When rejuvenating your aging facial features with plastic surgery, does the adage “less is more” apply? Will a mini facelift, the less-invasive version of traditional facelift, give you the youthful visage you desire?
According to Chicago plastic surgeon Robert Galiano, there’s no simple answer. Only a comprehensive evaluation and discussion of your concerns can reveal the best option for your needs.
To learn more about how mini facelift and facelift compare, read on.
Scope of Treatment
Traditional or full facelift is regarded as the “gold standard” of facial rejuvenation. It comprehensively rejuvenates the middle and lower regions of the face, including the area below the lower eyelids, cheeks, jawline and usually the neck. The incisions are created at the temples and extend along the hairline and in front of and around the ears. An additional incision may be made underneath the chin. Through the incisions, the deep tissues are lifted and tightened and loose skin is eliminated.
Mini facelift’s scope is limited compared to full facelift. The procedure rejuvenates only the lower portion of the face, including the jawline, through smaller incisions. The tissue tightening and lifting is less extensive in mini facelift than in full facelift.
Candidates
Candidates for full facelift are typically concerned about moderate to severe skin sagging and laxity as well as volume loss. They often have noticeable jowls and platysmal banding and laxity of the entire neck.
Candidates for mini facelift are concerned about mild to moderate laxity and volume loss. Often they are younger and have just started to notice the effects of aging on the lower face and upper neck.
Longevity of Results
How long the results of full facelift last depends on factors such as sun exposure, weight fluctuation and lifestyle choices. But in general, the results last about 10 years.
Since the modifications made during mini facelift are minimal compared to full facelift, the results don’t last as long (usually two to four years).
Scarring
Because mini facelift is performed through shorter incisions, there is less scarring than there is with full facelift. However, Dr. Galiano is conscious of incision and scar placement with both procedures. He carefully plans out the incisions so resulting scars are as inconspicuous as possible.
Contact Dr. Galiano Today
Exploring your facelift options by yourself can be confusing. If you are interested in turning back the clock with full facelift or mini facelift, Dr. Galiano invites you to schedule a consultation with him at our practice. He will perform a complete evaluation of your areas of concern, ask you about your treatment goals and help you pick the option that suits your needs. Call or email us today to request a visit.
