A Full Facelift and a Mini Facelift: What's the Difference?

The main difference between a complete facelift and a mini facelift is that the mini facelift requires smaller incisions and less overall cutting of the underlying tissue. Also, a traditional full facelift focuses on the bottom two-thirds of the face and the neck, while a mini facelift usually focuses only on the bottom third of the face and neck.

Both the full and mini facelift procedures provide long-term results. Each patient is different, but the mini facelift typically lasts around ten years, and many patients continue to enjoy those results for much longer than that initial decade.

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Choose Dr. Ricardo Meade for Decades of Facelift Experience

If you’re considering a mini facelift in Dallas, TX, know that Dr. Ricardo A. Meade is a board-certified plastic surgeon and facelift specialist. He specializes in facelifts but offers a full range of services and body contouring procedures for both men and women. In his 17 years in his profession, Dr. Meade has helped thousands of patients achieve their goals and, in turn, feel more confident with their appearance. 

When you’re ready to learn more and discuss your case, contact us online or call 214.823.1691 to learn more about mini facelifts and schedule your initial consultation at our Dallas or Plano plastic surgery offices. We encourage you to view our mini facelift before-and-after photos in our real patient photo gallery to better understand what this procedure can achieve.

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What to Expect During Your Initial Consultation

A surgical procedure for your face requires the highest experience and expertise. Choosing a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon such as Dr. Meade is essential. During your initial consultation with Dr. Meade, you will discuss your personal goals and those for your procedure, as well as what you should expect before, during, and after the surgery, on your way to full recovery. 

All of your questions and concerns will be answered. Of course, you can reference photos of his patients' past successes and how these long-lasting results were achieved. Additionally, you'll be provided with a cost estimate for your mini facelift with detailed price information. To learn more about what a mini facelift can help achieve for you, please call Dr. Ricardo Meade for a complimentary consultation at 214-823-1691--we look forward to meeting you!

Preparing for Mini Facelift Surgery

As your date for the procedure nears, Dr. Meade may request specific lab tests and medical evaluations. This is done to provide you with the very best medical care. There may also be some pre-surgical instructions for you, such as adjusting or avoiding medications, supplements, and even vitamins you may be taking.

Dr. Meade will also clarify why it’s essential to avoid consuming alcohol or drugs before and after your procedure. If you’re a smoker, he will ask you to abstain for some time.

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The Mini Facelift Procedure

A mini facelift involves incisions in front of the ears, extending from the hairline down to the bottom of the earlobes. Dr. Meade will then gently pull the skin and tissues up and outward toward the ears. 

Excess skin and tissue are removed, and sutures are placed to smooth and tighten the skin's overall appearance.

Targeting the lower portion of the face, including the neck, a mini facelift can often reduce the appearance of loose skin, including the jowls. 

Sometimes, considering additional procedures is in the patient’s best interest since Dr. Meade is operating in that area. All of these options can be discussed and, of course, tailored to fit your specific circumstances and personal goals.

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The Mini Facelift: Recovery and Results

Understand that every patient is different, and recovery times will vary. That said, most men and women patients usually don’t finish their initial prescription of 40 pain pills. In an effort to avoid complications, it’s always best to strictly follow Dr. Meade’s instructions for post-procedure recovery and wellness.

You will likely experience some swelling and bruising, which will quickly subside. Additionally, Dr. Meade will probably ask you to wear a compression bandage for a time to help support the replacement of the skin and tissue while supporting the healing of the procedure. 

Most patients recovering from a mini facelift return to their daily routine between 1 and 3 weeks. If you’re ready to book your initial consultation or want to know more, please get in touch with us today. We’re happy to help! 

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