Mid or Full? Which Facelift Option is Best for Me?
Our skin undergoes several vital changes that influence its appearance and texture throughout our lifetime. As we grow older, the outer layers of our skin, also called the epidermis, thins while our natural collagen and elastin also depletes. This depletion is a part of the natural aging process, which leads to sagging and wrinkles when combined with continuous sun exposure.
There are ways to reverse the signs of aging through products, adequate hydration, and wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, but often the only way to completely restore a youthful and wrinkle-free face is through a facelift. A facelift removes signs of aging such as wrinkles, deep lines, and loose skin.
At Wellspring Plastic Surgery, we understand that although growing older is a privilege, the signs of aging can feel frustrating and defeating. This is why we offer a wide variety of plastic surgery options, including both mid and Full Facelifts. If you are interested, keep scrolling.
Today we are walking through mid and full facelifts to get an idea of which option is best for you!
There are ways to reverse the signs of aging through products, adequate hydration, and wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, but often the only way to completely restore a youthful and wrinkle-free face is through a facelift.
WHAT IS A MID FACELIFT?
A mid-facelift is a surgical procedure that primarily rejuvenates the middle region of your face, including your cheekbones and the upper portion of your nasolabial folds, which is a critical component in your eyes’ appearance in the region around your eyes.
A mid facelift is a less invasive version of the full facelift. The plastic surgeon can restore a more youthful appearance by tightening the skin in the mid-face region by targeting this specific area.
WHAT IS A FULL FACELIFT?
As the name indicates, a full facelift is a more extreme version of a mid facelift because the plastic surgeon targets the full face, including the deeper layers of the skin.
A full facelift targets wrinkles in the face, tightening and smoothing all wrinkles and fine lines, as well as loose neck skin. Targeting the loose skin on the neck is the most significant difference between the full and mid facelift!
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR A FULL FACELIFT?
Unlike a mid facelift, a full facelift procedure involves the deepest layers of the skin.
Generally, the plastic surgeon will separate the muscle from the skin while lifting, trimming, or repositioning the fat and tissues under the skin. Ending the procedure by draping the skin and then suturing and/or staple the skin in place.
Discuss the procedure with your plastic surgeon in your consultation if you have any specific questions about the procedure process.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR A MID FACELIFT?
The procedure for a mid facelift will include placing incisions in front of the ears extending from the hairline to the bottom of the hairline. Your plastic surgeon will pull the face skin up toward the ear and remove any excess skin or tissue. Again, discuss the procedure with your plastic surgeon in your consultation if you have any specific questions about the procedure process.
WHAT IS RECOVERY FOR A FULL FACELIFT VS. A MID FACELIFT?
Facelift recovery time is typically seven weeks for most patients. After two weeks, the swelling and bruising will subside, which allows for a certain amount of everyday activity. Every patient’s recovery is unique, but it is recommended to have a facelift done no sooner than three months before a significant event to provide optimal time for recovery.
If the pain is a concern for you, medication is often prescribed for pain management during recovery due to mild discomfort associated with facial and eyelids’ swelling.
A mid facelift, however, has a much shorter recovery period. Most patients can expect to return to their regular activities between one and two weeks post-surgery. Any strenuous activity should be avoided for at least two weeks or until further direction from your doctor.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE?
A good candidate for a mid lift is someone who is in their late 40’s to early ’50s and has started to notice the minimal effects of aging, such as the start of jowls, neck looseness, and skin laxity. It’s also a good option for those who may need a more extensive procedure, such as a full facelift, but want to undergo more extensive surgery.
A good candidate for a full facelift is into their mid to late 50’s and beyond who has similar signs of aging but more severe.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING A CONSULTATION?
Your undergo doctor will review several factors during your plastic surgery consultation, including your bone structure, hairline, skin elasticity, wrinkles, medical history, and family history. It is essential to let your doctor know about any current medical problems and any medications you are taking, as certain medications may produce unwanted reactions to a facelift procedure. Let your doctor know your aesthetic goals, and feel free to address any questions or concerns you may have during this time.
We also recommend checking out our blog post things to know before booking your Plastic Surgery consultation.
At Wellspring Plastic Surgery we offer complimentary consultations to ensure our patients are completely informed, comfortable and receive the best results.
Call us at 512-600-2888 to set up your consultation!
