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Choosing Between a Mini and Full Facelift

Plastic surgery is a significant approach to transforming your appearance whilst reversing the undeniable and highly visible signs of aging. Some may find themselves looking for the best methods to turn back the clock to reduce signs of aging skin. Thankfully, facelift surgery can do just that!

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the facelift procedure rang in as one of the top 3 cosmetic procedures as of 2020. This anti-aging surgical procedure is highly versatile. If you are someone that is considering this anti-aging procedure, but do not find yourself quite ready for a full, traditional facelift yet, rest assured that there are less invasive alternatives for you!

At Synergy Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons offer the “mini” facelift, which could be the ideal solution to help refresh and rejuvenate your appearance with minimal downtime while still achieving impactful results!

Causes of Facial Aging

The skin around our face and neck is the most delicate, especially in comparison to the stronger skin on the rest of our bodies! This fragility makes your skin more vulnerable to naturally occurring forces such as gravity, damage caused by UV rays, loss of collagen due to aging, and other common factors that may accelerate facial aging, such as genetics and smoking.

While wrinkles and sagging skin are a natural part of the aging process, their presence can become overly noticeable, potentially causing patients to feel as though they look several years older than they feel inside. Thankfully, our board-certified plastic surgeons offer the facelift surgery procedure in order to aid in the reversal of signs of aging while dramatically impacting your appearance and overall confidence!

Traditional Facelifts

The terms “classic” or “traditional” are often used to refer to a full facelift. The full facelift is a surgical procedure that changes the position of the underlying soft tissue layers of the face and neck to a more youthful position, while tightening the skin. By targeting the deeper layers of tissue beneath the skin instead of just the superficial skin above it, our board-certified plastic surgeons can ensure a more natural and aesthetically pleasing result.

During a traditional facelift procedure, the incisions are strategically placed along the hairline, as well as around the contours of the ears in order to minimize the visibility of scars after surgery. This type of facelift is a great option for those who aim to address advanced signs of aging, such as sagging of the neck and jowls.

Another benefit to undergoing facelift procedure is the fact that it can be performed in conjunction with several other surgical procedures, such as a brow lift surgery or eyelid surgery! The combination of these procedures works to improve your overall surgical outcome while ensuring an appealing balance between facial features.

Mini Facelifts

Unlike a traditional facelift procedure, a mini facelift is a quicker and less invasive method. There are several benefits that a patient can experience by opting for a mini facelift such as shorter and smaller surgical scars, quicker recovery, and less discomfort overall.

A mini facelift procedure is the best option for those who regularly undergo non-invasive treatments such as dermal fillers and BOTOX alone, however, don’t feel ready to take the next step towards a full facelift. To undergo a mini facelift, patients should have minor to moderate tissue laxity in the lower part of the face, however no extensive sagging throughout the neckline or jowls. Furthermore, those seeking minor “touch ups”, such as patients who have undergone full facelifts in the past, are also great candidates for a mini facelift procedure!

Mini Facelift vs Full Facelift

Recovery

As previously mentioned, the recovery time associated with a mini facelift is typically quicker than that of a full facelift. Mini facelift patients can normally return to work within 1-2 weeks post-op. However, due to the fact that a full facelift addresses the neckline far more significantly and accesses deeper layers of tissue, the recovery is more extensive. A traditional facelift also poses higher swelling and bruising, and most patients return to work within two to three weeks after surgery.

Results

As with any surgical procedure, there are several factors that can influence the permanency of your results. Such factors include the frequency and length of sun exposure, changes in weight, smoking cigarettes, and general lifestyle and health overall. Typically, however, the results of a mini facelift or full facelift can last about 8-10 years.

Whether you are interested in moving forward with a mini or traditional facelift, or you are unsure of what procedure would be best for you – our board-certified plastic surgeons are available to help you reach your aesthetic goals! Together we can tailor the best plan of action for your unique anatomy. At Synergy Plastic Surgery, our medical staff aims to utilize modern surgical techniques that soften the effects of time while preserving your unique, natural beauty! Request a consultation online, or call (512) 244-1444 to schedule your complimentary consultation and unlock your Synergy Experience today!

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