What is Modified Facelift Surgery?

A modified facelift, is a surgical procedure designed to address signs of aging on the mid-to-lower face. This technique focuses on lifting and tightening sagging skin, reducing deep folds around the nose and mouth, and improving jawline definition. Unlike traditional facelifts that involve more extensive incisions, a modified facelift utilizes smaller, S-shaped incisions around the ears, resulting in less scarring and a quicker recovery time.

What Are the Benefits of a Modified Facelift?

  • Customized Treatment: Dr. Learn assesses each patient’s facial anatomy and aging patterns to develop a surgical plan that addresses their unique concerns.
  • Minimally Invasive: The procedure involves smaller incisions, leading to reduced scarring and a shorter recovery time.
  • Natural-Looking Results: By focusing on specific areas, the modified facelift provides subtle enhancements that rejuvenate your appearance and will never look overdone or obvious.
  • Enhanced Confidence: Achieving a more youthful, refreshed look can significantly boost self-esteem and overall quality of life.
Female patient speaking with staff at Fort Lauderdale Plastic Surgery

What Can a Modified Facelift Treat?

A modified facelift addresses various signs of aging, particularly in the lower two-thirds of the face. This procedure can effectively treat:

  • Sagging Skin: Lifts and tightens loose skin around the cheeks and jawline.
  • Deep Nasolabial Folds: Reduces pronounced lines running from the nose to the corners of the mouth.
  • Jowls: Contours the jawline for a firm, youthful jawline.
  • Marionette Lines: Softens vertical lines that extend from the corners of the mouth downward.
  • Mild Neck Laxity: Improves the early signs of sagging in the neck area.

By focusing on these areas, a modified facelift restores a fresh, youthful look that appears natural—like you.

Mini Facelift vs Modified Facelift in Fort Lauderdale

At Fort Lauderdale Plastic Surgery, we offer a traditional facelift as well as a mini facelift and a modified facelift. While mini and modified facelifts are both less invasive alternatives to a traditional full facelift, they have key differences in technique, target areas, and results. Here’s a breakdown:

Purpose

  • Mini Facelift: Designed to address mild to moderate sagging, primarily in the lower face, including the jawline and early jowls. It’s ideal for individuals with early signs of aging who want a subtle lift.
  • Modified Facelift: A more customizable procedure that targets moderate sagging in the lower and mid-face. It can involve deeper tissue repositioning for more noticeable rejuvenation without a full facelift.

Procedure

  • Mini Facelift: Uses small incisions, typically around the ears, to lift and tighten the skin and underlying tissues with minimal dissection.
  • Modified Facelift: Involves slightly longer incisions than a mini facelift, allowing for deeper tissue repositioning (such as SMAS tightening), fat grafting, and sometimes minor neck improvement.

Invasiveness

  • Mini Facelift: Less invasive, focusing mainly on surface-level tightening with minimal deep tissue work.
  • Modified Facelift: More invasive than a mini facelift, but less extensive than a full facelift. It includes deeper tissue adjustments but avoids full facial dissection.

Recovery

  • Mini Facelift: Faster recovery time, usually around 1-2 weeks, with mild swelling and bruising.
  • Modified Facelift: Recovery takes approximately 2-3 weeks, with more swelling and bruising than a mini facelift due to the deeper tissue work.

Results

  • Mini Facelift: Provides a subtle lift, enhancing the jawline and reducing early signs of aging. Best for individuals in their late 30s to early 50s who want mild facial rejuvenation.
  • Modified Facelift: Produces a more noticeable lift and contouring effect, particularly in the mid-face and jawline, without the drastic changes of a full facelift. Suitable for individuals with moderate skin laxity.

Longevity

  • Mini Facelift: Results typically last 5-7 years, depending on skin quality, lifestyle, and genetics.
  • Modified Facelift: Offers longer-lasting results, usually 7-10 years, making it a better option for those looking for more extended facial rejuvenation.
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Are You a Candidate for a Modified Facelift?

Several factors will be evaluated to determine if you are a good candidate, including your overall health, skin condition, and aesthetic goals. Ideal candidates typically exhibit the following characteristics:

  • Visible Signs of Aging: Individuals experiencing mild to moderate sagging skin, deepening nasolabial folds, jowls, or other age-related changes in the lower face and neck.
  • Good Overall Health: Candidates should be in good general health without medical conditions that could impair healing or increase surgical risks. Conditions such as uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes may complicate both the procedure and recovery process.
  • Non-Smokers: Smoking adversely affects blood circulation and can significantly impede the healing process. Non-smokers or those willing to cease smoking well in advance of surgery are preferred candidates.
  • Realistic Expectations: A clear understanding of the potential outcomes and limitations of the surgery is crucial. Candidates should have a positive outlook and specific, achievable goals for their appearance post-surgery.
  • Adequate Skin Elasticity: Sufficient skin elasticity is essential to achieve optimal results, as it allows the skin to conform smoothly to the new facial contours. 

During a personalized consultation, Dr. Lisa J. Learn will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your medical history, current health status, and specific facial concerns. This thorough evaluation ensures that a Modified Facelift will meet your unique needs, enhancing your natural beauty and confidence.

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Why Choose Dr. Lisa Learn For Modified Facelift Surgery?

Choosing Dr. Lisa J. Learn means entrusting your cosmetic journey to a team that prioritizes your well-being, health and comfort above all else. With over 30 years of experience in the medical field, Dr. Learn is renowned for her expertise in a wide array of treatments and procedures. She is one of only a few Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery. She is also one of the very few women plastic surgeons in the Fort Lauderdale area with the board-certification and experience to get beautiful outcomes for our patients.

Dr. Learn believes that beauty lies in the balance of how you look and feel, providing expert services to restore your natural beauty and confidence. As a female plastic and reconstructive surgeon, shde is sensitive to women’s needs and desires, ensuring a compassionate and understanding approach to patient care.  

At Fort Lauderdale Plastic Surgery, we understand that regaining confidence through making you look as young as you feel is vital to your sense of well-being. At our practice, you're not just a patient; you're family. Discover the warmth, expertise, and personalized care that sets us apart.

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