Which Type of Facelift Is Right for Me?

Aging is a gift, but unfortunately, it isn’t always graceful. With it come wrinkles, sagging skin, and deep creases that can make you look older than you feel. However, dozens of cosmetic procedures can help you turn back the hands of time, and a facelift is one of the most effective.

With a few nips and tucks, a facelift can tighten loose skin, reduce wrinkles, and reposition underlying tissues, taking years off your face. The results of a facelift are most visible in areas where aging tends to show the earliest, such as your jawline, cheeks, and neck. 

There are various types of facelifts from which to choose, and factors such as your age, goals, and lifestyle will likely influence your decision. The challenge for most people isn’t deciding whether to get a facelift. It’s figuring out which type is right for them. 

At OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare in San Diego, Temecula, and Encinitas, California, David Chao, MD, and our team live by the rule that every face is different. We take the time to assess your unique features and goals and help you choose the facelift that will best suit your needs. 

If you’ve been curious about getting a facelift and struggling to decide which type is for you, let’s explore your options in detail.

Types of facelifts and who are the best candidates

There’s no one single best type of facelift. Each type has its strengths, depending on what you’re hoping to achieve. Here are the most common options.

Full facelift

A traditional facelift is the most all-encompassing option, especially if your problem areas are around your mid-face, lower face, and neck. If you’re looking for dramatic and long-lasting results, this might be the one for you. 

It removes deep creases around your nose and mouth, sagging skin along your jawline, and loose tissue in your neck. Recovery from a full facelift typically takes several weeks, but the results can last up to 10 years. We recommend this procedure to people in their late 40s to 70s.

Mini facelift

A mini facelift is a less invasive alternative if you don’t have deep wrinkles or significant sagging and aren’t quite ready for a full facelift. This procedure focuses on the lower third of your face, specifically your jawline and cheeks.

With the mini facelift, we use smaller incisions near your ears, and the recovery time is shorter, usually about one to two weeks. However, compared to the entire facelift, the results are more subtle. 

This option is popular with people in their 30s to 50s who want to refresh their appearance without spending several weeks in recovery.

Mid-facelift

A mid-facelift might be the best fit if your main concerns are sagging cheeks or deep folds around your nose. Recovery time is relatively short, and results can last up to a decade. The mid-facelift is ideal for anyone in their 40s or 50s dealing with volume loss or sagging around the midface but doesn’t need work done on their jawline or neck.

Neck lift

Though not technically a facelift, a neck lift is often combined with a facelift. Because the neck is among the first areas to begin to sag, a neck lift can tighten the skin and muscles and remove excess fat. Incisions are typically made around your ears and under your chin.

Choosing the right facelift for you

The right type of facelift depends on several factors, including age and the results you hope to obtain. The best way to determine the most suitable procedure is through a personalized consultation with an experienced surgeon. At Oasis MD, our team takes the time to understand your unique needs, answer all your questions, and tailor a plan just for you.

What’s bothering you the most? Are you unhappy with your sagging jawline, deep creases, or hollow cheeks? Specifying your concerns can help us recommend the right procedure. If you’re looking for a dramatic transformation, a traditional facelift with a neck lift might be the answer. A mini or mid-facelift could be better if you only want a subtle refresh.

Another thing to consider is your timeline. How many weeks or months can you dedicate to healing from your procedure? Many facelifts require you to put aside several weeks to recover comfortably and get the best results.

Whatever you decide, one thing is guaranteed once you recover from a facelift, you’ll look and feel several years younger. If you’re ready to explore your options, contact us today. 

*Individual results may vary.