Isn't a Full Face Lift Riskier Than a Mini Face Lift with Respect to Complications, Etc? Doctor Answers, Tips

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Mini lift vs. full Face lift.

If you see an experienced facelift surgeon he can tell you which is right for you. Mini lifts give mini results for patients beginning to age, especially in the cheek. If the neck has more than a slight excess, then you need a full facelift. A good surgeon will have very few complications with either procedure.

Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

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Facelift vs. Mini lift

Both a Facelift and Mini lift should have minimal complications at the hands of a skilled surgeon. A procedure should be determined solely by each patients individual needs. A Facelift will address the neck and jowl line area more effectively then a Mini Lift. A Mini Lift is also not a true medical term describing an exact procedure so this may vary from surgeon to surgeon. I personally use a digital imaging computer to show the proposed result to my patient during the consultation phase. If... more

Michael Elam, MD
Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon

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Is the Mini Lift Worth Your Time and Money?

A mini face lift does mini improvement. If that is what you want and need it may be fine. Will a mini improvement satisfy you? If you have maxi expectations and get mini results will you be happy? Can a surgeon accomplish more in 1 or 2 hours or in 4 or 5. You get what you sign up for and pay for often. We all want great gains in all we do with minimal risk exposure. Good plastic surgeons do fine surgery and do right by their... more

George Commons, MD
Palo Alto Plastic Surgeon

www.pacfps.com

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Mini-facelift vs. Full facelift

The question posed is the difference in risk and natural results between a full and mini facelift. As for risks, they are more or less the same for both operations. The nature of the particular "mini" facelift will dictate the amount of risk involved. In most mini-facelift procedures the incision ends behind the ear and there is little or no dissection of the neck. In a full facelift the neck is completely dissected in most surgeons hands. That being the case, there is a very... more

Adam Rubinstein, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

dr-rubinstein.com

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Choosing a "Lift" Procedure

The nature of complications and the relative rates of these complications is very similar for min lift and Facelift. The only exception is that Facelift carries a slightly higher risk of hematoma. However, a mini lift, when performed on a patient that required a more extensive procedure (Facelift) is more likely to lead to a sense of dissatisfaction. Recent mass marketing has promoted the idea that a quickly performed, one hour procedure under local anesthesia is somehow... more

Stephen Prendiville, MD
Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drprendiville.com

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Full Facelift Versus Mini-Lift Which Is Safer?

So which is safer and more natural, a full facelift or a minilift? Safety, first of all depends on an individual's rate of specific complications occuring such as nerve damage, hematoma, infection, etc. Two surgeons can theoretically perform the same technique, however the risk of complications will always differ between surgeons. Ask your surgeon what is his/her rate of complications? Natural Results- Less is not always more when it comes to... more

Anil R. Shah, MD
Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon

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Mini-Facelift vs Full Facelift

The first thing that all should understand is that there is no standard definition of a "mini-facelift" and a "full facelift." What each of those terms means may differ dramatically from one surgeon to the next. Below, I will briefly outline what a Mini-Facelift and a Full Facelift means to John Bitner: Full Facelift- incision running from the hairline on the neck, behind the ear, through the earlobe, behind the tragus and up into the temporal... more

John Bitner, MD
Salt Lake City Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drjohnbitner.com

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Get the procedure that is right for YOU!

No matter what you call all the many uniquely named mini-lift procedures or facelifts, what matters the most is that you get the procedure that is right for YOU from a skilled, board certified surgeon. Establish a healthy doctor-patient relationship so that you can communicate your expectations and understand what realistic results are possible from the procedure that you and your surgeon decide will best achieve your aesthetic goals. From anesthesia to combined fillers and CO2 at the... more

Benjamin Bassichis, MD
Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon

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Facelift Results

This is a complicated question to answer because first you have to define what a mini facelift is. A facelift technically is a procedure that is used to restore the appearance of the lower part of your face (jowels) and the neck. Some more advanced facelift techniques, such as the deep plane facelift, also restore the mid-face/cheek area. Each surgeon has a different defintion as to what a mini-facelift is because it is not a defined medical term. Patients like to hear... more

