Choosing the right cosmetic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your aesthetic journey, especially when it comes to advanced procedures like facelifts. Dr Pietro di Mauro is a highly qualified plastic surgeon in Marbella, respected for his extensive training and personalised approach to facial rejuvenation and cosmetic surgery.
A graduate of the Second University of Naples and a specialist trained through the rigorous Spanish MIR system in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at the Hospital Virgen de las Nieves in Granada, Dr di Mauro combines deep surgical expertise with a dedication to natural-looking results. He is also a member of the Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (SECPRE), underscoring his commitment to excellence and ongoing innovation in his field.
Before choosing to undergo any form of plastic or cosmetic surgery, it is essential to understand the different techniques and possible outcomes, so that they match your desires, age and individual aesthetic goals. To help you find which is the right type of facelift for you, we’re going to explore the difference between two popular options; the less-invasive mini facelift and the more transformative deep plane facelift technique.
What Is a mini facelift?
A mini facelift is a less invasive facial rejuvenation procedure designed to treat early signs of aging in the lower face and along the jawline. It is best suited for patients with only mild skin laxity and early signs of jowls or subtle sagging, who want to achieve a refreshed, more youthful appearance without undergoing a full facelift.
The procedure involves smaller incisions placed discreetly around the ears, resulting in reduced scarring, a quicker recovery and less downtime, compared to more extensive facelift techniques. A mini facelift primarily focuses on tightening and lifting the skin, making it a popular option for individuals in their 40s to early 50s.
While a mini facelift delivers noticeable natural-looking improvement, it won’t address the deeper structures of the face, meaning it will be less effective for more advanced signs of aging. For patients with extensive sagging or jowls, a more comprehensive facelift approach may be a more suitable option.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift is a more advanced surgical technique designed to correct moderate to severe facial aging across the face and neck. Unlike procedures that focus mainly on skin tightening, this approach works beneath the surface (hence the name deep plane) by releasing and repositioning the deeper facial structures, including the SMAS and underlying fat pads.
By lifting these deeper layers together, the deep plane facelift restores natural facial volume, smooths deep wrinkles and folds, improves sagging around the face, jawline and neck. Because the skin is repositioned without stretching or tension, the results appear more natural, thereby avoiding the tight or over-stretched look. This procedure is particularly well suited for patients in their mid-50s and beyond, or for those experiencing significant sagging and seeking visible, long-lasting results.
Mini facelift vs deep plane facelift: What sets them apart
Understanding the difference between a mini facelift and a deep plane facelift is essential when deciding which option best suits your facial aging concerns, lifestyle and aesthetic goals. While both procedures aim to rejuvenate the face, they differ significantly in scope, technique and results.
| Mini facelift | Deep plane facelift | |
| Areas treated | Lower face and jawline | Deep plane of the face and neck |
| Issued addressed | Lower face and jawline | Moderate to advanced aging and sagging |
| Technique | Less invasive, smaller incisions | Advanced technique repositions deeper SMAS and fat layers |
| Results | Subtle improvements | More comprehensive rejuvenation |
| Longevity | Several years | 10 years + |
| Recommended age range | 40s to early 50s | Mid-50s + |
- Areas treated
A mini facelift concentrates on early aging changes in the lower face, particularly the jawline and mild jowls. In contrast, a deep plane facelift targets the deeper facial structures of the face and neck for more comprehensive rejuvenation. - Technique
The mini facelift is a less invasive procedure, using smaller incisions with minimum tissue repositioning. Whereas the deep plane facelift uses a more advanced technique to release and reposition the deeper layers of the face, to address the issue of sagging and volume loss. - Results and Longevity
A mini facelift delivers subtle, natural-looking improvements that is ideal for arresting the early signs of aging. A deep plane facelift offers more dramatic and longer-lasting results that can last over 10 years or more, due to its ability to address the root causes of facial aging. - Recovery time
The recovery for a mini facelift is typically shorter, making it possible to return to normal activities within one or two weeks. A deep plane facelift is more gradual and may take a few more weeks, due to the comprehensive nature of the procedure. - Ideal candidates / age range
Mini facelifts are best suited for patients in their 40s to early 50s with only mild signs of aging. Deep plane facelifts are more suitable for mid and over 50s, or patients with more advanced facial sagging, wrinkles and loss of definition.
Dr Pietro di Mauro’s patients are always guided by a personalised assessment, ensuring they choose the most appropriate facelift technique that best aligns with their age, anatomy and desired outcome.
Choosing the right facelift for you
The best facelift option depends on your age, facial concerns, and the results you want to achieve. A mini facelift is ideal for patients with a modicum of skin laxity who want to see subtle, natural-looking improvements, while a deep plane facelift is better suited for those with more advanced aging who want longer-lasting, more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Are you considering undergoing a facelift and would like to discuss your options with Dr Pietro di Mauro? Request a personalised consultation to discuss your options, aesthetic goals, lifestyle and any concerns. This tailored approach ensures the procedure you choose will be the option that best enhances your natural features and delivers the results you want.
FAQs
You could be ready for a facelift, if you are noticing sagging, jowls or there are changes in the definition of your face that can no longer be improved with tweakments. A consultation with Dr Pietro di Mauro can help determine whether you require a facelift, and whether a mini facelift or deep plane facelift is the right step for you.
In the first 24–48 hours after a facelift (whether it is a deep plane facelift or a less invasive mini facelift), you will see swelling and bruising, this will gradually improve and fade over the following weeks. Many patients experience discomfort, tightness or some numbness as healing progresses. You will need plenty of rest, this is crucial to allow your body to recover.
After a facelift, or any type of surgery, it is essential to carefully follow your personalised post-operative recovery plan. To support proper healing, you should avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and engaging in heavy exercise or strenuous activity. It is also important to limit excessive facial movements and avoid any activities that could raise your blood pressure for at least several weeks. In addition, saunas and steam rooms should be avoided until Dr di Mauro is satisfied with your recovery and has cleared you to resume these activities.
