Minimally Invasive vs. Traditional Facelift: Comparing the Pros and Cons

As we age, changes in skin elasticity and the appearance of facial lines are a natural part of the ageing process. If you’re exploring options for addressing these changes, you may have encountered terms like “minimally invasive facelift” and “traditional facelift.” 

These two procedures offer different approaches, each with specific techniques and considerations.

What Is A Traditional Facelift?

A traditional facelift, (rhytidectomy), is a surgical procedure that focuses on reducing the appearance of changes in the lower two-thirds of the face and neck that occur with ageing.

It involves carefully planned incisions, usually hidden behind the hairline and around the ear for discreet scarring. 

The surgeon then separates the skin from the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), a deeper layer of facial tissue, and lifts and tightens the SMAS layer, (along with fat repositioning if needed). 

The procedure aims to reposition the tissues in the cheeks, jowls, and jawline to reduce the appearance of looseness in these areas. 

Afterward, the surgeon removes any excess skin and closes the incisions with sutures, which may be supplemented by surgical glue or tapes for additional support.

Expectations When Getting A Traditional Facelift

• Invasive Surgery: As a surgical procedure, traditional facelifts require general anaesthesia, meaning you’ll be asleep during the operation. The recovery period is also much longer, as the body needs time to heal from the surgery.
• Potential Risks: As with any surgery, traditional facelifts have inherent risks, including bleeding and infection, scarring, and numbness and tingling in the treated area. However, these are temporary and resolve over time.
• Higher Cost: Traditional facelifts are also more expensive than minimally invasive facial rejuvenation procedures. The high cost is due to the procedure’s complexity, operating room fees, surgeon’s qualifications, location, and if combined with other procedures.
• Downtime: Significant recovery time with restrictions on activity (usually about two weeks). During this time, you’ll need to rest, limit strenuous activities and manage potential swells and bruises.
• Not Suitable For Everyone: Traditional facelifts are often considered for individuals with more noticeable changes in facial appearance, such as moderate-to-severe loose skin. For those with minimal changes, less invasive options may be more appropriate. Additionally, specific health conditions could increase the risks associated with surgery, making it important to thoroughly discuss all options with your surgeon.

What Is A Minimally Invasive Facelift?

Minimally invasive facelifts refer to a range of alternative and less-invasive procedures compared to the traditional ones. 

Minimally invasive facelifts may include small incisions limited to around the ears, which can help minimise visible scarring compared to a full facelift. 

Unlike traditional facelifts, they also use temporary, barbed sutures inserted beneath the skin and acting as anchors.

Expectations When Getting A Minimally Invasive Facelift

• Less Dramatic Results: Minimally invasive techniques may be more appropriate for individuals with early signs of ageing. For more pronounced changes such as deeper wrinkles or loose skin, results may vary, and the procedure may not achieve the level of change some individuals expect.
• Shorter Duration: The results of minimally invasive facelifts are not as long-lasting as a surgical facelift. Improvements might last from one to five years, depending on the specific techniques used,
• May Require Multiple Treatments: In some cases, minimally invasive procedures may be combined to address various facial changes as a result of ageing. It’s important to consider that individual assessments vary and the surgeon may recommend a combination of multiple treatments. This recommendation is made only after the patient has undergone proper screening, including for conditions like Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), to ensure that the desire for surgery is based on realistic expectations and a healthy mindset. 
• Evolving Techniques: Techniques in minimally-invasive facial rejuvenation are constantly evolving. You’ll need to choose a practitioner extensively trained and experienced in these procedures. Their skill will affect the treatment’s safety and outcome.

The most appropriate facelift option depends on individual factors, including health status and specific outcomes. Consulting with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon registered under the AHPRA system allows for an open discussion on which options may be suitable for your needs.

However, it’s important to remember expectations should be realistic, and all patients undergo proper screening, including for conditions like BDD, to ensure surgery is recommended for the right reasons and with the patient’s well-being in mind.

Traditional facelifts may address more pronounced changes related to ageing, while minimally invasive techniques may be considered for individuals seeking subtle adjustments with potentially less recovery time. 

Each approach has its considerations, and a thorough consultation with your surgeon will help you understand the options available based on your unique situation.

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V:  How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.