Surgical facelifts reposition and tighten the underlying structures of the face to address areas where the skin and tissue have developed laxity. These procedures last longer than nonsurgical approaches, but there is no single technique that is right for everyone. The type of facelift we perform depends on what our patients are looking for from their results and other, more practical factors.
Dr Ellis Choy offers several types of facelifts, including full and mini facelifts. We will guide you through the differences between the two and discuss some of the factors that we will consider together when you come in for your facelift consultation in Sydney.
What Is a Facelift?
A full facelift repositions deeper facial tissues and tightens the skin in the midface, jawline, and neck. It lifts the lower two-thirds of the face and gives Dr Choy access to remove more excess skin. This surgery is usually considered when there are more areas that the patient would like to treat or more advanced skin laxity.
What Is a Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift, or a short scar facelift, is a surgical option that involves smaller incisions and is focused on the lower third of the face. It addresses early jowling along the jawline or mild laxity without the deeper correction of face and neck structures. It is a less extensive procedure than a traditional facelift, but still provides more tightening than nonsurgical options. It is used for earlier signs of ageing, younger patients, and those who want a shorter recovery.
Important Differences Between Facelift and Mini Facelift
Extent of Surgery
A full facelift involves repositioning tissue layers in the midface, jawline, and neck, and is more comprehensive. The underlying muscle and connective tissue (SMAS layer) are typically tightened, along with removal or redraping of skin, to address broader laxity. A mini facelift is more focused, often limited to the lower face, and is less extensive in scope.
Incision Size and Placement
The incisions for a facelift generally begin at the temples within the hairline, extend around the ears, and may continue into the lower scalp. This provides wide access for repositioning deeper structures and adjusting skin across larger areas. A mini facelift uses shorter incisions that usually go around the ear only. Incision length directly influences the degree of lifting that can be performed, and it also influences recovery time.
Recovery Time
Facelift recovery involves more with a full facelift because the surgery addresses multiple areas and involves more extensive tissue adjustment. While you may be able to resume most normal activities after a few weeks, it will take longer for all of the swelling to go down, for the incisions to heal, for scars to fade, and for you to see your full results. With a mini facelift, the initial healing will be similar, but the downtime may be shorter. Both are still surgical procedures, so proper aftercare is necessary regardless of the approach you choose.
Longevity of Results
The results of a traditional facelift tend to last longer because the surgery impacts deeper layers of tissue across a wider region. It provides structural support to the face and neck that may remain for 10-15 years. A mini facelift is usually expected to last for five to seven years, depending on factors like the quality of your skin and your lifestyle choices.
Suitable Candidates for Each Procedure
Facelift Candidates
Individuals who may be suitable for a facelift are usually those with advanced laxity involving multiple areas of the face and neck. This can include laxity in the cheeks, deeper folds between the nose and mouth, drooping at the jawline, and looseness in the neck that cannot be addressed with a more limited approach. Candidates for this surgery are those who are in good overall health and able to undergo a longer surgery with a more involved recovery period.
Mini Facelift Candidates
The mini lift is more suited to individuals with early to moderate signs of skin laxity, particularly in the lower third of the face. Suitable candidates may notice the beginnings of jowls or loss of definition along the jawline, but do not yet have pronounced changes in the neck or midface. However, even with its more limited approach, you will still need to have realistic expectations and be prepared for a surgical process.
Cost Considerations
The cost of facelift surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure, the surgical setting, anaesthesia fees, and aftercare requirements. A full facelift generally involves longer operating time and more comprehensive correction, which can make it a higher-cost procedure compared with a mini facelift. The mini version, while less extensive, still requires surgical facilities, anaesthesia, and professional expertise, so it is not considered a minor expense. While we generally advise patients to budget at least $20,000 for a facelift, more extensive procedures may be closer to $30,000- $40,000. We provide detailed quotes after an in-person consultation.
Additional Facelift Options
A full facelift and a mini facelift are not your only options. Some people may benefit from an extended technique that addresses the lower two-thirds of the face and the neck together. The SMAS facelift goes a step further by tightening not only the skin but also the underlying muscle layer for stronger support. A MACS facelift uses shorter incisions and a suspension method, and may be suited to younger individuals who still have good skin elasticity. We will talk about all of your options when you schedule a facelift consultation.
Learn More About Your Facelift Options in Sydney
A facelift can address skin laxity and loss of structure in the face and neck, while a mini option focuses more narrowly on the lower face. Understanding the extent of correction, incision design, and recovery involved helps you decide which procedure may be appropriate. To learn more or arrange a consultation with Dr Ellis Choy in Sydney, please contact us online or call us on (02) 8962 9388.
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