Jacob D. Steiger, MD
Boca Raton Facial Plastic Surgeon

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Who doesn't want a "Mini" procedure - but pick the procedure that's correct for you

Please see a board certified plastic surgeon to see if indeed you are a candidate for these "mini" facelift procedures. Often, we hear of patients getting these "mini" procedures which essentially undercorrect signs of facial aging and require secondary revisional procedures. Review some of the patient questions and experiences on realself to see. Now, I'm not saying a mini facelift procedure may not be right for you. But visit with... more

C. Bob Basu, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

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Facelift Surgery Is Tailored To The Amount Of Facial Aging Present

All of your general statements about facelifts are true...less is always less. The more limited the procedure, the risk of complications and the amount of recovery all go down...as does the amount of result. More limited or mini-facelifts are great for those that have earlier signs of neck sagging and jowling that does not justify a more extended or complete facelift procedure. For more advanced facial aging problems, such as those with significant jowl sagging and more of a turkeyneck... more

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD
Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon

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Mini lift vs Full Facelift: Complications

The complication rate with any facelift procedure should be extremely low. The most common complications are not severe and can usually be easily corrected. Bad scars can result from both minilifts and full facelifts and is more a function of the skin redraping and meciculous closure than the type of lift. Injury to the nerves of the face (facial nerve) are more likely to occur with a deep plane facelift. A "full facelift" can be perfromed as a deep... more

Gregory Branham, MD
Saint Louis Facial Plastic Surgeon

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Miniface lift versus full face lift

"Mimilift" can refer to several different techniques that have gained popularity over the last several years. They involve a smaller incision around the ear with less extensive dissection that is limited to the sides of the face. More extensive lifts such as a deep plane or midface procedure extend onto the more anterior part of the face and have a greater chance of injuring some of the nerves that go to the facial muscles. Therefore there is a higher potential... more

Mark Loury, MD
Fort Collins Facial Plastic Surgeon

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There are fewer complications associated with short-scar facelifts than with traditional facelifts

You can get a complication with either a short-scar facelift or a traditional facelift, but a well-performed short-scar facelift is likely to lead to natural-looking facial rejuvenation. For the last 3 years I only offer a MACS-Lift, short-scar facelift for my patients. This technique was described by Tonnard and Verpaele from Belgium, and in my view, this is the safest option for surgical facial rejuvenation. In a MACS-Lift, you may see improvement in your midface, neck and jowls. In my... more

Eric M. Joseph, MD
West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

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Minilift vs. Full Face Lift

Hi, A mini- facelift usually implies that there is LESS surgery than a full face lift, so logically it should have LESS risk. The issue is that every surgeon has a different definition of a full face lift and mini facelift. One surgeons mini facelift can be another surgeons full face lift and vica versa. So the best approach is to ask the surgeon specifically how he/she defines each. Best, Dr.S.

Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.facechange.org

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Mini vs full facleifts

You have it all wrong here. A mini can look less natural than a properly done full facelift because it can rely on a harder pull on the tissues since less undermining is done. Also, there would be really no difference in the risks. So, if you need a facelift, go to the best plastic surgeon and have a great one done. Full lifts also last longer than minis.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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Risk vs. reward

You are correct in that the less surgery you have the less the risk but also the less the improvement

Sam Naficy, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

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Is a full facelift more risky than a mini facelift?

