You’ve heard the phrase, “less is more,” and when it comes to
major cosmetic procedures, less might be just what you need. Enter the
“mini-facelift,” a procedure with half the downtime of a full facelift, but
with just as impressive results. We sat down with Jaimie DeRosa, MD, facial plastic surgeon and founder of DeRosa Clinic in
Boston, to get filled in on the biggest differences between the mini and the
full, and which one might be right for you.
What’s the difference between a mini facelift
and your average facelift?
A mini facelift is a less-invasive procedure as
compared to a facelift, and can be performed in a few hours. A mini facelift is
a fantastic option for men and women who are starting to notice aging changes
and want a nice improvement in their appearance without a drastic
transformation. It’s also a good option for those who may need a more
extensive procedure, such as a full facelift, but don’t have the time or desire
to go through the bigger surgery and opt instead for a mini facelift.
The mini facelift is a great option for those
who have started to notice the effects of aging, such as the start of jowls,
neck looseness, platysmal banding and skin laxity. Similar to a full facelift,
the minilift also addresses the jawline and neck laxity in a less invasive
manner.
Are more patients asking for a mini facelift in
your office?
Yes, more patients are asking for a mini
facelift in our AAAASF-certified office in Boston, as our patients are
interested in a quicker recovery and less drastic changes. Our mini-lift
patients start as young as early 40s and there is no real age limit for this
procedure, as long as one is healthy. We also have patients who have had
a facelift already and now are looking for a touch-up and a quick refresh—the
mini facelift is often a great option for them. Of note, the exact age that is
‘right’ for a mini facelift varies, depending on a variety of factors,
including the degree of facial aging, smoking history, sun damage, skin
thickness, etc.
How long do the effects of a mini facelift last
vs. a more invasive facelift?
There are many factors that impact the
longevity of both a mini facelift and a full facelift, such as patient
activity, sun exposure, and weight changes. Since the mini facelift is a less
invasive procedure, its results will “last” or be seen for a somewhat shorter
period than a full facelift. In the right hands, the optimal candidate for a
mini facelift may see his or her results for a long time.
What’s the recovery time for a mini facelift
vs. your average facelift?
In general, our mini facelift patients recover
twice as fast as the average facelift patient. This means that often our mini
facelift patients are back in the public eye and/or at work one week after
surgery. Sometimes there is minor bruising that may be covered with foundation
or make-up.
What is the general price difference between
the two?
In general, a full facelift is usually 2- to
3-times more expensive than a mini facelift.
Can a mini facelift be done in the office?
Yes, a mini facelift can be done in the office.
For example, at the DeRosa Clinic in Boston, we are an AAAASF Accredited
Surgery Center, which means that our double board certified facial plastic
surgeons perform mini facelifts in the privacy of our office under the guidance
of a board-certified anesthesiologist physician who administers a “twilight
sleep,” otherwise known as IV sedation, and monitors the patient for safety and
comfort. Not only is this a great experience for the patient, it also helps to
avoid the additional fees that are incurred at a hospital or surgery center.
What’s the average age for a mini facelift?
In general, good candidates for mini facelifts
are men and women in their mid to late 40s up to 60s or 70s. There is not a
cut-off age, per se, but instead we look at one’s overall health, mobility, and
treatment goals.
What are the surgical differences between the facelift and mini
facelift?
Yes, there is less extensive dissection and cutting in mini
facelift procedure as compared with a full facelift. Typically, a mini facelift
addresses the jowls and upper neck regions, whereas a full facelift may also
include the midface and full neck. These differences in the extent of
dissection and regions of the face/neck that are treated are why it’s important
for the patient to have realistic expectations for a mini facelift.
Are there any complications/risks associated with a mini
facelift?
If it’s performed by a skilled and qualified facial plastic
surgeon or plastic surgeon, there is less risk to the patient who has a mini
facelift. Of course, with any facelift surgery, there are risks—the most common
being bleeding, hematoma, infection, visible scarring, earlobe deformity, and
numbness.
What are the downsides of a mini facelift?
As mentioned, when the right candidate for a mini facelift is
chosen, there are almost no downsides to the procedure. The "ideal"
patient has mild to moderate facial and upper neck aging changes, skin laxity,
mild to moderate submental (under the chin) fat, and a well-defined neck and
jawline.
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