If you are considering plastic surgery to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles in problem areas on your face, you can benefit from either a full facelift or a mini facelift. Before you make a final decision on what you want to do, it helps to become familiar with these distinct procedures and whether you can achieve your desired results with as little surgery as possible.
Both Mini and Full Require Downtime
A full facelift and a mini facelift are surgical procedures. Some people may think that with a name like “mini facelift,” there will be no need for anesthetic or incisions. While it’s true that mini facelifts are typically less invasive than traditional ones, they still require general anesthesia and a few incisions. However, the incisions used in a mini, or weekend, facelift are shorter, which aids in speeding the healing process.
They Achieve Different Results
The difference between a mini facelift and a traditional one is the area of the facial structure that will be treated. The process of a facelift restructures the underlying facial tissue, removes excess skin and tightens muscle so the face is better contoured and tightened to give a more youthful appearance. A mini facelift will not do the full face, rather affecting the lower third of the face and/or neck with smaller incisions, which allows for less dramatic results and a quicker surgical time.
Recovery Time is Shorter
The downtime needed for a mini facelift is shorter than that of a full facelift. This is due to the fact that the incisions are smaller. Smaller incisions allow for faster healing, but less significant facial rejuvenation. A mini facelift is a popular choice for thos who do not want or cannot schedule downtime and a long recovery period.
Will Both Choices Last A Long Time?
A mini facelift and a full facelift do physical changes to the tissue and skin on your face, so they will last a lot longer than temporary treatments like Botox or dermal fillers that you might try for wrinkle reduction. The benefits of a mini facelift should last over five years, and a full facelift will last at least 10. It’s worth noting that neither procedure promises life-long results, as plastic surgery procedures cannot stop the natural process of aging, only turn back the clock at a given time.
How to Choose The Right Procedure
If you do not have many issues with your face, and you just need a small amount of work, especially in the lower face region, a mini facelift is likely the best option for you. Mini facelifts are cheaper, less invasive, and yet still effective for those just beginning to show the signs of aging. If you have more serious needs like wrinkles, excess sagging skin, or creases under your eyes, you will probably want to consider getting a full facelift.
The best way to know for sure if a mini or traditional facelift is right for you is to talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon in the Baltimore area like Dr. Lawrence Rosenberg. With convenient locations in Ellicott City, Crofton, and Lutherville, Maryland, Dr. Rosenberg is here to help you figure out the best treatment plan to address your areas of concern, with or without surgery. Call The Plastic Surgery Center today at 410-324-3071 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rosenberg today.
