Facelifts are a type of cosmetic surgery procedure that are intended to give people a younger appearance. Whether due to sun exposure, aging, smoking, or simply due to age, many people experience changes in their overall appearance, including their face, that they wish to alter as they age. Both a mini facelift and a full facelift can improve sagging facial muscles, but neither procedure can make wrinkles disappear. Let’s take a look at some of the differences of a mini vs. full facelift.
Mini Facelift
As expected, a mini facelift’s recovery time is much shorter than a full facelift; most people will be able to go back to work, and even start exercising, after about a week post-surgery. However, swelling and bruising may last for up to six weeks. Weakness in the chin and mouth area may occur, and could be temporary or permanent. People who are overweight or have frequent weight fluctuations may choose a mini facelift over a full lift.
A mini facelift is also called a neck lift, where, under general anesthesia, the Oakland surgeon makes a small incision just under the jaw area or chin to remove extra skin and fat. The neck muscles are also tightened in this procedure. The mini facelift can take as little as 45 minutes or as long as three hours, but will last many years provided the patient keeps their weight stable.
Full Facelift
The recovery for a full facelift includes bruising for about three weeks and swelling that typically lasts four to six weeks or longer. Your skin may feel tender, dry, numb, and tight. About two to four weeks post-surgery, you can return to work. But you shouldn’t exercise until four to five weeks, or as recommended by your Oakland surgeon.
Surgery for a full facelift takes three to five hours, but the results can last five to seven years. During a full cosmetic surgery facelift, sagging and loose skin along the neck and jaw line is removed while you’re under general anesthesia. Scars are hidden behind the ears and beneath the chin. Risks associated with a full facelift include facial, ear, eyebrow or mouth numbness, infection, skin discoloration, hair loss, blood or fluid under the skin, blood clots in veins or lungs, poorly healing scars. The aforementioned weakness or muscles may be temporary and last months, or it can be permanent.
If you are debating between a mini facelift or full facelift, talk to Dr. Moulton-Barrett about which procedure is best for you!