The Different Types Of Facelifts: Sagging Skin, Surgeons and You
By Beverly Fischer on April 11, 2018
Surgical Face and Neck
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If you’re thinking about getting a facelift to rejuvenate sagging skin and restore a youthful appearance, you may be a bit confused about which procedure is right for you. Mini lifts, full lifts, lower facelifts – it’s a lot to take in!
Well, don’t’ worry. We’re here with a quick breakdown of the differences between the 4 most popular types of facelift.
With this guide, you’ll be able to choose the procedure from the Advanced Center For Plastic Surgery that’s right for you! Let’s get started.
Mini Lift
As the name implies, the “mini lift” is primarily used for patients who have relatively low degrees of sagging or “jowly” skin. It uses a less invasive technique, which allows your surgeon to tighten the facial tissues using shallow incisions.
Typically, these are located along the hairline, as well as above each ear. These incisions are used to correct sagging skin, correct jaw size and appearance, and help you look more youthful and rejuvenated.
Lower Facelift
A lower facelift primarily addresses the chin, jaw, and neck, rather than the entire face. Often, it is used to reduce the appearance of excess flesh and collagen that becomes common during the aging process. A lower facelift does not include a mid facelift or a brow lift – only procedures that target the lower part of the face.
Full Facelift
A full facelift includes a lower facelift to address sagging neck and chin tissue, a mid facelift to address creases and tissue relaxation in the mid-face, and a brow lift to restore the forehead and brow line.
As you may imagine, this is a much more involved procedure than a mini or lower facelift, and it’s always performed under general anesthesia, as it may take multiple hours to complete.
Local Anesthesia Facelift
Some mini facelifts, like Dr. Beverly Fischer’s UpLyft facelift, can be performed under local anesthesia, rather than general anesthesia or sedation. This allows you to remain awake throughout the procedure, and is ideal if you do not like the idea of being unconscious during surgery.
However, this is usually only possible for procedures that take 2-3 hours. More involved procedures will almost always require IV sedation or general anesthesia – both for the comfort and convenience of the patient and the surgeon.
See Which Facelift Is Right For You – Schedule Your Consultation Today!
If you’re still not sure which kind of facial rejuvenation operation is right for you, contact the team at the Advanced Center For Plastic Surgery right away. Our surgeons are always accepting consultations – and we can recommend the procedure that’s right for your particular needs, and your budget. Don’t wait – get the youthful appearance that you’ve always wanted!
Dr. Beverly Fischer is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Baltimore specializing in breast, body, and facial rejuvenation. She is widely recognized for her expertise in gender-affirming top surgery and is a trusted provider for transgender and gender-diverse patients. Dr. Fischer co-authored the Fischer grading scale, a widely used clinical tool that helps guide top surgery technique selection based on individual anatomy. With extensive experience in FTM surgery and gender-affirming care, her practice offers personalized treatment options, including care for minors with parental or guardian consent.
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