What is the Difference Between a Mini Facelift and a Modified Facelift?

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 with a variety of different techniques. Most surgeons will offer you a procedure that suits your needs and which works well in his/her hands.
That having been said, in most circumstances a "skin only" mini lift is hardly a procedure worth doing. This is a procedure that was largely abandoned with the introduction of SMAS techniques in the 1970's. The reason: when tension is placed on an incision, the scar is more likely to be wide, more likely to distort local structures (earlobes), and less likely to leave a natural appearance. When tension is placed on deeper structures (SMAS), you are more likely to avoid these problems.
In my experience, most patients come in believing they are candidates for as mini lift. Frequently, this is not the case. My responsibility is to educate a patient that they will only be happy with a procedure which is appropriate for their individual aging changes; often times a mini lift is insufficient.

The difference between a mini facelift and a modified
facelift may be enormous — or there may not be one at all. That's because the
terms "mini" and "modified" are unregulated, which means
that there is no universal approach to these procedures. Each surgeon has his
or her own preferred technique for mini facelifts, and one surgeon's mini may
be another surgeon's modified. To be certain of the effectiveness of your
procedure, ask your surgeon to review his or her technique with you. That way
you can be sure that your procedure precisely matches your aesthetic goals.
Good luck!

Thank you for your question. A mini lift tends to refer to minimally invasive facelift techniques and often skin tightening only.  These techniques are best suited to patients with mild aging changes. Moderate to severe aging changes would more likely benefit from a more traditional facelift. I would recommend consultation with a facial plastic surgeon to discuss what option is best for you."This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Unfortunately, the terminology used
to describe facelifts hasn’t been standardized and means different things to
different people.  In many cases
the terms have been chosen for marketing purposes and for this reason aren’t
helpful.

Without knowing the individual
surgeons definition of these terms, it’s hard to know what differences exist between
them.  For this reason, it’s
important to focus on finding a qualified surgeon rather than focusing on a
specific operative procedure.

The treatment of facial aging
should be individualized based on the patient’s aesthetic goals, anatomic
findings and social situation.  No
two patients are exactly alike and because of this appropriate treatment
depends on the patients specific anatomic needs.

Although, the type of procedure
chosen is important, the selection of a plastic surgeon is even more important.  It’s important that you consult a board
certified plastic surgeon with experience performing facial rejuvenation
surgery.  This surgeon should be
able to formulate a treatment plan that’s specific for your anatomic findings
and meets your aesthetic goals.

A common question is what is the difference between one lift and another.  The most important factor in choosing a lift is to choose the right surgeon.  He/she will help determine what procedure they view as the best option for you and your aesthetic goals.

Lifts can differ dramatically from one surgeon to another.  Differences in lifts can be the incision length and size (not shorter incision does not equate to better scar) and what is actually being lifted.  Anatomically correct facelifts require more anatomic knowledge.

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. The soft tissue laxity, skin damage and loss of facial volume is most important in choosing facial rejuvenation surgery.
Be careful of named facelift procedures. Ask more specifics about what areas of the face will improve with each type of surgery.
And finally, the length of recovery is different for a mini and modified facelift. Your lifestyle is most important in how long the results will last, not the name of the procedure.