If you’re experiencing signs of aging in the face, including sagging skin, excess skin, fine lines, and wrinkles, many cosmetic procedures can help you regain a youthful complexion. Among these procedures are the facelift and mini lift. While both of these procedures are used to rejuvenate the face, they have distinct differences. 

Read on to learn about the differences between a facelift and a mini lift to determine which procedure could be the right fit for you. 

The Facelift Procedure

The facelift has long been a popular plastic surgery procedure for signs of aging. It’s used to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles, remove excess skin, and tighten loose skin on the face, around the jawline, and under the chin. 

During a facelift, the surgeon makes incisions along the hairline (typically around the temple) that extend to the curve of the ear and stop along the scalp. These incisions can be hidden along your natural hairline. Then, the surgeon removes excess fat tissue from the neck and jowls and shifts the position of the facial muscles. The remaining fat tissue is also shifted to resculpt the face. Then, the skin is repositioned over the face, excess skin is removed, and sutures are applied.  

The Mini Lift Procedure

The mini lift is used to rejuvenate the face in a less invasive procedure than the facelift. A specific target area is focused on, reducing the size of the incisions and the required recovery time. The neck and jowls, mid-face, and lower lids are all areas that may be focused on in the mini lift procedure. 

In a mini lift, small incisions are made behind the ears or at the hairline. A thin section of skin in the shape of an ‘S’ is removed through the incisions. Then, the skin is tightened, facial tissues and muscles are repositioned, and excess skin is removed. Sutures can then be applied. 

How Are the Facelift and Mini Lift Different?

• The mini lift is a much less invasive procedure than the facelift. 
• The facelift provides more dramatic results than the mini lift. 
• The recovery time after a mini lift is typically just one week, while most facelift patients require four months to heal completely after the procedure. 
• The mini lift is often a good option for patients who previously had a facelift and just want a touch-up.

To learn more about the facelift and mini lift procedures, contact Bayside Center today.