Facelift vs mini facelift
A mini facelift is a facelift with shorter incisions. How it differs from a standard facelift, which kind of sagging it suits, and what to check when choosing.
A mini facelift keeps the principle of a facelift but with shorter incisions and less tissue dissection. The same name can mean different scopes and techniques at different clinics, so it is important to check which areas are actually treated, and how far.
What they share
Both lift and fix the SMAS layer beneath the skin rather than simply pulling the skin.
How they differ
- Incisions — a mini facelift uses short incisions mainly in front of the ear; a standard facelift may extend behind the ear and into the scalp
- What it addresses — a mini facelift suits relatively mild sagging of the cheeks and jawline; a standard facelift suits sagging that extends to the jawline and neck
- Neck — if the neck skin is very loose with bands, a mini facelift alone may not be enough
- Recovery — relatively shorter after a mini facelift
Whether a mini facelift suits you and how long the incisions need to be is explained after the sagging is assessed at the consultation.
When is a mini facelift considered?
In the early stages of sagging, when the jawline is the main concern, or when a shorter recovery is wanted. If sagging has progressed to the neck, options including a neck lift are considered as well.
Frequently asked questions
Is a mini facelift less effective? For suitable candidates it can give a good improvement, but with more pronounced sagging its scope is limited. What matters is choosing a method that matches the degree of sagging.