What is the difference between a mini facelift and a modified facelift?

I have recently made an appointment for a mini facelift. My friend is going to a different doctor for a modified facelift. She says a mini only involves the skin and lasts only three years whereas the modified involves underlying muscle and lasts 10-15 years. Is this true?

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22 answers to “What is the difference between a...”

A: Mini Facelift & Modified Facelift

Sigmund L. Sattenspiel, MD

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... more

A: Mini facelift

Andrew Turk, M.D.

Generally, a mini facelift  usually is associated with skin tightening only and a minimal amount of time of surgery. A modified facelift takes longer in time, addressing the skin, fat and muscles of the face. The expertise of the plastic surgeon determines which type of surgery suits your individual needs... more

A: Facelift: Choose the Surgeon, not the Facelift "Name"

Stephen Prendiville, MD

As others have pointed out on this topic, most qualified Facelift surgeons offer a range of Facelift procedures based on the individual needs of the patient.  Likewise, most surgeons will offer some variation on the technique when compared to another surgeon.  The truth is, you can get great results... more

A: Pull back the curtain on the Wizard of OZ

Kamran Jafri, MD

 Hi Janice, You have gotten great advice here. My advice would be to keep doing research and then sit down with the your Surgeon and have a very informed discussion with them about what specific type of facelift they are proposing and why they feel it would be the best thing for your anatomy. Also best to... more

A: A mini is a modified

Kenneth R. Francis, MD

Janice, A mini facelift is a modification of a full facelift.  There are many techniques and forms of facelift surgery, some of which involve skin only, some of which involve the skin and muscle layer and some of which involve the skin, muscle and deeper tissues.  There is no standard terminology... more

A: The facelift nomenclature can be difficult to deal with

Andrew Miller, MD

Unfortunately, in this day and time, with heavy marketing influences, the actual definition of a facelift is hard to understand. There are many different names that people use or that a particular sugeon may tout as being better than all the rest, but this simply is not true. In general, your results will boil... more

A: Mini, modified, full facelift can be confusing

Peter E. Johnson, MD

There are many labels applied to facelift such as mini, modified, full, soft, S lift, short scar, limited incision, etc. The way the label is applied, or what it actually means can differ between one practice and another. Comparison can become difficult and confusing when a consultation is made with several... more

A: Different types of facelifts

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD

This is a great question as there are many types of facelifts.  The mini-facelift usually only involves removal of a small amount of skin and the results may not last as long as you'd like.  A regular or modified facelift can lift the cheeks and remove excess skin of the face and neck.  This... more

A: I prefer a MACS-Lift, short-scar Face Lift for minimally invasive facial rejuvenation.

Eric M. Joseph, MD

The outcome of your facelift will largely be determined by the expertise of your surgeon. Rather than choosing a particular operation, you should choose a board-certified surgeon experienced in the art of face lifting. You should view many favorable photos before moving forward. I prefer the MACS-Lift since... more

A: Difference between a mini facelift and a modified facelift

Joel B. Singer, MD

Hi, The different names that are now associated with the facelift can certainly be confusing. Most board certified plastic surgeons would define a "mini-facelift" as a less invasive facelift usually involving a short scar. This type of facelift has been named the S lift, the MACS facelift, the short... more

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