In general, mini facelifts offer fewer complications than full facelifts simply because the procedure is less invasive, and performed in about half the time. Most mini facelifts can be performed in an office setting under local anesthetic making it more safe than the higher risks of general anesthesia. Risks of nerve injury and hematoma (bleeding), though rare, is higher as well. I like to combine fat transfers with my mini lifts to get the best overall result. For... more

Christian Prada, MD
Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon

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A true Mini Facelift with less extensive dissection should carry less risk but will you get bthe result you want

If by mini Facelift your surgeon means he/she will do a limited dissection under the skin around the ears then this will have less risk that a full Facelift and Neck Lift. The most important risks of any Facelift are injury to the skin, bleeding from a blood vessel and nerve injury. The more extensive the Facelift Neck Lift dissection the more these structures are subjected to risk. However a properly performed Facelift Neck Lift done by an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon... more

Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon

www.drseckel.com

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Weigh the risks against benefits

It's not true that a mini lift would look more natural. Sometimes looking natural requires more work! Skilled plastic surgeons aim for facial harmony, balance, natural results and minimal risk.

Hugh McLean, MD
Mississauga Plastic Surgeon

www.mcleanclinic.com

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Full v. mini

Absolutely.the degree of tissue manipulation, dissection and trauma are somewhat related to the risks you described. In regards to the second point I disagree completely. in fact some of the mos unnatural results are due to a minilift trying too hard. if you need a lot of work, you need a lot of work. minimizing the access or manipulation of tissues can lead to weird unnatural results. I often tell my pts, it takes a lot of work to make it look like you never had any thing... more

Rafael C. Cabrera, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

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Is the greater risk of full face lift worth it?

Well, more dissection and more surface area encountered in a full face lift probably translates to greater risk. But you may be talking about raising the risk of, lets say hematoma, from 1 percent to 1.5. Exposure (the ability for the surgeon to see the area encountered in surgery) is better in the full lift. So one could also reason that the better exposure more than makes up for the increased risk. So consider the choices carefully. Ultimately, if a mini lift... more

Ritu Chopra, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

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Isn't a Full Face Lift Riskier Than a Mini Face Lift with Respect to Complications

In general it is true that the more complicated the procedure the higher the risk involved. However, I would not choose a procedure based on the difference in risk between a mini Facelift and a full Facelift as the difference in risk of complications between the procedures is very small. You should decide, with the help of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon what type of procedure you need and consider that procedure.

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

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Mini Facelift

“Mini-lift” is a marketing term, not a surgical technique. It is important to discuss your concerns with an experienced and qualified facial plastic surgeon so that a Facelift procedure can be customized to your particular desires.

Michael Sullivan, MD
Columbus Facial Plastic Surgeon

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Mini facelift versus a full facelift

In surgery, as in life, when you do more work, you get more of a result out of it. A full facelift will improve the jawline and neck, a mini facelift won't. It's more important to choose the correct procedure for your needs AND a top quality surgeon who cares about his/her work. Don't try to rationalize having a lesser procedure. All the best,

Thomas Fiala, MD
Altamonte Springs Plastic Surgeon

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Face Lift, Mini Face Lift, Beverly Hills Face Lift

Absolutely. Less anesthesia time, less surgery time, shorter incisions, less skin dissection and chance of skin injury, less blood loss and less recovery time. Smaller versions called Mini Lifts. Most people in the past 7 years have been looking for less drastic Face Lift procedures, are willing to do more frequent smaller types of procedures so they can maintain a natural, youthful and attractive appearance. I think these types of smaller, less involved Face... more

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

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Minny vs full facelift

By definition a mini facelift is less surgery but the goals are quite different from a full facelift or an an extended faced and neck lift. Each of these operations can look natural and are tailored to the individual needs of the patient and their desires. It is inadvisable to choose the smaller operation if it does not fulfill your needs and desires. Discuss with your surgeon all of the options and the benefits and risks of each operation. I personally... more

Talmage J. Raine, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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Risks

Done well by an experience Plastic Surgeon, both procedures should have similar rates of risk. A full facelift will take longer to perform and have a longer recovery, yet, you may appreciate the results far more.

Marc Schneider, MD
Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon

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Facelift Surgery Risk

I think any surgical procedure carries risk. If you are committed to a facelift procedure, I would go for the best longterm result and most natural result. In most patients, this involves a full facelift. If you are considering less downtime or recovery, I would prefer you consider a nonsurgical procedure, such as laser, chemical peel, filler, or botox. A mini facelift has very limited indications in my practice and is not meant to replace or produce... more

Paul S. Gill, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

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Mini-facelfit vs full facelift

I think there are risks with both and the results vary. Patients that need a full facelift should have a full facelift and not just have a mini because it may be quicker.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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Risks for Mini-Facelift vs. full Facelift

It is absolutely true that a mini procedure that involves less surgery will have less risk than a larger operation. The real question, however, is which operation do you need? Your surgeon should be skilled in full and mini procedures so he or she will minimize the risk for whichever surgery you have. An inadequate procedure that does not get the job done is a waste of time and money, and it will leave you disappointed no matter how little risk there was. more

Bruce Genter, MD
Abington Plastic Surgeon

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Risks in Full Facelift vs Minilift

Despite all your valid statements , pick an experienced surgeon who can select the best technique to meet your individual needs, with an acceptable level of risk. Your surgeon should describe his/her complication rate with each facelift procedure. Even a minilift can look unnatural if not properly done. Using your rationale the safest approach, with the least risk, is to do nothing.

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

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It all depends on what you need

The reason for the consultation is to evaluate the patient and recommend the best treatment that fits the patient's physical,financial and emotional needs. less surgery does not mean better result if you have to get redo in six months.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD
New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

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Risks of full facelifts vs. Mini facelifts

The truth of the matter is that both a full facelift and mini facelifts have relatively low risks at the hand of the competent surgeon. Actually the question should not really be one vs. the other. It should be based on the areas of the face and neck that need improvement. The risk of having bad results is usually higher if you chose the wrong procedure for the wrong patient. The typical mini lift addresses mild laxity of the skin. In my practice it is usually... more

Hootan Zandifar, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

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MORE IS MORE, and less is less.

Like most things in life, your return on effort is proportional to what you and the surgeon put into your facial rejuvenation. However, you get much less with mini lift than you do with a properly performed facial rejuvenation which is tailored to your personal needs. In addition, the recovery from a Maxi-lift, unless it includes deep laser resurfacing is only days longer than a mini-lift. - and the incisions will usually heal better than a tightly performed mini-lift. Dr.... more

Nathan Mayl, MD
Fort Lauderdale Plastic Surgeon

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Is a Mini Facelift Safer than a Full Facelift?

When undergoing a facial rejuvenation surgery, you don't pick your procedure, your face dictates what procedure you need. There are safety issues with any surgery as it isn't magic and depends upon many things such as your anatomy, skin quality, skill of surgeon, your overall health and how you heal. So choosing a safe procedure is a good idea, and hopefully, your surgeon wouldn't recommend an unsafe procedure. Everyone wants a "mini" procedure, but... more

Vincent P. Marin, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

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Full face lift vs mini lift

That depends what you need at the time of consultation. Obviously a full face lift requires more dissection and time so it could technically have more risks but not necessarily. If it is done properly it can be a safe procedure. Of course if the goals can be achieved with the mini lift then that would be the procedure of choice Good luck.

Dana Khuthaila, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

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Well done face lift surgery is vary safe.

Hi. We do a face lift, face and neck lift, short scar face lift, and mid face lift (scar less). It depends on the patient's anatomy. The big variables are the good eye and technical skill of the surgeon. When well done, these procedures are safe, and leave you looking entirely natural. I think the pulled look is the worst thing. Not sure what a mini face lift is exactly. From what I have seen, it involves removing some skin in front of the year, and doesn't... more

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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Definitions and risks with facelift surgery

In order to answer your question, a few terms need to be defined. The problem is that there is no single definition of "full" or "mini" facelift. For example, a full facelift can mean either neck plus midface, or it can mean deep-plane dissection (extended SMAS), or any number of variations. Most of the time a mini-lift refers to limiting the operation to one area such as the neck or cheeks, which can cause imbalance in the appearance compared to adjacent areas, which... more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

baxterplasticsurgery.com

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Isn't a Full Face Lift Riskier Than a Mini Face Lift with Respect to Complications, Etc?