Mini vs. Full Facelift: Which Is Right for Me?
The signs of facial aging tend to affect people far sooner than they expect. It doesn’t take long for fine lines and wrinkles to progress into even larger areas of concern, such as deep creases, loose skin, and hollow facial features. Combined, these characteristics can make a person look much older than their actual age. Fortunately, a facelift can reverse some of the most common signs of facial aging. A facelift improves skin tone, minimizes the appearance of wrinkles, and redefines facial contours. However, not all patients require the extensive alterations that a full facelift offers. Instead, these patients can refresh their appearance by undergoing a mini facelift. Dr. Constance Barone discusses a mini facelift vs. full facelift to help our San Antonio, TX patients determine which procedure will provide them with the results they desire.
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift reverses many of the signs of aging, but it is less extensive and less invasive than a full facelift. Patients who have minor to moderate signs of aging that affect the lower third of the face may be ideal candidates for a mini facelift. The primary difference between a full facelift and a mini facelift is that a full facelift focuses on the lower and mid face. Below are some of the imperfections that can be addressed through a mini facelift procedure:
- Wrinkles or creases around the cheeks and mouth
- Loose skin around the cheeks, jowls, and neck
- Minor sagging of the lower facial features
Because the enhancements that are made during a mini facelift are limited to the lower face, this surgery is less expensive than a traditional facelift, and also requires minimal incisions. Typically the incisions for a mini facelift are at least half the length of those of a full facelift. Dr. Barone will insert a surgical instrument through these incisions so that she can reposition facial muscles and remove excess fat and tissue.
A mini facelift does not stop the aging process, but it does offer patients a “reset,” restoring a more youthful appearance. A mini facelift is often ideal for younger patients with early signs of aging, or those seeking a touchup years after a traditional facelift.
Full Facelift
A full facelift is a great option for patients with moderate to severe signs of aging. During a facelift procedure Dr. Barone repositions the facial muscles, eliminates excess fat and skin, and redrapes the facial skin to completely rejuvenate a patient’s appearance. This procedure is all-inclusive, and can address a wide variety of imperfections, including the following:
- Lines, wrinkles, and creases around the forehead, eyes, cheeks, and mouth
- Loose facial skin
- Minor to severe sagging of facial features
- Loose skin and wrinkles around the jowls and neck
A full facelift is an extensive procedure that is more invasive than a mini facelift. The incision for a full facelift is also larger than that of a mini facelift, often extending across the back of the hairline, to the front of the ear, and behind the earlobe. While a full facelift is a more complex surgery than a mini facelift, Dr. Barone’s experience and expertise make it a safe option for patients. When the entire face is in need of rejuvenation, there no better option than a full facelift.
Schedule a Consultation
If lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin are making you look aged, tired, and worn down, it may be time to consider cosmetic treatment. Dr. Constance Barone offers a wide range of cosmetic treatments that rejuvenate the appearance of the skin and provide patients with a renewed sense of confidence. To learn more about these procedures and find out which one is best suited to your unique needs, schedule a consultation with Dr. Barone at your earliest convenience.