Do I Need a Facelift or Mini Facelift?

Advances in facelift surgery have made way for the development of various techniques, including mini facelift. As the name suggests, mini facelift requires less surgery and treatment than traditional or “full” facelift. Learn more about the differences between mini facelift and traditional facelift in this blog post from Arizona oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Ali Ghafouri.

Facelift vs. Mini Facelift

Traditional facelift targets mild to severe signs of facial aging on the middle and lower facial areas, including sagging skin, jowls, neck bands, wrinkles and creases on the cheeks and around the mouth and nose. Tissue is repositioned and/or removed as needed to create a youthful appearance. Incisions are usually made in the hairline at the temples and run down around the ear and end in the lower scalp. The incisions are strategically placed so they can be concealed behind the ears and/or hairline. Full facelift is typically performed with general anesthesia.

Mini facelift is a less extensive version of facelift that is performed using local anesthesia and sedation. The procedure also targets the middle and lower facial areas (typically only one of these areas and not both) but uses fewer incisions than traditional facelift. Generally, less tissue is repositioned and removed during mini facelift than full facelift. The incisions are usually made in front of the ears. As a result, this facelift variation requires less surgery, anesthesia and downtime than traditional facelift. Results with mini facelift, however, are also less dramatic than traditional facelift. Mini facelift may be right for you if you have mild:

• Sagging skin on the cheeks/jowls
• Neck bands (or horizontal lines on the neck)
• Loose skin on the neck

Both procedures can be performed in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation treatments, including eyelid surgery and injectables, to produce more comprehensive results.

Which One Is Right for You?

It is impossible to recommend a treatment option without an in-office consultation. Dr. Ali Ghafouri can meet with you personally to examine your facial anatomy and discuss your aesthetic concerns and goals. Using the information gathered during your consultation, he can design a treatment plan that best achieves your desired outcome. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Ghafouri, please call (480) 905-1010 today.