How Long Will a Mini Facelift Last?

Choosing to get a mini facelift over a full facelift is a decision that many patients consider. Because a mini facelift is less invasive than a full facelift, it can be an ideal choice for someone who wants to take that next step in a more naturally youthful appearance. There are some differences between a mini facelift and a full facelift that you should consider before scheduling this procedure. You may find that the mini facelift is more along the lines of what you need when it comes to your appearance goals and lifestyle.

How long will a mini facelift last when compared to a full facelift?

The results you receive from a mini facelift compared to a full facelift only vary when it lasts. Because both procedures alter tissue and skin on your face, both offer long-term results. In most cases, a mini facelift will last around ten years easily before another lift is needed. A full facelift can last approximately double that at twenty years. Many patients find that the results last even longer with a few more years for both the mini facelift and full facelift.

Areas that were not tightened in the mini facelift are still subjected to normal aging and continue to lose elasticity over time faster than the place that was lifted. This is why the mini facelift does not last as long as the full facelift, where all the tissues and skin have been tightened.

Is a mini facelift painful?

Whenever you have a mini or full facelift, there is some pain and discomfort that follows the procedure. With the mini facelift, there is less pain because only certain parts of the face were tightened. This pain is much less significant than those who undergo a full facelift experience.

There may also be a bit of light bruising and swelling immediately after the procedure has concluded. Still, those with the mini facelift can resume normal activities just a few days after having the surgery. This mild pain and ability to bounce back quicker than a full facelift is one of the attractive features of this procedure over the alternative. Most patients only need over-the-counter medication for pain relief a couple of days after the surgery.

What can I expect after a mini facelift?

Since the swelling and bruising of the mini facelift is minimal compared to other procedures, just a few days of recovery are required. You can be back to work and resume normal activities within a matter of days.

The bruising will lighten up and barely be seen in just a few days. It can easily be covered with a foundation for a day or two if necessary. The swelling will also leave your face in 3-5 days after the surgery, not indicate that you have just undergone a procedure.

You can also expect to start seeing results right away once the swelling is gone and the smooth, tightened skin. Your neck will be smoother and leaner due to the removal of fat during the procedure.

What is the best age for a mini-facelift?

Because the mini facelift only targets the lower portion of the face, the best age to get the mini facelift and get the best results is someone in their 40s to 60s. This is because the top portion of the face is still relatively tight and smooth. The bottom part of the face is where most of the work is a need.

Also, as the top portion of the face starts to age with the results of the mini facelift, the natural appearance of your face will age gracefully and evenly over the next 5 to 7 years. Maintaining a youthful and natural appearance is the goal of the mini facelift. With a minimal loss of elasticity, this is the right option and the right age to consider this procedure.

Does a mini facelift tighten the neck?

While the mini facelift is focused directly on the lower portion of the face and jawline, there is a direct focus on the upper neck tightening that happens during this procedure. While a full facelift has a more dramatic effect on the neck and tightening the skin, there are still significant benefits with the mini version. The upper part of the neck has to be drawn to complete the process of the mini facelift.

The fat found just beneath the chin can be removed with the mini facelift and reduce the ‘turkey neck’ appearance that many patients are trying to reduce. It will be natural looking and have the same appearance as someone who has recently lost weight, including in their chin and neck areas.

How long do you wear a chin strap after a facelift?

When you have a facelift, either a full facelift or a mini facelift, you must wear a chin strap for up to two weeks following the surgery.  By wearing the chinstrap, you reduce the amount of swelling in your face and help boost healing from your facelift. Because these tissues and skin have been tightened, they need assistance with gravity during the healing process. This is where the chinstrap comes in and holds the tightened skin together so that it can heal with that level of elasticity.

Once you move into the third and fourth weeks post-surgery, you can reduce the amount of time you are wearing your chin strap. You will only need to wear it while you are sleeping at night and while you are in the privacy of your home. This allows your face to manage gravity on its own since the tissues have healed and stretched.

Are you ready to schedule your appointment?

If you believe that a mini facelift is right for you, or you want to get more information from a team of experts, give us a call at the office of Dr. Matt Hershcovitch to schedule a consultation. Our conveniently located Burbank office can be reached at (818) 206-2539. We look forward to consulting with you soon!