A facelift, in and of itself, is a misnomer. In general, a facelift refers to redraping of the skin and soft tissues of the face, jowl/jawline and neck. “Lift” is inaccurate and that the face/neck rejuvenation surgical procedure should be an anatomical redraping procedure and not a true “lift”. The type of procedure performed is usually determined by three main factors 1. findings that each individual patient presents 2. skill level of the surgeon 3. philosophy of the appropriate surgical modality of each surgeon. In general, a mini facelift yields minimal results. Incisions are made, a procedure is perform (albeit limited) and healing takes place. Not only are the results minimal but the longevity is minimal.
Only patients presenting with the very earliest findings (minimal aging changes) might be conceivably be considered for a so-called mini facelift. Perhaps, these people would be better off with other procedure modalities in these early stages. A modified facelift is not a term often used or heard in professional circles. A modified facelift could be called a “minimized” facelift. It would most likely be a limited form of a good, thorough and complete facelift. In most cases, this procedure would also often yield less than optimum results.
Most patients presenting for rejuvenation surgery of the face and neck desire to look their best. In order to accomplish this and to make a satisfied and happy patient, a good comprehensive surgical procedure should be performed that will appropriately redraped and secure the tissues beneath the skin as well as the skin itself in a manner to effect optimum contours with much greater longevity.
