Full Facelift Versus Mini Facelift: Which Is Best for You?

Key Takeaways

• A full facelift addresses moderate to advanced ageing signs with dramatic and long-lasting results, while a mini facelift offers a less invasive option for subtle improvements and quicker recovery.
• Recovery from a full facelift typically takes 2 to 3 weeks, with longer downtime, whereas recovery from a mini facelift is quicker, averaging around 7 days.
• Mini facelift patients generally benefit from a faster recovery timeline, experience only mild swelling, and find the procedure more affordable compared to a full facelift.
• Cost considerations differ significantly; a full facelift which can include a neck lift is from £10,000-£15,000, while a mini facelift is more affordable, starting from £8,500.
• At Kensington Medical we specialise in full facelift and mini facelift surgery. In fact we only focus on facial procedures.
  Both a full facelift and mini facelift can achieve natural looking results.

A full facelift surgery is a corrective procedure designed to tackle moderate to advanced signs of ageing. It is a type of cosmetic surgery specifically intended to address facial ageing and restore a youthful appearance. It aims to tighten and smooth the face by removing excess skin, targeting both the surface skin and underlying facial tissues, and lifting and tightening the underlying facial muscles. This approach addresses structural causes of facial ageing, targeting the entire face, jawline, and neck comprehensively. The traditional facelift, or full facelift, addresses ageing in the mid face, lower face, and neck, providing a comprehensive approach that includes the mid face for balanced facial rejuvenation.

Patients often seek a full facelift for significant signs and lasting transformations, particularly when dealing with pronounced signs of ageing.

Full Facelift Procedure

The full facelift procedure is an extensive surgery that typically involves:

• General anaesthesia, generally not local anaesthesia, or twilight sedation.
• Making incisions strategically starting below the sideburn, extending around the ear, and into the scalp to ensure minimal visible scarring.
• Additional incision locations including in front of and behind the ears, and sometimes under the chin (a small cur under the chin where no one can see).
• Separating the skin from the facial muscles.
• Removing excess fat.
• Tightening the skin before trimming any excess.
• Repositioning tissue by lifting and tightening muscles and deep facial layers to provide a youthful contour.

This surgical procedure can take anywhere from 2.5 to over 5 hours, especially if addressing the neck or combining treatments. The comprehensive nature of a full facelift ensures a more youthful appearance by lifting and tightening the lower face and neck. While it is an extensive surgery, the results are often dramatic and long-lasting.

If you are not sure what facelift is right for you, contact us here.

Longevity of Full Facelift Results

The results of a full facelift can be remarkably long-lasting, typically remaining effective for 10 to 15 years. This longevity is one of the significant advantages of opting for a full facelift over less invasive procedures.

The lasting effects are due to the extensive procedure of surgical techniques used to address deep facial structures and underlying tissues, ensuring natural-looking results are maintained over time.

Recovery from a Full Facelift

Recovery from a full facelift is a gradual process, often requiring 2 to 3 weeks before most normal activities can be resumed. Key points during recovery include:

• The initial recovery phase may involve more pain and discomfort compared to a mini facelift.
• Swelling and bruising are common, typically lasting up to 2 weeks.
• Swelling around the eyes and cheeks usually diminishes about a week after surgery.
• Patients should avoid strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks.
• Sleeping with the head elevated is recommended to reduce swelling during recovery.

Proper care is essential for the healing of facial tissues following a full facelift, as this supports optimal recovery and overall facial aesthetics.

Complete recovery, including the resolution of all swelling, can take several months, with some swelling potentially persisting for up to a year. Sutures are usually removed 6-7 days post-surgery, marking a significant step in the healing process.

Although the recovery period is longer and more intense, the dramatic improvement in appearance often makes it worthwhile for many patients.

Exploring the Mini Facelift

A mini facelift or mini lift is a less invasive cosmetic surgery that focuses on improving the shape of the jawline and addressing sagging skin in the lower third of the face. This procedure primarily targets the jawline and neck, rejuvenating the lower face by tightening both the skin and underlying muscles.

It is designed to offer subtle improvements, making it an excellent option for those with mild to moderate signs of ageing. Plus there is less downtime making it an ideal option if you cannot afford a lot of time off work.

