Mini Facelift Vs. Full Facelift
Getting a facelift is a life-changing decision, and if you’re looking to get one, it is very important to consider all your options to decide the best one for you. When it comes to facelifts, there are two major types: mini facelifts and full facelifts.
In this article, we’ll review the differences between these two procedures and provide tips to help you determine which is best for you.
What Is a Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift, also referred to as a short-scar facelift or a weekend lift, is a preventative treatment that targets the tightening of the facial skin and underlying muscles in the lower part of the face and neck. This facelift is less invasive and aggressive than a full one, as it uses smaller incisions and fewer dissections, making it ideal for people with minor signs of ageing.
If you’d like to get a mini facelift done in the UK, then you should contact the best mini facelift surgeon, UK, Mr. Ivo Gwanmesia. Mr. Gwanmesia is a plastic reconstructive and craniofacial surgeon in Central London that specialises in adult craniofacial surgery and can leverage his skill and experience to help you look your best.
What Is a Full Facelift?
A full or traditional facelift is a corrective procedure that targets tightening facial skin and muscles in the mid-face, lower face, jowls, and jawline. This surgery removes excess skin in the cheeks, reduces sagging in the face and neck, and improves jawline definition.
A full facelift is a highly invasive surgery and ideal for people with more advanced signs of ageing. It uses full incisions that begin in the temple, down to the front and back of the ear, and into the hairline.
Difference Between a Mini Facelift and a Full Facelift
Mini and full facelifts have a few major differences that distinguish them.
Duration of Surgery
Generally, a full facelift will take between 2 to 5 hours, depending on how much work needs to be done, while a mini facelift will take 2 hours or less.
Incision Length and Methodology
When it comes to full facelifts, the incisions are usually longer, usually going around the ears from the temple and extending into the hairline. Other incisions may be made underneath the chin to tighten the skin of the neck. Also, full facelifts involve:
- Trimming off excess skin
- Tightening loose muscles, and
- Lifting and repositioning of facial skin.
However, in the case of a mini facelift, a smaller incision is usually required. These incisions are usually made under the ear and do not extend into the hairline. The dissections made under the skin are shallower, less skin is removed, and muscle tightening is limited.
Cost
Generally, mini facelifts tend to cost less than traditional facelifts. This is undoubtedly because the amount of work needed to be done in the latter surpasses the former.
Recovery Time
Ideally, full facelifts require a longer recovery time than mini facelifts due to the level of invasiveness that comes with full facelifts. While it might take about 2-3 weeks to recover fully from a traditional facelift, mini facelift patients can recover in as little as 7 days.
However, you must remember that certain factors, such as your age, diet, medications, and lifestyle, can affect how long it’ll take you to recover.
Candidacy
While mini facelifts are typically best for young people in their mid-30s or early 40s who have just begun to notice minor ageing signs, full facelifts are best for older people experiencing moderate to severe facial ageing.
Result Duration
Generally, full facelifts’ effects last longer than mini facelifts. While the former can last up to 10 or 15 years, the latter may only last about 3 to 6 years. However, it is important to note that age, genetics, overall health care, and skin care can all influence the amount of time your surgery results will last.
Which Option Is Best for You?
The best option for you regarding facelifts depends largely on the level of facial ageing you’re experiencing. You should consider a full facelift if your ageing signs range from moderate to severe.
However, if your ageing signs are minor, a mini facelift is a great option. You should also consider getting a mini facelift if you only want subtle, rather than drastic transformations to your face and if you do not have the time or financial capacity to go through a full facelift.
Conclusion
Making the decision about which facelift procedure to go through is not easy, and it requires many considerations. If you’d like to learn more about facelifts and determine which option is the best for you, schedule a consultation with Ivo Gwanmesia.
