Facelift vs. Mini Facelift: Which is Right for You?

Your face is the first feature people notice about you. While we can use clothing to hide bloating and hats to cover bad hair days, your face is one feature that always remains uncovered. 

As you age, you may have noticed your jowls have started to sag, and your cheeks have drooped. Maybe you’ve bought anti-aging creams or have undergone a chemical peel to help address these changes. However, these often only address minor skincare concerns and don’t tighten or chisel your profile.

Facelifts dramatically redefine your face by removing excess skin and deep skin folds. Depending on the severity of your facial sagging, Anthony N. Dardano, DO, FACS, located in Boca Raton, Florida, may suggest a facelift or mini facelift. Here we explain the difference between the two so you can better decide which surgery is best for you.

How your face changes as you age

No one wants fat, but it’s one of the most important aspects of keeping a young facial physique. You’ve probably noticed, you’ve lost some volume in your face as you’ve aged. The fat that once was evenly distributed in your face may have shifted or clumped up, and your skin may begin to sag. 

Aging can also bring:

• Neck jowls
• Wrinkles
• Loss of skin elasticity
• Nose droopiness

Although you can’t prevent aging, a facelift can drastically erase some of these unwanted changes. 

What it does

Do you feel like your aging appearance is poorly affecting your relationships? Many people feel this way in addition to suffering from low self-esteem. A facelift can help you look and feel younger. Plus, you can ditch the scarves and neckties you’ve been wearing as an attempt to hide neck sagging. 

Facelifts tighten your skin. The surgery removes excess skin and smoothens deep folds. There are two kinds of facelifts to choose from depending on how much sagging and jowling you have. Anthony N. Dardano, DO, FACS uses an artistic approach to give you the most appealing enhancement for your bone structure while concealing surgical scars underneath your hairline.

Facelift vs. mini facelift

With over twenty years of plastic surgery experience, Dr. Dardano meets with you to discuss your goals and determine which surgery is best for you. Undergoing a facelift or mini facelift not only makes you look younger it also makes you look better.

Facelift

A traditional facelift provides the most dramatic results. If you have moderate to advanced aging, Dr. Dardano may suggest this route. Under local anesthesia, Dr. Dardano makes an incision to remove excess skin and repositions tissue to create a smoother, tighter facial profile. The results reflect a natural, younger-looking you.

Mini facelift

Mini facelifts are a less-invasive option for those with mild to moderate signs of aging. Through a small incision, Dr. Dardano corrects jowling and defines your jawline to rejuvenate your appearance. 

Recovery

The average recovery time for a facelift is around three weeks, whereas a mini facelift generally takes about two weeks. It is important to understand that, like with most plastic surgeries, it takes time to see the full results. 

You will notice some bruising and swelling following your procedure. Make sure you have a friend or partner drive you home from your appointment and rest as much as you can during the first few days. 

Dr. Dardano may give you pain medication to help you feel comfortable during the first week of your healing. Depending on how the healing process is going, he removes your sutures anywhere between weeks 1-3. 

Avoid exercise for at least four weeks after your facelift or mini facelift to ensure you get the best results.

Invest in you

If your low self-esteem is hindering your career and well-being, it’s time to make a change. A facelift can help you regain vigor, so your look matches your energetic vibe. 

Learn how a facelift or mini facelift can enhance your appearance today by calling 561-202-1248 or booking online.