Mini Facelift vs. Full Facelift: Which Is Right For You?

If you're looking to reverse some of the visible effects of aging in the face, you're likely already seriously considering a facelift: a surgical procedure that serves to rejuvenate the face, targeting the cheek region, the jaw line and the neck. And you've probably come across surgeons who reference a “mini” facelift and wondered if that could be enough to deliver the look you want. 

So what is a mini facelift, and is it a good option for you? Both facelifts and mini facelifts can be incredibly effective facial rejuvenation procedures, but they each have important distinctions which make them each suitable for different candidates. 

Full Facelift

A full facelift is a comprehensive surgical procedure designed to address significant signs of aging in the mid face, lower face, jawline, jowls, and neck. This type of extensive rejuvenation is particularly effective for those with more advanced signs of aging, such as deep wrinkles, sagging skin, and pronounced jowls. During the procedure, the surgeon will remove loose skin and fat, while tightening the skin and the facial muscles. The procedure itself typically takes 3 to 4 hours, and recovery time after the procedure typically about 2 weeks.

Mini Facelift

While this procedure is also ideal for those who aim to target the visible signs of aging, a mini facelift is best for those concerned with earlier signs of aging especially with mild aging of the midface and upto moderate aging of the jawline and jowls, and neck . It can also be a great alternative for those with advanced signs of aging who prefer a shorter and less-invasive procedure but still desire significant improvement. 

Compared to the full facelift, the mini facelift involves less cutting and focuses primarily on the lower areas of the face, such as the jowls. Dr. Athré developed his own mini facelift technique, known as the RT Mini Facelift, which is designed with younger patients in mind. The procedure time itself is shorter, typically taking 60 minutes to 2 hours to complete. Because the incisions in a mini facelift procedure are smaller, recovery time is shorter than with a traditional facelift, with typical downtime of about a week.

Full Facelift vs Mini Facelift Key Comparison:

Full Facelift

• Extensive Correction: A facelift targets a broader area of the face, including the mid-face, lower face, and neck.
• Longevity: Results from a facelift are typically long-lasting, with the potential to last for a decade or longer when the deep plane facelift technique is used. 
• Invasiveness: Due to its comprehensive nature, a facelift is a more invasive surgical procedure, requiring a longer recovery period.

Best for: Those concerned with advanced signs of aging in the mid face and lower face, neck, and jowls who are ready for an extended recovery period in order to get maximum rejuvenation.

Mini Facelift 

• Targeted Correction: A mini facelift primarily addresses the jowls and lower face, making it ideal for people with mild to moderate aging concerns.
• ​​Moderate Longevity: While the results of a mini facelift are not as enduring as those of a traditional facelift, they still offer a significant improvement in the appearance of the lower face for many years.
• Shortened healing time: The incisions for a mini facelift are smaller, and less skin and tissue is involved in the surgical repair, resulting in less scarring and a quicker recovery period.

Best for: Those who wish to address early signs of aging in the lower portions of the face and who only need a more minimally invasive procedure.

Ultimately, deciding between a facelift and a mini facelift depends on a unique combination of individual goals, concerns to be addressed, and your surgeon's professional opinion about which procedure will deliver the results you want. Consulting with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Houston is crucial to assess candidacy, discuss expectations, and determine the most suitable approach. Call us at 281-557-3223 or get in touch online to schedule your consultation today!

Mini Facelift vs. Full Facelift: Which Is Right For You?

Houston facelift specialist Dr. Raghu Athré performs the deep plane facelift as well as the RT mini facelift, depending on the needs of his patients.

Dr. Raghu Athre