Mini Facelift Procedure

The mini facelift procedure is less invasive compared to a full facelift, focusing on tightening the lower face. It typically involves smaller incisions along the hairline and sometimes behind the ear, leading to minimal visible scarring. The primary goal is to remove excess skin and reposition tissue to achieve a refreshed and youthful appearance without drastic changes. The mini lift can also help improve muscle tone in the jawline and neck, contributing to a firmer, more youthful look. This procedure is often performed under local anaesthetic, twilight, or general anaesthesia, and it usually lasts a few hours.

The mini facelift is ideal for those looking for a subtle lift in the lower face, particularly around the jawline and neck. It effectively addresses mild to moderate sagging and provides a more youthful contour with significantly less downtime and recovery than a full face lift.

Longevity of Mini Facelift Results

Results from a mini facelift typically involve subtle improvements and can last between five to ten years, depending on individual factors like genetics and lifestyle. While the mini face lift longevity is shorter compared to a full facelift, it still offers a significant period of rejuvenation.

Recovery from a Mini Facelift

Recovery from a mini facelift is relatively quick, typically taking around 7 days, though some downtime is still required. Key points include:

• Mild swelling and bruising generally last for a week. Mini facelift patients typically experience only mild swelling and a rapid return to normal activities.
• Noticeable results appear within two to three weeks after the procedure.
• Light activities can usually be resumed within a few days.

This makes it a convenient option for those with busy lifestyles.

While the recovery period is shorter and less intense than a full face lift, it’s essential to follow post-operative care instructions to ensure optimal results. The minimal invasiveness and quicker recovery make the mini facelift an attractive option for many patients seeking facial rejuvenation.

If you would like to talk to one of our experienced facial plastic surgeons about a mini facelift contact us.

Comparing Benefits and Drawbacks

Both full or mini facelift procedures offer unique benefits and drawbacks, each targeting different signs of ageing depending on the chosen approach. A full facelift vs mini facelifts provides more dramatic and longer-lasting results for more advanced signs of ageing but is more invasive and requires a longer recovery period.

On the other hand, a mini facelift addresses early signs of ageing with subtle improvements and quicker recovery but may need repeat procedures to maintain results over time. Understanding these differences is crucial in making an informed decision about which procedure is right for you.

Benefits of a Full Facelift

The primary benefits of a full facelift include a significant improvement in facial contours and a more youthful appearance. This comprehensive procedure effectively addresses:

• Sagging cheeks
• Mid face
• Nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines
• Neck laxity
• Jawline shape
• Jowls
• Double chin

Patients can expect a smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking face with dramatic improvements in facial harmony and symmetry. The results are long-lasting, often remaining effective for 10 to 15 years.

Find out what facelift is right for you by contacting us.

Benefits of a Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is often preferred by individuals seeking less invasive procedures with quicker recovery times. It is suitable for younger individuals without loose skin and older patients desiring a less invasive option. The ideal age range for a mini facelift is typically between late 30s to 50s, making it a versatile option for those looking to address early signs of aging.

This invasive procedure offers subtle enhancements and can be paired with other procedures to enhance overall facial rejuvenation through facial procedures, including a minimally invasive procedure and cosmetic procedures.

Drawbacks of Each Procedure

While a full facelift offers more dramatic and long-lasting results, it comes with a longer recovery period and higher cost. A mini facelift, although less invasive and offering quicker recovery, provides only a partial solution to signs of ageing and may not be as thorough as a full facelift. For individuals with moderate to advanced ageing signs, a traditional facelift is a more comprehensive surgical procedure that addresses multiple areas of facial ageing—including the mid-face, lower face, jowls, jawline, and neck—making it more suitable than a mini facelift for those seeking extensive correction.

Weighing the longer recovery time and higher cost of a full facelift against the limited effectiveness of a mini facelift is crucial.

Candidacy for Each Procedure

Candidacy for Each Procedure
 Determining candidacy for cosmetic surgery, such as a full facelift or mini facelift, depends on various factors, including the extent of ageing and individual health. Candidates for facelift surgery should be in a general good health and have realistic expectations about the results.

Both procedures aim to address sagging skin, but the degree of correction required will influence the choice between a full facelift and a mini facelift.

