Dr. Naficy has given an excellent overview of the differences between a "Face lift," "Midface lift" and a "Mini face lift." It is important to note, however, that these terms are not standardized and often mean quite different things to different surgeons.
In my view, a careful analysis of the facial features and how the facial anatomy has changed over time is a critical first-step in discussing any potential options for reaching one's goals. I ask patients to bring in facial photos or portraits from when they were younger and I use these as a helpful reference in our consultation. My bias is strongly toward procedures that give a rested, rejuvenated, natural and youthful appearance over ones that tighten, distort or change one's appearance in an unnatural way.
Analysis of the face is then correlated with one's overall goals. Often patient's goals match-up well with their procedure of interest, but this is not always the case. I loosely conceptualize treatment options as having three basic levels of invasiveness: 1) Minimally invasive with minimal or little down-time. Botox, dermal fillers and light skin peels are in this category. 2) Focused surgical procedures or perhaps "mini" procedures. Eyelid lifts (blepharoplasty), Brow lifts, intra-oral midface lifts, and maybe short-scar face lifts and fat grafting or fat-transfer procedures, when done individually or in one facial region. 3) Comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Typically a combination of procedures are selected to address aging changes in multiple areas of the face and neck. This website is a great resource of information about the full range of facial rejuvenation procedures, and the many physician and patient comments are helpful background if you are considering a procedure or treatment. However, no amount or research can replace an in-person consultation where you can discuss your goals and have your surgeon give you an individualized recommendation after a careful examination and assessment.
My philosophy is that Plastic Surgery is a very personalized, problem solving medical specialty. There are a wide range of techniques and technologies that are released and marketed at a break-neck pace, and very commonly the "latest greatest" is soon to fade. I have seen many patients that wound up unhappy after pursuing "teaser" financing offers for surgery, offers for proprietary procedures, or "corporate" practices or offers that are marketed via infomercial or a 1-800 phone number. And the old axioms of "no-pain, no-gain," "if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail," and "there is a reason something is the cheapest or best-deal" can often be taken to heart in aesthetic surgery.
