How Long Does a Mini Facelift Last?

There comes a time in everyone’s life when they look in the mirror and the face looking at them seems unfamiliar or doesn’t match internal feelings. There are many steps we can take to change this – from makeup to chemical peels, the beauty industry has no shortage of age-defying products.

But what if you’re looking for something that lasts longer and will provide almost immediate results? A mini facelift may be a good option to restore the tightness of the skin in the face, creating a youthful look. Some individuals opt for the more intensive version, a full facelift. Deciding which is right for you should involve gathering information and talking to the surgical team to field any questions that may arise. A major deciding factor for whether to get a full or mini facelift involves the amount of time before the skin begins to sag again – read on to learn more about the benefits of a mini facelift, how long it lasts, and what possible risks or side effects can occur.

Why Get a Mini Facelift?

When deciding what method is best to reduce the appearance of aging, it’s necessary to consider all of the options. Influential factors include price, effectiveness, results, and longevity.

Another factor to consider is that there is more than one type of facelift: there are full facelifts and mini facelifts. Doctors and surgeons can decide which surgery is best for each individual, which happens during an initial consultation. During the consultation, doctors will also gather information about the patient’s current health conditions and previous illnesses that may have an impact on surgical efficacy.

The surgery involves incisions next to each ear and on the chin. Surgeons take the underlying tendons and stretch them to the incision area to give the skin a tighter appearance. Within the operating room, the major difference between a full and a mini facelift is that the incision is smaller, so slightly fewer tendons are being pulled.

A full facelift is performed on individuals who want more pronounced results. This most often includes patients whose skin sags significantly, or whose frown lines have become deep. A mini facelift is a good option for someone whose skin still has some of its youthful texture and is just beginning to sag.

One major concern with full facelifts is that they may not appear natural, which is why some turn to mini facelifts to get the results they are looking for.

Mini facelifts may also be a good option for someone who is looking to save some money. A full facelift can cost over $10,000 but the mini version can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $8,000.

As the mini facelift is less intense than its full counterpart, the procedure itself takes less time and is an outpatient procedure. The full surgery is often performed under general anesthesia, meaning that the patient must stay overnight at the hospital and arrange a ride home. Mini facelifts take less time and patients can go home immediately after, though they should also avoid driving.

Unless a complication occurs, the recovery from a mini facelift is also less intense, allowing patients to return to normal life more quickly. Recovery time from a full facelift can be up to several months, while mini facelift patients recover in a matter of weeks.

Not a Long-Term Solution

Many of the components of a mini facelift are shorter and generally easier to manage. Because of this, however, the mini facelift also does not last as long as the full version. A full facelift can last for up to 15 years, whereas the mini version lasts only two to six.

Some mini-facelift patients come back when the results have worn off and seek a full facelift for more permanent and pronounced results. Others may choose another mini facelift. Some may decide to undergo other cosmetic surgeries like fillers to achieve their intended results.

Deciding which cosmetic procedure is right for you can be tough, but doctors and surgeons are here to help with decision-making. They can talk you through what a procedure looks like and what the intended results are. They will also discuss the risks and potential complications of the surgery.

Risks and Side Effects of Mini Facelift

The risks of a mini facelift surgery are similar to those of a full facelift, with a few key differences. Both surgeries come with a small risk of infection, blood clots, nerve damage, and necrosis. Where these surgeries differ is the response to anesthesia – the risks of general anesthesia and local anesthesia can vary.

There is a higher risk of negative reaction to anesthesia when it is performed generally. This is because the patient’s whole body is impacted, as opposed to one small area. Some risks associated with general anesthesia are:

• Blood Clots
• Heart Attack
• Swelling
• Confusion
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Seizure

And many more. Some risks associated with local anesthesia include:

• Swelling
• Vomiting
• Pain
• Twitching Muscles
• Redness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Blurred Vision

It may be apparent that local anesthesia is generally safer, but it’s important to discuss the risks and side effects with a doctor or surgeon who may be able to tell you what risks are more or less likely to occur if there is an underlying condition to consider.

Some complications are much less likely to occur with safe practices and a good anesthesiologist. It’s important to choose a surgical team that has the proper qualifications and experience.

Facelift Alternatives

There are other options on the market that can result in a “lifted” appearance without the complications of surgery or anesthesia. Stem Cell Facelifts seek to give the skin a more youthful appearance while healing cells under the skin for greater longevity.

Originating from the patient’s own cells, doctors prepare a solution of stem cells and possibly Platelet-Rich Plasma, or PRP, to inject into the problem areas of the face. Because it is only an injection, the recovery time is much shorter and it is an outpatient procedure. Doctors may also choose an injection with only PRP, which is derived from a blood sample. Stem cells, on the other hand, can come from blood, bone marrow, or fat.

These therapies can not only give the skin a more youthful appearance, but they can also help the skin cells repair structures that have broken down with age. PRP and stem cells are already used in the body’s natural healing process, so increasing the number of healing cells in a problem area helps it repair on a cellular level.

Facelift surgery can make the face appear younger, but does little to nothing to prevent the aging process from occurring. Regenerative facelift treatments are a good option for patients who are looking to fight aging from the inside out.

Conclusion

Deciding if a mini facelift is right for you, as compared to a full facelift, can be difficult as there are many points of comparison. Longer, more pronounced results can be achieved with a full facelift, but it can be a more intensive procedure that costs more and takes longer to recover from. It also will last longer than its mini counterpart. A mini facelift can be a good option for someone in their 40s or 50s who wants to look somewhat younger but isn’t ready to commit to a full facelift yet – often because there is still some youthful elasticity in the skin. A surgical team is there to help you navigate this decision – with information about all aspects of the procedure and recovery.