Choosing Between A Full and Mini Facelift

Depending on genetics, aging, environmental exposure, and weight changes, many of us reach an age where superficial cosmetic treatments are no longer enough and don’t produce the results we desire. Dr. Manish Shah is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is highly skilled in providing patients with natural-appearing facelifts at Shah Aesthetic Surgery. Patients near South Denver and Cherry Creek, CO are experiencing age-defying outcomes that last.

What is a facelift?

A facelift is a surgical cosmetic procedure where a highly trained surgeon contours the face by removing excess fat, and tightening facial skin and muscles to minimize drooping and fine lines and wrinkles. At Shah Aesthetic Surgery, facelifts are recommended for patients who want to shave a few years off their appearance. Patients can choose between a variety of facelift surgical options depending on their personal cosmetic goals.

What is the difference between a full and a mini facelift?

A traditional full facelift requires longer, discrete incisions to reposition the entire face. Dr. Shah may suggest a full facelift for patients over the age of 50 who have significant laxity in their facial muscles and skin, and excessive fat or looseness in their jowls and neck. Patients who do not require significant changes to their appearance may opt for the mini facelift. The mini facelift is a less invasive cosmetic option suitable for patients who are exhibiting the beginning signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and the subtle development of jowls and creases.

What other types of facelifts are available?

At Shah Aesthetic Surgery, we offer our patients several facelift options, including:

• Traditional facelift or SMAS (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system) lift: full facelift for moderate to severe changes to the face

• Mini facelift: less invasive facelift for beginning stages of aging

• Skin only facelift: Excess skin is removed and tightened while muscles and fat go untouched

• Deep plane lift: for severe cases of drooping and skin folds

• Ultralift: developed by Dr. Shah in 2011, the Ultralift uses an ultrasound system to melt away fat and tighten facial skin

Patients select a customized facelift procedure based on their realistic personal goals and Dr. Shah’s professional recommendations.

Am I an ideal candidate for a facelift?

Individuals who are experiencing signs of aging in their face and neck are ideal candidates for facelift surgery. Patients must possess realistic expectations, have healthy skin to work with, refrain from smoking, and live an overall healthy lifestyle. Certain facelifts are recommended for patients under the age of 50 while others may be more suitable for patients over the age of 60. Dr. Shah will perform detailed assessments and collect your personal history to help you determine if a facelift procedure is a safe cosmetic option for you.

What is the facelift process like?

Each facelift procedure will vary in duration, but most patients can return home the same day. Surgery can be completed using local or general anesthesia, depending on how extensive the incisions are. Patients should expect to be in surgery between 2 – 5 hours.

Is there a recovery period?

Patients may return home the same day as the procedure in the absence of any complications. However, patients are expected to rest during at least the first week to optimize healing and overall results. After the initial swelling comes down, patients can start to resume normal daily activities but are asked to avoid strenuous activities, such as physical exercise, for a few weeks. Dr. Shah will send specific aftercare instructions home with each patient and request follow-up appointments to assess results.

How long will it take to notice results?

Patients can expect swelling, bruising, and tenderness after surgery which will subside over several days. Incisions are minimal and usually fully heal over the course of a few weeks. Most patients notice their results after the swelling reduces and the incisions have healed.

Learn more about facelifts in South Denver

If you live near Cherry Creek or South Denver and want to make cosmetic changes to your face to combat the effects of aging, contact our team at Shah Aesthetic Surgery and schedule an appointment today. Dr. Manish Shah will happily assist you in developing a customized facelift plan that helps meet your unique cosmetic goals and produces long-lasting results.