If you want to change your facial appearance, you are lost for choice when it comes to choosing an appropriate treatment. Two of the most common procedures are a facelift and a mid-mini facelift. In order to determine which procedure is right for you, it is important to know the features of each form of treatment.
Facelift
A facelift is a procedure that focuses on getting rid of a sagging face and wrinkles. In conventional facelift procedures, the patient’s skin is lifted to tighten the skin and tissues. A facelift repositions the skin smoothly over a patient’s face.
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift targets the lower two-thirds of a patient’s face and is also applied to the neck. This procedure repositions a patient’s skin and removes wrinkling and sag.
The difference between these two treatments is that a mini facelift does not deal with the eye area. It is appropriate for the skin that is sagging around the frown lines. Therefore, if you think your eyes and forehead are in good condition but the area around your mouth looks old, a mini facelift may be the most appropriate procedure.
What to Expect from a Full Facelift
Before you go through a full facelift, you may be restricted from smoking, taking blood thinners or aspirin before the surgery. During a facelift procedure, incisions are made near your ears. Your skin is separated from deep tissues that are tightened using sutures. After surgery, your face will be bandaged. The stitches may be removed in a week or more. Most people resume their daily routine in 2-3 weeks.
What to Expect from a Mini Facelift
In a mini facelift, you may not have any restrictions. You may be given local anesthesia. During the procedure, a surgical instrument is inserted through 2-3 small cuts. Excess fat muscles are removed and the face is reshaped. The face will be wrapped with a bandage just like a full facelift. The bandages will be removed after a couple of days. Many patients are able to resume work several days after the procedure.
Which Procedure Should You Choose?
The appropriate procedure for your situation is based on what parts of the face and neck you want to be treated. A mini facelift is good for minimal sagging of skin on the neck and face. This procedure works best with younger people or persons who do not require massive skin removal or persons who have previously had a facelift.
While a mini facelift does not address excessive fat around the neck, a full facelift does. Additionally, f you’re dealing with significant sagging of the skin, a full facelift may be the solution.
At Plastic and Cosmetic Center of South Texas, we provide a variety of treatments and services to address wrinkles and other cosmetic imperfections. During the consultation, we would be happy to speak with you and decide whether a full facelift or a mini facelift would be appropriate for your unique circumstances. Contact us today.
