Many of us may be very familiar with the idea of a traditional facelift, but not quite as informed on a newly popular version of this procedure – the short-scar or mini facelift. They are a less invasive variation of a traditional facelift with a quicker recovery. Mini facelifts offer a pared-down adaptation of the more thorough procedure, often focusing on a key area of the face rather than the full face while achieving a tighter, more youthful appearance.
The popularity of mini facelifts has seen a substantial boom within the past several years, likely thanks to the prevalence of social media and the use of Zoom during the pandemic. In fact, some plastic surgeons have reported that they now have more requests for mini facelift procedures than traditional facelift procedures, both as general inquiries and actual bookings.
What is a ‘mini facelift’ and what does it entail? How is it different from a more intensive, traditional facelift? What is driving this sudden burst in popularity?
The differences between mini facelifts and traditional facelifts
First, it’s important to distinguish between a traditional facelift and a mini facelift. These differences typically lie within the procedures themselves and the recovery process.
“The mini facelift is usually one that promotes a shorter scar and shorter downtime. It typically involves making an incision, and then using suture techniques to lift the soft tissues into a more desirable position.”
What also sets these two procedures apart is how much of the face is part of the surgery.
Traditional facelifts address three areas – the upper midface by correcting nasolabial folds and the upper cheek, the lower midface by correcting crowding of the lower lip and lifting the jowls, as well as the neck by removing platysma bands and smoothing out the neck skin. Mini facelifts typically address two of these three areas and have a significantly shorter scar as a result. The recovery is shorter and surgery time is less. Patients return to work sooner and the subtlety of the results often allows them to reintegrate without the perception that anything was done.
Another key difference between a traditional facelift and a mini facelift lies in the patients who are seeking out these procedures.
The patients are usually younger and have less jowling than those who may need a traditional facelift.
They typically say that they don’t want to wait until they need a traditional facelift. They also want a shorter downtime.
The growing popularity of the short-scar facelift
Mini facelifts are one type of procedure that has quickly grown exponentially in popularity. While this boom can be attributed to a variety of different root causes, it is obvious social media is a key driving factor.
Social media offers a greater source of publicly available information that can spread knowledge about a procedure and give patients better access to surgeons.
Finding the correct Plastic Surgeon
One key is to find reputable sources for the procedure you are interested in. Look to the ASPS website and the board-certified plastic surgeons. That is a good place to start. After gathering good information, remember that everyone is different. That is why it is crucial to consult with a well-trained, experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.”
While there is no denying the popularity of the traditional facelift, mini facelifts are quickly growing in demand among younger patients. This less intensive procedure offers amazing results with a focus on one key area of the face and less downtime than a traditional facelift.
