We’re yet to find a cure for aging and the inevitable toll it takes on our skin, but there are ways to slow it down and fight the effects of gravity, stress and sun damage. A facelift is a popular surgical procedure designed to reverse the physical signs of aging and reveal a radiant, refreshed look.
Cosmedic & Skin Clinic offer two facelift procedures: a facelift and a mini lift. Our renowned cosmetic surgeon, Dr John Flynn, has over 20 years experience and works with our patients to choose the best procedure for their needs, age and motivation. To help you find the right fit, let’s look at the key differences between the facelift and mini lift procedures.
What is the procedure?
A facelift or surgical lift is a deep tissue procedure designed to lift sagging and undefined facial features to reveal a refreshed appearance. The goal is to reverse the physical signs of aging on the face and restore a more youthful appearance. Dr Flynn’s advanced facelift surgery is used to reduce facial fat and skin, smooth deep lines, wrinkles and folds, improve sagging skin and more clearly define the jawline and neck. Each procedure is customised to suit your individual needs while ensuring you do not look overdone or exaggerated.
A mini lift surgery is a skin only lift which uses a short scar lift on the lower portion of the face to tighten the skin and restore a more youthful, radiant look. The mini lift is a less invasive alternative, as it targets wrinkles and sagging skin on the cheeks and jowls, whereas a facelift is a deep tissue procedure that targets the upper face.
Both procedures are tailored to the patients’ needs and are designed to give you a refreshed look.
How long does it take?
Facelift surgery usually takes three to five hours—depending on your requirements—and is performed under a local or general anaesthetic. A mini lift procedure is faster and typically takes about two hours.
After both procedures, you can expect some swelling, bruising and tenderness. After a facelift, this will normally subside within several weeks. The side effects from a mini lift will normally subside in one to three weeks.
Who is the procedure recommended for?
A facelift procedure is available to both men and women. Our patients have usually experienced a loss of skin elasticity and muscle tone around the face and neck region as well as facial and neck wrinkles. This procedure is usually most suited to patients over 40.
A mini lift is available to men and women looking to revert early signs of aging. This procedure is less invasive as fewer incisions are needed to achieve your goal and the healing time is often faster than a facelift. Patients for this procedure are typically under 60.
What results can you expect?
Both facelift procedures are designed to give you a refreshed, relaxed look while still feeling like yourself. The objective is to achieve beautiful, natural looking results, rather than an exaggerated or overdone appearance. In your consultation, Dr Flynn will discuss your needs and desires with you, and help you set realistic expectations for your procedure.
A facelift improves sagging facial skin, jowls and loose neck skin by removing excess fat, tightening muscles and re-draping skin. Results vary according to the extent of your surgery and desired outcome, but they can last many years. You can expect to see some changes over time due to the natural aging process.
A mini lift targets wrinkles and sagging skin on the face and is targeted at the cheeks and jowls. As this procedure is less invasive than a facelift, the results can last anywhere from two to five years.
Choosing the right facelift procedure is a personal choice, and as with aging, your preferences, motivations and desired outcome may change over time. A great starting point is to book a consultation with Dr. John Flynn to discuss your needs and our highly experienced team can tailor a solution to best meet your lifestyle and aesthetic goals.
Call the clinic today on 5588 4777 to secure your appointment, or make an enquiry online.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should consider seeking a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.