Ideal Candidates for a Mini Facelift

Younger patients with mild to moderate signs of ageing and good skin elasticity are the ideal candidates for a mini facelift. Individuals in their late 30s to 50s with early loosening skin are most suited for mini facelifts, but those as young as 40 may qualify if they have good skin quality.

Mini facelifts provide subtle enhancements and are primarily preventative in nature, making them unsuitable for patients with significant skin laxity, less skin laxity, or deep wrinkles.

Cost Considerations

Cost is a significant factor when choosing between a full facelift and a mini facelift. The cost of facelift procedures is influenced by factors such as the extent of the surgery, operating time, and recovery duration.

Generally, mini facelifts are less expensive due to their reduced complexity and shorter incisions and shorter duration.

Cost of a Full Facelift

The typical cost range for a full facelift in the UK is from £10,000. Procedures like a brow lift, neck lift, eyelid surgery, fat transfer, or a chin lift can increase the cost of a full facelift. Although it does work out to be cheaper if these additional procures are carried out in the same operation.

Despite the higher cost, many patients do opt for a full facelift because of the long-lasting results.

Cost of a Mini Facelift

The typical cost range for a mini facelift is from £8,000. The lower cost is due to the reduced complexity and shorter duration of the procedure.

Mini facelifts offer a cost-effective solution for those seeking subtle improvements without the need for extensive surgery and a mini lift. Mini facelift surgery provides an option for those looking for a less invasive procedure, including a mini face lift.

Risks and Complications

Both full and mini facelifts carry certain risks and complications. Common complications include hematomas, infection risks, and scarring.

It’s essential to understand these potential risks to make an informed decision about undergoing facelift surgery.

While facelift procedures are primarily cosmetic, reconstructive surgery may be necessary for patients who require restoration of form and function after medical conditions or trauma.

Risks of a Full Facelift

Infections are a risk following full facelift procedures, requiring careful postoperative care. Nerve damage during surgery can result in temporary or permanent changes in facial sensation or movement. Delayed healing of surgical wounds can happen.

Despite these risks, many patients find the benefits of a full facelift outweigh the potential complications.

At Kensington Medical in your consultation your facial plastic surgeon will discuss all of the risks and recovery required for optimal results.

Risks of a Mini Facelift

Though a mini facelift is less invasive than a full facelift, it still carries certain risks, including:

• Minor scarring, which is common but typically less pronounced than in full facelifts
• Temporary discomfort
• Bruising, which usually resolves within a few weeks

Understanding these risks helps patients make an informed choice about undergoing a mini facelift.

Choosing the Right Facelift Procedure for You

Deciding between a full facelift and a mini face lift depends on your personal needs and how long you can take time off from work.

Discussing your requirements with one of our expert facial surgeons is crucial. At Kensington Medical all of our surgeons are GMC specialist registered plastic surgeon.

Consulting with a Plastic Surgeon

Facial plastic surgeons are experts in determining the best type of facelift for an individual. Consulting with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, such as Mr David Gateley FRCS, Mr Paul Tulley FRCS or Mr Naveen Cavale FRCS , is essential to determine suitability for either a mini facelift or a lower facelift.

A thorough consultation helps align your expectations with the most suitable facelift option and minimises surgical risks.

Personal Goals and Expectations

Understanding your personal goals is crucial when deciding between a full facelift and a mini facelift. Full facelifts provide comprehensive rejuvenation and are suitable for those with pronounced aging signs. In contrast, mini facelifts offer subtler enhancements and quicker recovery, appealing to those seeking less dramatic changes.

Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help establish personalised goals and realistic expectations for each plastic surgery procedure. Find out if you are suitable for a full facelift or mini facelift at Kensington Medical.

Summary

Choosing between a full facelift and a mini facelift is a decision that hinges on your unique needs, the extent of ageing, and personal goals. A full facelift offers dramatic, long-lasting results by addressing significant skin laxity and deep wrinkles across the entire face and neck. In contrast, a mini facelift provides subtle improvements with quicker recovery, making it ideal for those with mild to moderate signs of aging.

Both procedures have their own sets of benefits, drawbacks, costs, and risks. Consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon is essential to determine the best approach for achieving your desired aesthetic outcomes. By understanding the differences between a full facelift and a mini facelift, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your personal goals and expectations. Here’s to a rejuvenated, more youthful you!

Frequently Asked Questions