If you feel that your outward appearance does not match your youthful spirit, you have several options for surgical correction. Two of the most talked-about facial rejuvenation procedures are facelift and “mini” facelift. However, it can be difficult to understand the differences between these procedures and to determine the better option for you. Here, Denver plastic surgeon Dr. Michael McCracken explains the difference between facelift and mini facelift.

Understanding Facelift

Facelift provides comprehensive correction of age-related changes in the face and neck. The procedure addresses concerns such as cheek laxity, jowls and loose skin underneath the chin and neck. Facelift tightens and lifts the skin, fat pads, deep tissues and muscles of the face to create youthful-looking contours. Traditional facelift incisions are typically created in front of, around and behind the ears, in the natural folds of skin.

Understanding Mini Facelift

The term “mini facelift” is more ambiguous than traditional facelift, and surgeons have different ways of performing it. Some mini facelift techniques fail to provide the desired correction and results because they may only address the skin, neglecting the deeper structures of the face and all of the neck. The incisions are smaller and shorter than traditional facelift incisions.

That doesn’t mean that a mini facelift is a waste of time or money. A mini facelift may be an excellent option for a person in their late 30s or early 40s that is starting to see signs of aging and needs only subtle correction in the lower portion of the face. For example, a mini facelift may be appropriate for a woman that is concerned about loose skin, but whose facial muscles, fat and tissue are still in good condition.

Mid-Facelift (Cheek Lift)

Dr. McCracken offers a procedure known as “mid-facelift,” or cheek lift. Mid-facelift concentrates on improving the appearance of sagging or hollow-looking cheeks. Through incisions made in the corners of the eye, inside of the lower eyelid, in the upper eyelid crease, or behind the hairline, Dr. McCracken gently lifts the fat pads of the cheek. By doing this, he can restore a youthful-looking fullness, reduce hollowness and soften folds between the nose and the corners of the mouth.

What Treatment Is Best for You?

The most important thing to understand is that treating facial aging is highly dependent on the individual. What works for one person may not be appropriate for another. Dr. McCracken matches the treatment to the patient’s unique aesthetic needs and goals.

If you are unhappy with saggy, loose skin, jowls, fat on your neck or other signs of aging or gravity, let Dr. McCracken examine you and recommend the most appropriate plan of treatment. Schedule a consultation with the doctor — contact McCracken Face and Eye Institute by calling (720) 851-6600 today.