A mini facelift involves the placement of incisions in front of the ears which extend from the hairline to the bottom of the earlobe. The surgeon will then gently pull the skin and tissues up and outward the ear. Excess skin and tissue are removed to tighten the appearance of the skin.
Both the full and mini facelift procedures provide long-term results. While each patient is different, the mini facelift typically lasts 10 years. Some patients continue to see results for longer than 10 years.
A mini face-lift is typically less expensive than a full face-lift, but the cost can vary dramatically depending on your location and surgeon. Typically, you're looking at paying anywhere from $3000 to $8000, which also includes the type of anesthesia used, the surgeon's fees, and any hospital fees.
The primary difference between a miniature facelift and a traditional facelift is the areas focused on. While the miniature facelift focuses on the neck and the bottom third of the face, a full facelift focuses on the bottom two-thirds of the face and neck.
In general, good candidates for mini facelifts are men and women in their mid to late 40s up to 60s or 70s. There is not a cut-off age, per se, but instead we look at one's overall health, mobility, and treatment goals.
Mini facelifts start from $9,500. Full facelifts (including upper neck) cost from $25,000. This includes: complimentary post operative laser resurfacing/scar optimisation treatment (valued at $1,000)
If you are worried that the procedure you want is too risky for someone your age, worry not. Most sources say that the safety of plastic surgery for people over the age of 60 mostly depends on situational factors, not age.
A mini facelift is a less invasive type of facelift surgery that can reverse the signs of ageing in the lower face and along the jawline. This facial rejuvenation procedure is ideal for patients who want to get rid of jowls and a little bit of sagging skin in the lower one-third of the face.
After surgery, you can expect more youthful, fuller cheeks, tighter skin, less fullness in the jowls, and tightening of loose, sagging skin in the lower face and neck.
A mini facelift would be ideal if you have: Sagging skin at the jowls. Loosening (but not drooping) neck skin. Moderate facial volume loss.
Con: Results Last for a Shorter Amount of Time
A big con when it comes to a mini facelift is that the results often last for a much shorter amount of time than the results for a full facelift. The results from a traditional facelift can last for a decade, or in some cases, even longer.
Less Pain: Since mini facelifts are less invasive, the amount of post-procedure pain or discomfort most patients feel is minimal. Light bruising or swelling may be common, but it is significantly less than what occurs after a full facelift and usually resolves over several weeks.
Nonetheless, people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s are perfect candidates for facelift surgery. However, if you notice you have some signs of aging on your face and you are in good standing health, you can be a candidate too.
2) Advantages of a “Mini” Surgery
Because you don't have to go under general anesthesia for the mini facelift, you are able to stay awake and walk out after the procedure. An additional benefit is that since the mini facelift is done under local anesthesia, often little-to-no pre-operative testing is necessary.
A facelift provides more significant and visible results than injectable treatments. Because it's a surgical procedure, results last far longer than other treatments – often for 10 years or more.
Getting a mini facelift can be worth the investment, depending on your desired results. It is much less invasive, expensive, and painful than a full facelift. It is designed for the 40-year-old that has sagging around the jowl, neck, and jaw. However, it can be effective for other ages too.
A mini facelift focuses on the areas of the lower face, like your jaw, cheeks, and around your mouth. While your eyes may appear tighter after the surgery, no skin will actually be removed during this particular procedure. You can add eyelid surgery to your facelift to help if your eyes are an area of concern for you.
You will not be able to drive yourself home after the surgery, so make transportation arrangements before your mini facelift procedure. This will ensure that you get home safely and can rest as soon as possible. Plan for someone to stay with you in your home to assist you for the first day or two of your recovery.
You must wear the chin strap continuously for the first two weeks after surgery except while eating and showering/cleaning incisions. The strap helps fight the forces of gravity immediately after surgery and helps improve any swelling.
How much younger does a facelift make me look? According to a study in the February issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (the American Society of Plastic Surgeons). Patients who have undergone a facelift rate themselves as looking at an average of 12 years younger after facelift surgery.
Technically, there is no limit or “magic number” when it comes to how many facelifts can be performed. But as we mentioned, we want to make sure your results remain as natural as possible. Too many surgeries can make your face appear “pulled” or “worked on,” which is not always desirable.
Mini facelift scars are minimal
Traditionally, an incision is made in the hairline near the temples on each side. The incision goes in front of the ear, down the front of and hugging the earlobe area, then back to the lower scalp behind the ears.
If you have moderate to severe facial signs of aging, the ideal procedure for you is the full facelift. Otherwise, a mini facelift will satisfy your aesthetic needs for a long while. If you're still unsure, then an in-depth consultation will best determine whether you need a mini or a full facelift.
70s and older
If you cared at 30 how you looked, you will still care at 70. Most individuals, in good health, can consider cosmetic help even in their 70s in order to keep a youthful appearance. Most individuals in this decade need to consider a full facelift to remove sagging skin and eliminate wrinkles.