The definition of a minilift varies from surgeon to surgeon and some minilifts are similar to what other surgeons do as a complete facelift. Traditionally a facelift involves more extensive elevation and undermining of the skin and soft tissues of the face with lifting and tightening of the underlying muscles and soft tissues and removal of the excess skin. It usually encompasses improvement of the temple and midface regions.
A minilift on the other hand is just a less extensive elevation of the above at least in my terminology. The incisions are similar and the healing process is somewhat faster for a minilift. I still perform some muscle and soft tissue elevation with skin removal similar to a complete facelift. Depending on the person's age and amount of sagging a minilift can give similar results to a more traditional facelift in someone who does not need as extensive a procedure.
