Your face is unique, and so is the way you age. Some people will notice early jowling or laxity around the cheeks first, while others might experience substantial sagging as tissues descend throughout the lower face and neck. Facelift surgery prevails as the gold standard in treating facial aging, but not every patient needs the same type of facelift. This guide breaks down the difference between the full facelift and mini facelift, and explains which one is the best for you, and the results you can expect.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Full Facelift?
- What Is a Mini Facelift?
- Mini Facelift vs. Full Facelift
- Which Facelift Should I Get?
What Is a Full Facelift?
A full facelift–often called a traditional facelift–is the most thorough surgical approach to reversing facial aging. When surgeons talk about a “facelift,” they’re typically referring to SMAS techniques, which target the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). Think of the SMAS as a structural layer beneath your skin that holds everything in place. During a SMAS facelift, Dr. Konstantin lifts and tightens this layer, restoring the deeper facial structures of your face to a more youthful position.
A type of SMAS facelift is the deep plane facelift, a technique that’s gained significant momentum in recent years. This approach goes even deeper than the SMAS, releasing the facial retaining ligaments that hold tissues in place. By doing so, it allows for complete repositioning of the SMAS layer, delivering the most significant lift possible. Deep plane facelifts can tighten the jawline, elevate the cheek, improve nasolabial folds, and reposition the malar fat pad. For better results, this procedure is sometimes performed in conjunction with fat grafting.
What Is a Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift–sometimes called a short-scar facelift–is a scaled-down version that focuses on signs of early aging. It primarily addresses loss of jawline definition and jowling. With shorter incisions and a more limited scope, it offers quicker and easier recovery.
This procedure is most suitable for patients in their 30s through early 40s who want noticeable improvement of early signs of aging. At this stage of, the procedure can be done without committing to the longer healing process of a traditional facelift.
Mini Facelift vs. Full Facelift
You may be a candidate for a full facelift if you have:
- Significant jowling or neck laxity
- Cheek sagging
- Deep lines, folds, and wrinkles
You may be a candidate for a mini facelift if you have:
- Mild facial sagging
- Early-stage jowling
- Good skin elasticity
What Each Procedure Delivers
A full facelift is typically performed in combination with a neck lift. This surgery provides the most comprehensive facial and neck rejuvenation, delivering seamless, balanced results. The transformation has long-lasting, profound results, and patients often describe appearing decades or more younger, while still looking like themselves.
A mini facelift, on the other hand, is best for addressing early signs of aging before they become more pronounced. This type of procedure is typically shorter, less expensive, and less downtime for recovery. The results are subtle and natural for those who want to refresh their look as a younger version of themselves.
Recovery Time
How long you’ll need to recover depends on the technique used and your body’s individual healing response.
After a full facelift, most patients take about 1 to 2 weeks away from work and social commitments, giving bruising and swelling time to fade.
Mini facelift patients typically return to their daily routines within 7 to 10 days, with less noticeable swelling and faster healing overall.
Results
Dr. Konstantin’s approach to facial rejuvenation surgery is to create results that are significant, refined and natural, and never overdone.
- Full facelift results include a sculpted neck, a sharply defined jawline, and a lifted midface. This procedure effectively addresses advanced aging concerns like deep folds, severe jowling, and significant neck laxity.
- Mini facelift results deliver a refreshed appearance with improved jawline definition and a smoother lower face.
With both procedures, your final results will continue to improve over several months as residual swelling fades and tissues fully settle into their new contours.
Which Facelift Should I Get?
The answer depends on your age, the extent of facial aging, and unique facial structures.
In summary, while both procedures result in refreshed, rejuvenated appearances, full facelifts are best for those with more significant and extensive signs of aging, and mini facelifts are best for the younger demographics with early signs of aging.
The best way to determine whether a full facelift or mini facelift is right for you is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Konstantin. During your visit, he’ll assess your facial structure, discuss your goals, and recommend the approach that will give you the best possible outcome.
Learn More About Facelift Surgery in New York
If you’re considering a facelift, it’s absolutely essential to seek out the expertise of a dedicated facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Konstantin is a leading Manhattan facial plastic surgeon who has performed over 3,000 facial plastic surgery procedures throughout his career. He and his team prioritize safety, stunning results, and an elevated, patient-centered approach.
To schedule your consultation, complete our online contact form or call us at (212) 380-3634.