Facelifts are known for their ability to shave years off one’s appearance by removing the telling signs of aging in the mid and lower face. There are, however, different levels of facelift surgery available today, and one of the most common dilemmas is figuring out which is ideal for you. Do you need a traditional facelift, or would the less invasive mini facelift do the trick? During your consultation, Dr. Pontell will help guide you through your options to ensure that your face has a smoother and more youthful appearance.
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Mini Facelift
The mini facelift is rapidly becoming the most commonly performed facelift because of its many benefits. The mini facelift will address wrinkles and skin laxity in the lower third of the face as well as minor to moderate skin laxity in the neck. This procedure is designed for those with moderate signs of aging and is performed using minimally invasive techniques.
CANDIDATES
The ideal candidates for the mini facelift procedure are those with minor to moderate signs of aging and whose skin laxity is confined to the lower face only. While mini facelifts can include some neck laxity, those with a significant amount of neck laxity or fatty neck tissue would be better suited for a traditional facelift.
PROCEDURE
The mini facelift is performed under local, sedation, or general anesthesia. Dr. Pontell will make incisions around the ears to tighten underlying muscles as well as trim any excess skin. This results in a firmer jawline and lifted cheeks and neck.
RECOVERY
One of the major benefits of a mini facelift is the difference in recovery time. Since the procedure is not as invasive, the bruising and swelling will subside much quicker, and patients can return to work within seven to 10 days opposed to the two weeks that most traditional facelifts require. Scars are fewer and incisions are hidden in the natural creases around the ears.
Traditional Facelift
Like the mini facelift, the traditional facelift will address the visible signs of aging in the lower part of the face. This procedure is more extensive than the mini facelift and can better treat patients with significant sagging in the neck.
CANDIDATES
The traditional facelift is designed for patients with moderate to significant skin laxity with deep creases and wrinkles in the lower part of the face, jowls, and neck. This procedure is also ideal for those with a heavy neck.
PROCEDURE
Traditional facelift surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Pontell will make incisions in the hairline starting at the temples that extend down and around the natural creases in front of and behind the ears. There will also be an incision under the chin to allow for correction of the neck. After he makes the incisions, Dr. Pontell will tighten and reposition the underlying muscles and fat in the lower face, jowls, and neck. Excess skin will be trimmed, and the incisions will be closed.
RECOVERY
Recovery for a traditional facelift is longer compared to the mini facelift because the traditional facelift addresses more to achieve more extensive correction. Typically, patients can return to work and resume mild exercise after two weeks. Patients should be cautious when resuming exercise and refrain from putting any pressure on their necks. Swelling should subside after a couple of weeks. Although scarring is a bit more extensive than with the mini facelift, the scars will be hidden in the hairline and natural creases and will fade over time.