Turning back time may not currently be possible, nor have we found the ever-elusive fountain of youth, but the good news is we may not have to. Facelifts (also known as rhytidectomy) and mini-facelifts are amazing procedures that can take years off your face and give you a fresher, younger look. But how do you know which one is right for you?
What is a facelift?
Facelift surgery rejuvenates the face, jowls and neck by lifting and repositioning the muscles, trimming the skin and 
then re-draping it. It’s performed via an incision is made at the temples, down to the front of the ear, around the earlobe and behind the ear to the lower scalp at the hairline. Facelift plastic surgery can correct issues like:
- Mid-face sagging
- Deep creases under the eyes
- Deep creases between the nose and mouth
- Loose skin and fat under the chin and jaw
You may be an ideal candidate for facelift surgery if you’re in good general health, and your face has begun to sag, but still have some elasticity in your skin.
When recovering from a facelift, you can expect swelling, numbness, bruising, and tightness or tension in the face and neck after your surgery that may last from 2-4 weeks. Your face may look uneven or distorted, and your facial muscles may feel stiff, but facial sensations typically return to normal within a few months. You can expect to go back to day-to-day activities (and look acceptable doing so!) about 10 days post-surgery, and many patients return to work by the second or third week.
What is a mini-facelift?
A limited incision (or mini-facelift) is a more limited procedure that rejuvenates the area around the eyes and mouth, including nasolabial folds and other deep creases. It’s performed via tiny incisions made at the temples and around the ear, and possibly in the lower eyelids and/or under the upper lip as well.
How long does a facelift last?
While every patient is different, the dramatic results seen with a facelift can last for up to 15 years post procedure, while the less invasive mini-facelifts typically last from two to six years.
If you’re worried about scarring, Dr. Barrett has curated an Ultimate Scar Management Kit to set his facelift patients up for post-surgical success and ensure the only lasting reminder of your facelift surgery is your lasting results.
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