Mini Facelift vs Full Facelift: Which Option Is Best For You?

Key Takeaways

• Most people are familiar with the full facelift, but some have never heard of the mini facelift. 
• With extensive expertise performing both surgeries in Southwest Florida, the facelift specialists at Naples Plastic Surgery highlight the differences between the full facelift and mini facelift. 
• In general, the full facelift is the preferred option for older patients in their 50s to 70s with moderate to advanced signs of aging, characterized by significant sagging of the cheeks, deep nasolabial folds, jowls, and lax neck skin.
• The mini facelift is often the preferred option for patients in their 30s to early 50s with milder signs of aging, such as initial lower face sagging and subtle jowling.   

The facelift specialist surgeons at Naples Plastic Surgery, Drs. Paul Gardner, Mark Walsh, and Andrew Bonett, have noticed a recent uptick in the number of prospective Southwest Florida area patients who have questions about the differences between the mini facelift and full facelift. The surgeons believe the increased interest was spurred by their recent blog post, “How to Get a Natural Facelift? Answers from Dr. Gardner.” In fact, at least one prospective patient noted that she had never heard of a mini facelift until she read that blog.

Given the interest in the topic and the fact that some people are unfamiliar with the mini facelift, our surgeons thought it would be helpful to examine the issue in greater depth. Here, they will answer the question of what distinguishes a full facelift from a mini facelift and address related questions they’ve received from patients.        

What is the Primary Difference Between a Mini and Full Facelift?

A full facelift is a comprehensive procedure that targets significant sagging, deep wrinkles, and skin laxity in the mid-face, lower face, and jawline, while the mini facelift targets early, mild signs of aging and sagging, focusing primarily on the lower face and jawline. The full facelift is much more invasive than the mini one, requiring more extensive incisions around the ears, hairline, and sometimes under the chin. It also involves more robust tissue repositioning and skin tightening, though the surgeons at Naples Plastic Surgery prioritize the former to ensure the most natural results. Surgeons make fewer, smaller incisions with the mini facelift, typically hiding them around the ears, and perform more subtle tissue repositioning. Lastly, while the full facelift requires general anesthesia, patients can undergo a mini facelift with local anesthesia and oral sedation.

How Should I Choose Between a Full Facelift or Mini Facelift?   

The best way to determine whether to opt for a full facelift or a mini facelift is to schedule a consultation with one of the facelift specialists at Naples Plastic Surgery. Our surgeons can assess your facial features and skin quality to determine the level of anti-aging rejuvenation you can expect from either procedure.

In general, younger patients in their late 30s to early 50s with good skin elasticity and mild signs of aging, such as initial lower face sagging and subtle jowling, benefit most from the rejuvenation provided by a mini facelift. With its more dramatic, long-term rejuvenation, the full facelift is better suited to older patients in their 50s to 70s who have moderate to advanced signs of aging, characterized by significant sagging of the cheeks, deep nasolabial folds, jowls, and neck skin laxity. 

What is the Recovery Time for a Full Facelift or Mini One?

As a more invasive procedure that involves general anesthesia, the full facelift naturally requires more recovery time. Patients who undergo a full facelift at Naples Plastic Surgery typically need at least 2 weeks to recover before resuming their regular daily activities, though it can take up to 6 weeks for all facial swelling to subside. The post-surgery swelling and bruising from a mini facelift usually lasts up to a week, but it is much less pronounced than the post-op full facelift recovery after-effects. Mini facelift patients can typically resume all normal activities, including social engagements, after a week, without anyone realizing that they have had surgery. 

Let Our Surgeons Help You Decide Which Facelift is Right for You

If you’re interested in turning back the clock on aging with a facelift in Southwest Florida, discuss your options with the board-certified facelift specialists at Naples Plastic Surgery. With a review of your aesthetic goals, a medical history review, and a facial examination to assess contours, skin quality, muscle tone, and bone structure, our surgeons can specifically detail the age-defying transformations they can provide through either a full or mini facelift. To learn more, schedule a confidential consultation by contacting our Naples-based office at 239-566-2611.     

Additional FAQs: Mini Facelift vs Full Facelift 

Q: Which type of facelift provides the more natural-looking results? 

A: When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon who is dedicated to providing patients with natural-looking results, either type of facelift can provide a natural-looking outcome that avoids the “pulled-back” or “pinched” appearance. 

Q: How does the duration of results differ between the full facelift and the mini one?

A: The anti-aging results of a full facelift generally last for 10 to 15 years, while the youthful results of a mini facelift can last for five years or more. Skin quality and lifestyle factors influence the duration of results, and those who diligently care for their skin typically enjoy the longest-lasting results.

Q: Will a full facelift or mini facelift correct the sagging, loose skin known as the “turkey neck?” 

A: Because full facelift and mini facelift tighten skin and tissues around the jawline, both can help ease the appearance of sagging skin and bands on the neck. However, the full facelift typically has a greater supplemental impact, and the mini facelift can only help correct upper neck sagging. For severe cases of turkey neck, our surgeons recommend combining either a facelift with a neck lift for optimal smoothing of the neck area. During your initial consultation, your surgeon can advise you on the extent to which either facelift might address concerns about aging neck skin.    

Q: What’s the difference in price between a full facelift and a mini facelift? 

A: With less extensive work and a shorter operating time, the mini facelift can be significantly less expensive than a full facelift. One of our board-certified plastic surgeons would be glad to review cost estimates with you in detail during a personal consultation.