Facelifts: Mini versus full

Are you sick of your "turkey neck?" Explore the difference between a mini and a full facelift.

As one ages, gravity takes its toll and the signs can be clearly seen on our faces. Facial aging is a prime concern for people starting as early as their 20's. Often, our patients incorrectly assume that their facial aging concerns can be quickly remedied by a mini facelift. This is typically driven by the lower cost and lack of information about the procedure.

A mini facelift, while considered less invasive, only addresses the loose or sagging skin at the jawline. The mini facelift involves tightening of this skin with minimal attention to the underlying muscle, achieving limited results and shorter longevity. The ideal candidate for this procedure is a patient in their 30s or 40s experiencing only the early signs of aging. There is also a common misconception that mini facelifts have shorter recovery times. While it is a less aggressive procedure and one may achieve an "acceptable appearance" sooner, the full recovery still takes six weeks, with final results developing over several months.

The majority of our patient's main concern is the sagging and looseness in their neck and chin, commonly referred to as a "turkey neck." The full facelift addresses this issue as well as the mid-face and jawline. The full facelift uses longer incisions that can be well hidden behind the ear and in the hairline. This procedure involves the tightening of loose skin as well and the underlying muscle. Full facelifts also help contour the neck by repairing the platysma muscle using a small incision under the chin. Patients can expect to see noticeable results in the tautness of their skin with softening of the lines around the mouth, nasolabial fold (line running from the base of the nose to the corner of the mouth) and the marionette lines (line running from corner of the mouth to the chin) as well as a decrease in jowling. Full facelift results also last longer than a mini facelift.

A mini facelift can be done in office under local anesthetic. A full facelift is performed under general anesthetic. Both procedures have a six week full recovery time. To further improve results, each procedure can be complimented by the addition of facial injections and fillers, upper and lower blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), as well as chemical peels or laser skin rejuvenation.

Please call Owsley Plastic Surgery for a complimentary consultation (208) 664-0165.

After graduating from Wallace High School, Dr. Owsley attended St. Louis Medical School. He went on to his residencies at University of Texas for a six year general surgery program and then a three year plastic surgery program. In 1995 Dr. Owsley returned to Idaho to begin the practice of plastic surgery. He was the first surgeon to bring endoscopic breast augmentation to Kootenai County. Dr. Owsley's experience helps him personalize your needs in cosmetic surgery.