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Full Facelift vs Mini Facelift: Which Procedure Should You Have?

Individuals who desire to receive facelift surgery should consider the alternative benefits and costs associated with a full facelift vs mini facelift.  Each has its own desirable and less desirable elements, and the reasons for receiving one may not be good reasons for receiving the other.  One patient who wants to have a facelift may be in her late 30s and need only a slight tightening to preempt any wrinkles while a patient in her late 50s may need more extensive treatment to remove sagging skin and smooth out wrinkles that have already formed.  For these reasons, prospective facelift patients should examine the similarities and differences between the full facelift and the mini facelift procedures and come to a conclusion based on this information whether they should receive the one or the other. In order to facilitate the making of this decision, this article includes comparisons of the two surgeries as well as a recapitulation of the distinct differences offered by the full facelift vs mini facelift.  It concludes with a summary of the important considerations that are helpful to be aware of in choosing the procedure for you.

Similarities between the Full Facelift and Mini Facelift Procedures

First off, you should understand that there are many similarities in the full facelift vs mini facelift.  Both are a type of cosmetic surgery or plastic surgery used to improve the look of the face, usually when it has been altered by aging or other factors.  In each procedure, incisions are made near or along the hairline so that they will be conspicuous.  The skin is lifted and the facial tissues are tightened, with the surgeon smoothing out unsightly wrinkles and removing any excess skin in the facial area.  Both the full facelift and the mini facelift surgical procedures can be done under local anesthetic and can last several hours in length.

Common Risks and Benefits of these Procedures

In addition, there are commonalities in the risks and benefits of these procedures.  One risk for both is scarring from the incisions, though this is usually hidden in the hairline.  Other risks for both surgeries include swelling, numbness, bleeding, and damaged nerves.  The risks are greater for the full facelift vs mini facelift because the procedure is more invasive and covers a greater area.  Similar benefits include a smoother, firmer facial tone without sagging skin or wrinkles.  Each can help recapture youthful appearances gravity has taken an effect on for those patients who receive a facelift.  In essence, each provides much the same benefits as the other.

Differences between the Full Facelift vs Mini Facelift

There are a number of distinct differences between the full facelift vs mini facelift that probable patients should be aware of before selecting the procedure for them.  The most predominant is the area of focus: for a full facelift, the entire face is treated, whereas for a mini facelift, only a select part of the face is treated.  Because a small portion of the face is treated in a mini facelift, the incisions are smaller for the surgery, which means that any scarring that results will be less for a mini facelift than a full facelift.  Age may be a deciding factor in which procedure to have.  For those who are still in their 30s and 40s and who do not have much excess skin or wrinkles on their faces as of yet, a mini facelift may be sufficient, and the procedure will be able to anticipate the effects of aging before they begin to show on the face.  On the other hand, individuals in their 50s and 60s who desire a facelift may need the full facelift because their skin has likely lost much of its elasticity, necessitating a complete treatment to remove excess skin and soften wrinkles over the whole face.  In addition, because the full facelift is more invasive, the financial cost of a full facelift vs mini facelift is higher.  Recovery time is longer from the full facelift, but the results last longer because the treatment is more extensive. 

Full Facelift vs Mini Facelift: How to Choose?

In conclusion, determining which is the best procedure in the debate between full facelift vs mini facelift is dependent on the desired results.  Those seeking a more subtle change should consider a mini facelift, whereas those who need a more intense surgery should look into a full facelift.  Cost and other factors may also be an important consideration for the patient.  For either procedure, the results can be drastic and provide you with a much more youthful looking face.  Talk to a plastic surgeon about which treatment is best for you.