This is a more complicated question than it may seem,...

This is a more complicated question than it may seem, because there are so many variations on facelift and mini-facelift techniques, and such a range of conditions needing treatment.

The key is to individualize the treatment to the condition; some may benefit from tightening the neck only, others the midface, and so on.

Another key is to recognize that facial rejuvenation is a 3-dimensional issue, not one simply of skin tightening or wrinkle filling. The general trend is for less invasive procedures that accomplish a lot of what used to be done more invasively, so a "full facelift" may be less of an ordeal than many people imagine, and with very natural-looking results.

I would caution against anything that seems like a cookie-cutter approach, for the above reasons. To find out what is best for you, see a plastic surgeon who is also able to offer a full range of nonsurgical and minimally invasive options.

A mini facelift (Lifestyle Lift, S Lift etc.) produces a mini result that lasts for a mini length of time but has the maxi of scars.

Don't deceive yourself into hoping you will get the result of a well done facelift from a mini procedure. My best advice is to use skin care, IPL lasers, Botox and dermal fillers until you are ready for the right surgery done by an expert whose results look like what you are hoping for.

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There are many promotions for alternatives to facelift cosmetic surgery: mini lifts, mini tuck facelifts, thread lifts, string lifts, and weekend lifts. While each of these may have a unique approach to lifting sagging skin, the bottom line is that these procedures act as baby steps.

Minimal surgery will give you minimal results.

• Even if a mini-lift won't give you the dramatic results, getting one may be right for you if you're not quite ready for a facelift;
• these facelift alternatives offer a baby toward the full plastic surgery process. 
• You can recovery quickly and it allows you to test the waters and see if you like the difference. 
• Keep in mind, the important thing is the end result, and not whether or not you're going to have two day recovery, or a two week recovery.

But you can't have both, you can't have a two day recovery on a full face and neck lift.

For a full facelift you need a good two weeks of recovery. 

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There are many different lifts out there that people are marketing. Mini lifts have really taken up some prominence in the media. What is a mini lift? Well, this usually entails making a shorter incision with less dissection and keeping the dissection superficial. The results from this can benefit some people but it is not for everyone.

A mini lift can help some people but the results are not as dramatic. Some people might get disappointed in the results. A mini lift can soften the jowls and neck area but if you really want a dramatic effect you will want someone to do the little extras to tighten all those areas for you.

You get what you pay for many times. Some of the lifts that are being marketed out there are having doctors take shortcuts. Make sure to look at the specific doctors results and talk to their patients to see how happy they are. Also, you shouldn't think that mini lifts have way less recovery. Sometimes, they have just as much recovery as some of the more extensive lifts especially if some precautions are taken for the period after your procedure.

Consulting a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon would be something that I recommend. We specialize in the face and are highly qualified to help you with this.

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