At Turkle & Associates in Indianapolis, Dr. Janet Turkle and Dr. Brandon Specht are dedicated to helping patients achieve a youthful, refreshed appearance. A facelift (also known as a rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that reverses the effects of age, gravity, volume loss, exposure to the sun, and daily stress by tightening facial muscles, removing extra fat, and readjusting the facial skin. While many noninvasive treatments attempt to mimic the effects, a facelift is the gold standard for restoring smooth facial skin. A traditional facelift focuses on lifting and smoothing the lower face, neck, and jawline. Understanding the differences between full, mid, mini, and lower facelifts can help you make an informed decision about which option is best suited to your needs.
Full Facelift
Description: A full facelift, or rhytidectomy, is designed to reverse the effects of aging, gravity, volume loss, sun exposure, and daily stress. It tightens facial muscles, removes extra fat, and readjusts the skin, focusing on the lower face, neck, and jawline.
Consultation and Preparation: Your journey begins with an in-depth consultation where your surgeon will assess your bone structure, skin laxity, and muscle tone. Preparation involves stopping certain medications and avoiding smoking.
Procedure: The procedure takes 3 to 6 hours and involves incisions starting within the temporal hairline, continuing along the ear, and ending behind the ear. Sometimes, a second incision under the chin is needed.
Post-Treatment Care: Recovery involves wearing a compression garment, managing drainage tubes, and following specific care instructions. Most patients return to physical activities within a week and social activities within 3 to 4 weeks.
Expected Results: Results can take 6 to 12 months to fully manifest as swelling resolves and tissues heal. Patients typically look younger and more refreshed, with a significant reduction in jowling and neck laxity.
Cost: A full facelift costs $10,705 and up depending on the complexity and any additional procedures performed in combination.
Mid Facelift
Description: A mid-facelift targets the cheek area and is ideal for those experiencing sagging in the midface but without significant issues in the lower face or neck.
Consultation and Preparation: Similar to a full facelift, a thorough consultation will determine your suitability for a mid-facelift. Preparation steps include lifestyle adjustments like discontinuing tobacco or nicotine products and possibly pausing certain medications.
Procedure: The procedure typically involves smaller incisions made along the hairline and sometimes inside the mouth. It focuses on lifting the tissues around the cheeks.
Post-Treatment Care: Recovery is usually quicker than a full facelift, with most patients resuming normal activities within a week. Specific aftercare instructions will be provided to ensure optimal healing.
Expected Results: Patients can expect lifted and rejuvenated cheeks, with smoother skin and reduced nasolabial folds. Results are usually visible within a few months as the swelling subsides.
Cost: A mid-facelift generally costs between $7,000 and $10,000.
Mini Facelift
Description: A mini facelift uses techniques similar to a full facelift but with smaller, more limited incisions. It is suitable for patients with less advanced signs of aging or those who need a touch-up after a previous facelift.
Consultation and Preparation: During your consultation, the surgeon will discuss your goals and medical history to ensure a mini facelift is appropriate. Preparation involves standard pre-surgery guidelines.
Procedure: The procedure is less invasive and focuses on the lower face and neck. Incisions are usually placed around the ears.
Post-Treatment Care: Recovery is typically faster, with patients resuming normal activities within a few days. Bruising and swelling are minimal and can be easily managed.
Expected Results: Results include a more youthful appearance with less sagging and a defined jawline. Full results are visible within a few months.
Cost: A mini facelift ranges from $5,000 to $8,000.
Lower Facelift
Description: A lower facelift focuses on the lower third of the face, including the jawline and neck. It is ideal for those with jowling and neck laxity but relatively smooth midface and forehead areas.
Consultation and Preparation: As with other facelifts, a consultation will help determine if a lower facelift is right for you. Preparation steps are similar, including avoiding smoking and certain medications.
Procedure: Incisions are made around the ears and sometimes under the chin. The procedure targets excess skin and fat, tightening the underlying muscles.
Post-Treatment Care: Recovery involves wearing a compression garment and following post-surgery care instructions. Patients typically return to normal activities within a week.
Expected Results: Results include a more defined jawline, reduced jowling, and a smoother neck. Full results develop over several months.
Cost: A lower facelift generally costs between $8,000 and $12,000.
Contact Us For More Information
A face lift may be done in combination with other facial procedures such as a forehead lift (brow lift), eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), chin implant, fat transfer, or rhinoplasty (nose job). It is a highly individualized procedure that we tailor to your unique bone structure, skin laxity, and underlying muscle tone.
Choosing the right facelift procedure depends on your specific needs and goals. Whether you opt for a full, mid, mini, or lower facelift, Dr. Janet Turkle and Dr. Brandon Specht at Turkle & Associates will guide you through every step, ensuring personalized care and optimal results. Schedule a consultation today to start your journey towards a more youthful, confident you.
