Are sagging cheeks, jowls, or a less-defined jawline becoming more noticeable? Milder changes may be addressed with a more limited facelift approach, while more pronounced sagging may require a more comprehensive procedure. Your skin quality, facial anatomy, and goals are considered by Dr. Mehdi Balakhani in Newark and New Castle County, DE, to determine which facelift approach may be right for you.
What Changes With Facial Aging?
As you age, your skin gradually loses some of its elasticity, making it less able to stay firm against the underlying structures of your face. Changes in facial fat and deeper tissues can also affect how your features sit and appear over time. You may start to notice sagging cheeks, jowls along the lower face, or a jawline that looks less defined than it once did.
When Might a Mini Facelift Be Considered?
A mini facelift generally uses a more limited surgical approach than a traditional or full facelift. It may be considered when you have milder or more localized lower-face changes, such as early jowling or mild loss of jawline definition.
When Might a Full Facelift Be Considered?
A full facelift is generally used when facial aging is more extensive, with noticeable sagging across the cheeks, lower face, and jawline. Depending on your concerns, treatment of the neck may also be included. The goal is to address the areas affected by aging rather than select a procedure based only on your age.
Mini Facelift vs. Full Facelift: What Are the Key Differences?
A mini facelift is generally considered when facial laxity is milder and concerns are more localized. It typically focuses on a more limited treatment area, such as localized sagging in the lower face. Neck concerns may also be addressed depending on your anatomy and treatment plan.
A full facelift may be considered when laxity is more pronounced and broader areas of the lower face require treatment. The procedure can address more extensive changes and may include treatment of the neck when appropriate. Neither approach is right for everyone.
At Mehdi Balakhani MD Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, your facial changes and goals help guide the appropriate approach.
Does Your Age Determine Which Facelift You Need?
Chronological age alone does not determine facelift choice. Skin quality, tissue laxity, facial anatomy, and your individual concerns can all influence the discussion. Two people of the same age may have very different patterns of facial aging.
What About Other Facial Rejuvenation Procedures?
Not every facial concern requires a facelift. A brow lift, eyelid surgery, or a neck-focused procedure may address changes in specific areas. In some cases, other facial procedures may be combined when multiple areas need attention.
Why Choose Medhi Balakhani, MD?
Choosing a facelift is about finding the right approach for your unique facial changes. Mehdi Balakhani, DDS, MD, FACS, is board-certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery and oral and maxillofacial surgery, with a detailed understanding of facial anatomy. He evaluates your skin laxity, jowls, cheeks, jawline, and neck to develop a personalized surgical plan rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Explore Your Facelift Options
If you are noticing sagging cheeks, jowls, or a less-defined jawline, Medhi Balakhani MD can help you explore your facelift options. A consultation with Dr. Balakhani in Newark and New Castle County, DE, can help determine which approach best fits your pattern of facial aging. Book your appointment to discuss your concerns and options.





