Is a Mini or Full Facelift Right for Me?
A facelift (rhytidectomy) can improve signs of aging by surgically addressing loose skin and wrinkles. The cosmetic benefits of a facelift are significant and long-lasting.
Dr. Michael Devlin offers multiple cosmetic treatments that address skin laxity around the face and neck. One popular technique that may be ideal for individuals in their late 30s and early 40s is a mini facelift. If you wish to address signs of aging but do not suffer from sagging skin, Dr. Devlin may recommend a mini facelift to rejuvenate your face. Our team, serving Little Rock, AR, Conway, AR, and Hot Springs, AR, can help patients understand the difference between mini and full facelifts.
What’s the Difference Between a Mini and Full Facelift?
Many of our patients come with questions about the difference between a mini and full facelift. Both procedures address signs of aging in the face by repositioning skin and muscles. Here’s a candidacy and procedure overview.
Who Is a Candidate for a Mini Facelift?
Candidates for a mini facelift are usually in their late 30s or early to mid-40s. Not everyone who can benefit from some sort of facelift technique requires the extensive surgical work that a traditional facelift requires. Candidates for a mini facelift typically do not have extensive sagging (jowls) around the lower jaw.
Who Is a Candidate for a Full Facelift?
If you have significant skin laxity, deep wrinkles, and sagging skin around the chin, you may require the comprehensive benefits of a full facelift. While a mini facelift does focus on the face, a full facelift incorporates surgical alterations to the neck and jowls. A full facelift requires a longer recovery, but few cosmetic treatments deliver the impressive results that a facelift can provide.
What Happens during a Mini Facelift?
Once you are properly sedated, Dr. Devlin will make short incisions at each temple and behind the ears. Through these openings, the skin will be separated from the underlying muscles. Once the skin has been pulled to a more aesthetically pleasing position, excess skin will be removed, and your facial skin will be sutured into its new position. Alterations to the underlying muscle may be made as well.
What Happens during a Facelift?
After general anesthesia has been administered, an incision will be made that begins near the earlobe and reaches upwards behind the ear. The incision will also travel down from the earlobe along the hairline. Sometimes, a small incision is made under the chin to allow Dr. Devlin to tighten the neck muscles.
Recovery Times
With a full facelift, stitches are typically removed five to seven days after the procedure. Swelling will begin to significantly subside within a week. Patients should sleep with their head elevated to reduce swelling. A mini facelift typically has a shorter recovery timeline.
Take Years Off the Appearance of Your Face
Whether you opt for a full or mini facelift, you can expect beautiful and natural-looking results. Dr. Devlin is a distinguished and highly respected surgeon. If you are ready to learn more about either procedure, contact our office online or call (501) 227-8811.
