Mini Lift for minimal sagging

A "mini face lift" is for minimal sagging. A regular face lift is designed for more extensive sagging. Of course, even a mini face lift can help patients with more extensive sagging but it cannot provide maximum results and some sagging will likely remain.

The biggest problem encountered for the doctor that is versed in both procedures is the patient who comes in expecting maximum results from a minimal procedure. The idea of a quick, less expensive procedure requiring minimal healing and down time is very appealing. However, it is not realistic to expect this to improve very extensive sagging.

No matter, the tissue removed from either procedure never returns. The patient will always have less sagging than they would have had nothing been done. But, the aging process continues and procedures will be needed in the future after either a face lift or mini lift as long as the patient continues to age.

Additionally, mini lifts are done different ways and to varying extents; some more aggressive than others. We treat each patient was we would want to be treated and just as we would treat our own family members. Even our own family members need to understand the limits of which procedure they select.

If a patient presents with minimal sagging of the jowls, then a Mini-lift "might" work very well. However, if the patient has extensive sagging or neck sagging, then more might be needed.

The important thing to know is that each patient is different and will need an evaluation. The Mini-lift actually works very well for the right type of sagging. Unfortunately, some patients want a minimal procedure to achieve extensive results; that is simply not possible. The key is to have an evaluation and be realistic. The doctor can help determine if a Mini-lift or a Facelift is best for the particular situation.

How many times have you heard: "No pain - No gain", "Too good to be true",  Or "There is one born every minute" ? 

This NEW 4 letter word - MINI - embodies the crass salesmanship and collective gullibility of the 21st century.  I LOVE and LOATH the word MINI (or Micro) - as in
- Mini skirt
- Mini (or non) Invasive
- Mini Facelift
- Mini Tummy Tuck

It DOES sound better, or as you put it : "sooo much more appealing to me. less expensive...less invasive" and there is a reason why - they WANT you to sell you these procedures regardless of if they will really get you the results you THINK you can get with them. It implies that a MINI (Micro) procedure is AS  capable of correcting all deformities.

But just like the words "natural" and "tuck" - "mini" is way over-used and almost uniformly abused to over sell procedures which are largely incapable of delivering on their promise.

In truth, once your deformities are no longer, inconsequential minor deformities, a Mini procedure will NOT give results anywhere equal to those produced by the "full" procedure.

So, look at yourself critically, do you REALLY think your deformities are minor? if so , a mini procedure may work on you. If not, all a mini-procedure will do is lighten your wallet and deliver a MINI-RESULT.

Good Luck.

Peter A Aldea, MD

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