16 Nov The Evolution of Facelifts
The facelift is what many patients schedule consultations with Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center to discuss. It’s one of the most well-known facial plastic surgeries—but in name only. A lot of people don’t know what a facelift entails, the difference between a full facelift and mini facelift, or just how much technology and techniques have advanced in recent years. A lot has changed in the world of facelifts in recent years, but the surgery itself still remains the gold standard for achieving the most striking results above the neck.
Just like with any other treatment, patients want results to look beautiful and natural. Fortunately, the years of the “pulled” facelift look are behind us. There’s no need to worry about the stigma attached to getting a facelift today because when it’s performed by a skilled expert it will look completely organic. Why do today’s facelifts look all-natural? It’s all due to a change in the fundamental principles of the facelift.
The Facelifts of the Past
In the past, facelifts were performed by pulling tissue horizontally. That’s what led to such a pulled look. Today, the tissue is repositioned rather than pulled and it’s along a vertical plane. Today’s facelifts also go deeper, well below the fascia. This allows for a more natural look because surgeons aren’t limited by surface tissue. However, one of the biggest changes is actually in doing less—not more. In years past the mini facelift wasn’t even an option.
The mini facelift isn’t for everyone, but having options means you can customize treatments just for you. The mini facelift boasts half the downtime of a regular facelift with results that are just as amazing. It’s a less invasive procedure and takes less time to perform, making it a great option for patients who are younger and just beginning to notice the signs of aging. If you want a big improvement in your appearance but aren’t quite ready for a full facelift, the mini facelift might be for you. You might want a full facelift in the future, but the mini facelift can also help you delay the more aggressive surgery for several years.
Mini vs. Full Facelift
There’s no magic age that makes a person a better candidate for a mini vs. full facelift. Instead, ask yourself if you’re just starting to notice laxity at the jowls and neck, neck (platysmal) bands, and an overall early sagging. Just like a full facelift, the mini facelift targets the lower half of the face, jawline, and neck, so you can get tauter skin in this area, which is often the first to show signs of aging.
As more patients learn about mini lifts, there has been an increase in demand. Not only is it suitable for younger patients, but the promise of a quicker recovery and more subtle changes are highly desirable. Most patients who want a mini lift are in their early 40s, but there are also older patients who have had a full facelift in the past and simply want a refresher. Many factors will go into deciding whether you’re a better fit for a mini or full facelift including degree of sun damage, smoking history, skin thickness, and more.
Turn Back the Clock
One of the first questions patients ask is how long a mini or full facelift lasts. There are a number of factors at play here including future sun exposure, weight fluctuations, and physical activity. However, overall results from a mini facelift are not going to last as long as those of a full facelift. Complementary non-surgical procedures moving forward and sun protection goes a long way in extending the results of either type of facelift.
Recovery and cost are also factors to consider with the two surgeries. Everyone heals a little differently, but most mini facelift patients are comfortable going back to work and being seen in public after one week (compared to two with a full facelift). A mini facelift is also about one-third to half the cost of a full facelift. The technique used for a mini facelift is different, too, and that’s what affects the recovery period. A mini facelift is less invasive, so fewer and smaller incisions are required.
The best way to determine which facelift is right for you is by scheduling a consultation. In-person consultations are available for all surgeries. Call Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center at (480) 282-8386 today to learn more about facelift options and schedule your consultation.