Facelift or Mini Lift?

Having facelift surgery is a major decision that will reward you with equally dramatic results. However, a facelift isnt the right solution for every patient. Younger patients or those whose loose skin is localized in the lower half of the face might prefer a mini facelift. So how do you know which procedure is right for you?
Facelift patients tend to be forty years or older, and have sagging skin over most of the face and possibly on the neck. Mini lift patients tend to be on the younger side, or only want to correct sagging skin along the lower jaw (jowls), neck, or lower cheeks.

A mini facelift also has a shorter recovery time than facelift surgery. A regular facelift involves a larger incision behind the hairline, so the recovery can last up to four to six weeks. A mini facelift involves smaller incisions around the back of the ears, so the recovery time is around two to four weeks.
Both procedures require that the patient be as close to his or her ideal weight as possible, since weight fluctuations after the surgery can change your results. You should be a non-smoker (or be willing to quit for at least six weeks before and after surgery), and can be a male or female of any age.
A mini facelift may also be more appropriate for clients who are specifically concerned with nasolabial folds, the wrinkles that run from the sides of the nostrils to either side of the mouth. If these lines are just beginning to form, or if jowls are becoming more pronounced, a mini lift can be used to prevent the issues from worsening, while a full facelift can correct already serious folds and sagging.
So, if you want very localized or less dramatic results with a shorter recovery time and smaller incisions, a mini lift would be right for you. If you want to correct sagging skin in various areas of the face, are older, or want more dramatic results, a full traditional facelift surgery would be best for you. Your surgeon will be able to direct you further and select which procedure is more appropriate for your situation.
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