The Difference Between a Facelift and a Mini-Facelift

46-year-old female presented for evaluation for the aging face. She underwent an endoscopic brow lift, upper and lower eyelid lift and a lower facelift. Note the natural appearance to her face.

*Results may vary

There are many misleading names used to describe a rhytidectomy, more commonly known as a  facelift, and many are just marketing terms. The names are not standardized and even mean different things to different surgeons.

Surgical and Non-surgical Options

The most important thing you can do is to select your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon wisely and discuss in detail what bothers you. Ask your surgeon what your surgical and non-surgical options are. If computer imaging is available, it is an excellent tool to help you visualize what your results may be.

What a Facelift Includes

In general, when the term “facelift” is used, that would be the lower face and neck, with tightening of the SMAS, the underlying muscle of the face. Also, usually included is the tightening of the platysma bands (the vertical bands in the neck). The incisions are carefully placed in natural creases behind, in front and within the ear. A full facelift may include a brow lift and eyelid lift.

The Mini-Facelift, Skin Only

The mini-facelift is tightening of skin only and does not improve the neck. The mini- facelift is appropriate for the younger patient with mild skin laxity, or as a touch up for the previous facelift patient. The results are not long lasting as the skin will eventually stretch in a few months to a couple of years.

Miguel Delgado, M.D. emphasizes that it is more important to see an expert Board Certified Plastic surgeon to help you achieve your goals than to worry about the semantics of the different facelift types.

Learn Your Options

If you have areas of your face that are bothering you, contact us today at (415) 898-4161 or email [email protected] for a consultation with Miguel Delgado, M.D. to learn what options he suggests for you.