While a mini facelift may not offer the dramatic results of a full facelift, this procedure can result in significant changes to your facial appearance — changes that may last much longer than you might assume! In fact, most mini facelift patients can expect their results to last between five to ten years, making the procedure an excellent choice for those who want visible anti-aging results without consistent maintenance appointments.
What Is A Facelift?
As we age, the loss of facial volume results in the deepening smile lines and the onset of heavy jowls. This, in addition to sun exposure, and the effects of gravity can result in a loss of youthfulness in the face. A facelift restores a youthful, rested, natural appearance to the face by creating hidden incisions behind the ear and hairline to re-suspend droopy fat tissues and avoid visible scars. A facelift predominantly targets the lower part of the face, including the cheeks, jowls, and neck, to create a naturally youthful appearance.
What Is A Mini Facelift?
Similar to a full facelift, a mini facelift addresses wrinkles, excess skin, and other signs of aging on the face and neck. This procedure tightens the skin, leaving the lower face and neck looking smoother and younger. After incisions are then made behind and within the ears, Dr. Bell will then pull the excess facial tissue toward the ears to remove excess skin and sagging tissue, tighten the muscles and iron out wrinkles. Fat sculpting is also possible during this procedure. The surgeon will then close the small incisions.
Benefits Of A Mini Facelift
A mini facelift offers many of the anti-aging benefits of a full facelift, but with a much quicker recovery time. Traditional facelift patients may need four to five weeks to recover fully from a facelift, while mini facelift patients will recover in 3-5 days. Since mini-facelifts are less invasive than full facelifts, the amount of post-procedure discomfort is minimal and bruising or swelling is substantially less significant. The use of oral sedation, rather than general sedation, means patients are at less risk of experiencing any anesthesia-based complications or side effects. And, finally, the procedure is less expensive than a traditional facelift and requires fewer appointments for maintenance.
Drawbacks Of A Mini Facelift
Mini facelift patients should be aware that, while the results of their procedure will last many years, they will still last less time than the results of a full facelift. In addition, because the procedure is less invasive, the results will be less dramatic.
How Long Does A Mini Facelift Last Compared To A Full Facelift?
A mini facelift can last anywhere between five to ten years, while the results of a full facelift can last up to 15 years. The longevity of both procedures depends on a number of factors, including lifestyle, diet, exercise, and skincare.
Things To Consider Before Getting Either Type Of Facelift
Mini facelifts and full facelifts are safe procedures, and Dr. Bell is an expert cosmetic surgeon whose experience and attention to detail have resulted in a successful career spanning decades. However, there are still some personal considerations to be mindful of when deciding whether a facelift is right for you.
Overall Health
The best candidate for a mini facelift or full facelift is an adult over 18 years of age who is in relatively good health. Patients should cease smoking ahead of their facelift appointment, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and should not be on any anti-inflammatory medications. A consultation with Dr. Bell, ahead of your mini facelift or facelift appointment, will help the surgeon determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure and if there are any health considerations that need to be taken into account.
Rapid Weight Changes
Rapid weight gain or weight loss will affect the result of your facelift or mini facelift. If you are likely to gain or lose a substantial amount of weight before or after your facelift, you may wish to postpone the procedure until you are certain you will be able to maintain a relatively stable weight.
Surgery Costs
The total cost of your mini facelift can vary. At SpaMedica, the cost of a mini facelift starts at $9,999.
