Some plastic surgery options clearly telegraph the essence of the procedure in their name. Tummy tuck, the common term for abdominoplasty, paints a picture of what happens during the surgery: a taut stomach is achieved by removal and “tucking” of excess skin. Liposuction describes the technique that vacuums away unwanted fat cells.
By contrast, “mini facelift” is much less precise, and at times misleading. Is it facelift lite? Is it simply a less expensive version of traditional facelift? Is it less invasive, or even less effective? Here, experienced Montreal plastic surgeon Dr. Arie Benchetrit clears away the confusion to focus on core elements of mini facelift, including what it can do, how long it lasts, and whether it may be the right choice for you.
Modest Changes
One widely acknowledged characteristic of a mini facelift is that it is less comprehensive than a traditional facelift. It provides moderate benefit to patients who seek changes in the lower face, especially along the jawline, and the lateral neck. It can be a realistic option for younger patients whose skin still retains significant tone and flexibility, and whose facial aging is not advanced.
The best candidates are often clients who have benefited from dermal fillers and now seek a surgical modification for more noticeable facial change, especially with reduction of fat pockets and solutions for skin laxity. In general, a mini facelift involves less time in surgery, as well as a shorter recovery time. Surprisingly to some, its cost savings are not substantially lower vs. a traditional facelift as the latter takes about one hour longer to perform.
Age and Time
Another clear difference is the permanence of the procedures. While a traditional facelift may endure for a decade or more, the results of a mini facelift can be expected to last five to 10 years.
A traditional facelift tightens skin and subdermal muscles across a wider area of the face, including the full cheeks, corners of the mouth and the entire neck. Because its effects are not as lasting, dramatic or comprehensive as a traditional facelift, a mini facelift is typically appealing to a small segment of prospective patients — adults who have begun to notice early signs of aging, but are not ready to commit to full facelift.
For more information on mini facelift, Dr. Benchetrit invites you to schedule a consultation at our practice. Call or email us today to request an appointment.
