Mini facelift vs. full facelift: which is best?

Surgical or even non-surgical treatment of facial aging changes must be carefully individualized to match each patient's aesthetic needs and desires. In helping a patient to make decisions about plastic surgery for facial rejuvenation, I always examine and assess how each aesthetic area or 'unit' of the face... more

In a young patient with minimal skin looseness, a mini lift may be just the right thing. In older patients or patients with significant jowl and neck looseness, the mini lift simply won't have the degree of pull necessary to tighten up the jawline and smooth the neck. It may be necessary to augment lost... more

A "minilift" is an acceptable alternative if a patient has relatively minimal indications (mild jowling without significant changes in the neck).  However, patients seeking correction of loose skin, moderate to heavy jowling, and/or a heavy neck will be quite underwhelmed with a... more

Patients should understand that there are specific indications for both a mini and standard facelifts. When surgeons attempt to sell patients on maximal results with fewer or shorter scars, it is the patient that ultimately is left dissatisfied. When patients do elect for a mini-facelift, it is my... more

The mini-facelift is an old concept really - an idea that will always sound good, except that, unfortunately, it does not result in superior, or even good, lasting results. The procedure differs from a traditional SMAS or deep-plane facelift in the following ways: It is performed under local anesthesia,... more

There is not an easy answer for that question. When considering cosmetic surgery, determine what your goals are. Then seek out an experienced surgeon with a wide range of options to get those desired results. A "mini-face lift" is a good alternative for some people and all that some people may... more

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... more

Hello Eileen, This is a great question that both Physicians and Patients alike are asking and debating in offices and conferences across the country.  With the advent of increasing surgical knowledge, so much marketing and consumer friendly terminology the information available to patients... more

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... more

I would agree with most that has been posted.  The problem with the question (although it is an excellent question) is that for each of us, what constitutes a mini or full face lift is different. For some surgeons the difference between a mini and full facelift have to do with the length of the scar... more