Facelift vs mini facelift – what’s the difference? Both are surgical procedures that focus on lifting the tissue on specific areas of the face, but each procedure has its distinct differences.
You may be considering undergoing a facelift, but it can be hard to know exactly how much lifting you will need without a surgeon’s opinion. When you see Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt for a consultation, he will be able to assess your facial features and the condition of the skin and muscle in the area. From there, he can recommend either a facelift, or a mini facelift.
Read on to learn more about the differences between the two procedures! When you’re ready, you can contact our team to book your consultation with Dr Hunt in Sydney.
Firstly, what is a facelift?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a thorough procedure aimed at tackling significant signs of ageing in the face and neck. The procedure can address deep wrinkles, skin laxity, and loss of muscle tone.
It involves making incisions, usually along the hairline and around the ears, to access deeper facial tissues. Depending on the patient’s unique needs, the underlying muscles will be repositioned and tightened, and excess skin will be removed. The remaining skin is then re-draped and tightened, in an approach that suits the patient’s features.
Recovery usually takes at least a few weeks, with some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Patients will need to take time off work and their usual daily routine to rest at home, while following some important instructions (such as avoiding strenuous exercise).
While surgical results are generally permanent, we usually prefer to refer to them as very long-lasting, as the body’s natural ageing process can still slightly alter the results in the future. It is still a procedure that achieves significant, noticeable results with permanent surgical changes.
What is a mini facelift?
On the other hand, a mini facelift, sometimes called a short-scar facelift, is less invasive and targets mild to moderate signs of ageing. It particularly focuses more on the lower face and jawline.
Using the same methods as a facelift, a mini facelift can involve removing excess tissue, tightening the underlying muscles, and tightening the remaining skin. However, the procedure uses smaller incisions, usually around the ears, as it only requires access to the lower face.
Recovery is generally shorter than that required after a full facelift, but it still involves some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Patients still need to take some time to recover at home and follow recovery instructions, similar to those required after a full facelift, but typically for a shorter amount of time.
Like a facelift, a surgical mini facelift achieves permanent or very long-lasting results. While it can still achieve a noticeable change, the results can be slightly less extensive than with a full facelift. However, if this is all the patient will need to achieve their desired results, then this less extensive approach can be much more ideal.
Facelift vs mini facelift: The pros and cons of each procedure
Before we weigh up the pros and cons of a facelift vs. a mini facelift, it’s important to understand that each procedure has its own purposes—ultimately, the procedure that a patient can experience more pros from will depend on their needs.
A facelift can have the pros of a more extensive surgical approach and more significant results, for those who seek a more thorough procedure. On the other hand, a mini facelift can have the pros of being a less extensive procedure, with a shorter recovery time, only focusing on the specific areas that a patient may want to focus on.
When it comes to cons, you could argue that a full facelift requires a longer recovery and is more extensive—but this won’t necessarily be a negative for a patient who prefers the option. The same can be said for the potential cons of a mini facelift (such as the limitations of the level of change that can be achieved).
Overall, it will come down to your personal needs, preferences, and expectations for your results.
Which procedure should I choose?
Now that you know the differences between a facelift and a mini facelift, you may be wondering which procedure is best for your needs.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which procedure will be more suited to you is to have a consultation with Dr Hunt. This will allow him to understand your goals, assess the condition of the skin and muscles on your face and neck, consider personal health factors, and make a careful recommendation.
As a general guide, if you have significant signs of ageing, such as deeper wrinkles, significant skin laxity, and loss of muscle tone in your face and neck, a full facelift might be the best option for you. A more extensive approach can allow Dr Hunt to treat more areas of the face, and create longer-lasting results.
However, if you have mild to moderate signs of ageing, particularly in the lower face and jawline, a mini facelift could be a suitable choice for creating a sufficient change. The key is to let Dr Hunt know what you would like to achieve with your procedure, and being transparent about your expectations.
Why choose Dr Hunt for a facelift or mini facelift in Sydney
Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt has extensively trained both nationally and internationally, and has gained over 20 years of experience performing surgical procedures.
He is a member of multiple highly-regarded organisations, including the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and is a Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training at the IMG Royal Australasian College Surgeons. He also works as a Consultant Surgeon at Sydney Children’s Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital.
Choosing Dr. Hunt to perform your facelift or mini face lift means choosing a surgeon with extensive knowledge and experience and a passion for high-quality care.
If you’re interested in undergoing a facelift or mini facelift, please contact our team today to learn how you can book your consultation.
