging that focuses on a more limited area. It is usually aimed at sagging in the lower part of the cheeks and along the jawline.
How is a mini facelift performed?
- An incision shorter than in a classic facelift is made, starting in front of the earlobe, following the fold in front of the ear and extending into the hair-bearing scalp.
- The tissues beneath the skin are repositioned upwards and excess skin is removed.
- The incisions are closed with stitches.
The doctor determines the steps to be followed according to the person's facial structure and the degree of sagging.
Differences Between a Mini Facelift and a Classic Facelift
Area treated
In a classic facelift, the middle and lower parts of the face and the neck are treated together. In a mini facelift, the area of focus is more limited; it usually targets mild sagging in the lower face and the jawline. A mini facelift may not be enough when there is marked sagging of the neck.
Length of the incisions
In a classic facelift, the incisions extend from in front of the ear to behind the ear and into the hair-bearing scalp. In a mini facelift the incisions are shorter. Both methods leave a permanent scar; because the incisions are placed in natural folds and the hair-bearing scalp, the scar usually fades over time and is not prominent.
Suitable candidates
A classic facelift is considered for people with marked sagging of the face and neck. A mini facelift is suitable for people with mild or moderate sagging. What matters is not age, but the degree of sagging and the structure of the face.
Anaesthesia and length of the operation
A classic facelift is usually performed under general anaesthesia. Depending on the doctor's assessment, a mini facelift can be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or under general anaesthesia. The length of the operation depends on whether additional procedures are performed; a mini facelift usually takes less time.
Recovery
Because the area treated in a mini facelift is smaller, recovery is usually shorter. After a classic facelift, a return to daily life and to work that does not require physical effort is usually possible within a week; swelling and bruising decrease over a few weeks. The doctor decides when you can return to work and sport.
How long the result lasts
Because a classic facelift is a more extensive operation, its effect usually lasts longer. In a mini facelift the area treated is more limited, so the result may last for a shorter time. Neither method stops ageing; sagging can develop again as the years pass. Keeping a stable weight, not smoking and protecting the skin from the sun help to maintain the result.
Who Is It Not Suitable For?
The operation is not performed, or is postponed, in people with an uncontrolled chronic illness, a bleeding disorder or wound-healing problems. In people with a chronic illness, an assessment by the relevant doctor is needed before the operation. Smoking has a negative effect on wound healing; it must be stopped before the operation.
Risks
The risks of a mini facelift and a classic facelift are similar. The most common early problem is a collection of blood under the skin (haematoma). Other risks include bleeding, infection, a prominent scar, reduced sensation in the face and around the ear, hair loss around the incision and injury to the facial nerves; nerve injury can cause temporary or permanent weakness of facial movements. If rapidly increasing swelling, pain or bleeding that does not stop is noticed on one side of the face, the doctor should be contacted immediately.
For the surgical and non-surgical methods used to lift the face, you can read our article Facelift Methods, and for sagging in the neck our article Neck Lift Surgery: Procedure, Recovery and Risks.
Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın