What is the Difference Between a Full Face Lift and a Mini Facelift?

Great question. As a young Plastic Surgeon in the late 1980's and early 1990's I observed a now retire PS doing facelifts in less than an hour +. While in other cases he took 3 to 4 hours. This was my first experience with a "modification" of the standard "full" facelift! He told me do what is necessary not to over operate. But he was using the same terminology of just a facelift, and charging the same fees. Than in April of 1992 in the "Clinics of Plastic Surgery", Dr Rex Petersen on page 417 authors the position paper/article introducing the terms mini-tuck, midi-tuck, & full face-lifts. Each has its own possible modifications and/or additions (i.e.: SMAS lifts/plications, liposuctions, sub mental procedures, malar issues, forehead/brow lifts) . Thus today we see "coined" names for these operations, so many that a goggle search would be thousands of hits. I now use the terminology- mini facelift, midi facelift, full facelift to give a division in labeling. And I charge from $6,000, $8,000, $10,000 respectively as a starting fee. Ofcourse healing is much shorter with the first two, as in the amount of surgery. Patient selection is paramount. Do not do a mini if the patient really needs a full. So basically see a boarded PS who has experience with face lifting. Good luck. 

In my experience, a “minfacelift” is usually not indicated in most patients as it is a minimal skin tightening procedure only that lasts for a short time period.  A real or full LIFT and FILL facelift reshapes your lower face and neck area and restores your central facial fat loss so you have a truly natural and youthful face and not one the is windswept! The major key to success in cosmetic facial surgery is how well you choose your facelift surgeon so please make sure you have a true expert in facial aging and cosmetic facial surgery and that they are board certified in plastic surgery.  They should also have expertise and significant experience in facial cosmetic surgery, especially facelifting and necklifting surgery.

Hi Fif628 If your skin is loose, sagging or creating the appearance of jowls you may be a good candidate for Concept™ Facelift Surgery. This type of Rhytidectomy is unique as the facelift is performed under local anaesthetic, and is less invasive than traditional methods, meaning the cosmetic surgery has a significantly faster recovery time.The cosmetic procedure is similar to a mini facelift as it is performed with a short scar that runs in front of the ear, down to the ear lobe and tucked behind the ear. There will be no dressings or drains afterwards. This is performed as a day case, walk in-walk out procedure with minimal bruising and downtime.Do your homework and find a qualified and reputable surgeon. Best of Luck