Home > News > Surgical facelift or mini-facelift?

With age, stress, or hormonal changes, the face naturally loses its tone. Marked wrinkles, jowls, a sagging neck: these signs of aging are motivating more and more patients to consider a long-term solution. But which option is best suited to your situation: a surgical facelift or a mini-facelift?


We have created a clear and in-depth comparison to help you make the best choice between a facelift or a mini-facelift, and understand which of these two procedures would suit you best.

What is a full facelift and a mini facelift?

A facelift, or cervicofacial lift, is a surgical procedure that aims to correct the visible effects of aging on the face and neck. It involves repositioning deep muscles, tightening the Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System (SMAS), redraping the skin, and removing excess skin.

Unlike a superficial treatment, it acts in depth to permanently restore the oval of the face, erase jowls and tighten the neck.

The mini-facelift, on the other hand, is a lighter version of this surgery. Less invasive, it targets moderate signs of sagging, mainly in the lower third of the face.

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Full Facelift vs Mini Facelift in Switzerland: A Detailed Comparison



Criteria
Full facelift
Mini-facelift
Treated areas
Full face and neck
Lower third of the face only
Duration of the intervention
3 to 5 hours
2 to 2.5 hours
Anesthesia
General
Local or light sedation
Scars
Longer but well hidden
Short and very discreet
Recovery
2 to 4 weeks
7 to 10 days
Result
Durable (10 to 15 years)
Fairly durable (5 to 7 years)
Swiss tariff
(rates charged in our clinic only)
From CHF 14,000.-
From CHF 6,000.-

How to choose between a facelift and a mini-facelift

The choice between these two techniques is based on several factors:


  • Your age and the condition of your skin: a mini-facelift is best suited to patients aged between 40 and 55 with moderate sagging.
  • Your objectives: if you want a more global correction including the neck and jowls, a full facelift is recommended.
  • Your availability for recovery: the mini-facelift allows a quicker return to activity, unlike the full facelift which requires a longer recovery period.
  • Your budget: the mini-facelift remains more affordable with good post-operative results. But depending on your needs, the full facelift, although more expensive, will have longer-lasting results and on your entire face and neck.

To note: For your aesthetic treatments (such as the mini facelift or full facelift), we now offer you the opportunity to benefit from payment facilities thanks to our partnership with Cembra Pay. This simple, flexible and secure solution allows you to pay for your treatments in several monthly instalments, with no extra charges or administrative hassles.

To help you choose the solution best suited to your desires, take a personalised consultation with our cosmetic surgeons at Clinique de la Croix d'Or.


Non-surgical alternatives to full facelift and mini-facelift

For patients who wish to improve the appearance of their face without undergoing surgery, several non-invasive aesthetic options can be considered at the Clinique de la Croix d'Or.

The Ultraformer HIFU technology, often nicknamed "medical facelift", is based on high-intensity focused ultrasound. It stimulates deep dermal tissue, encouraging collagen production and skin firming. This targeted technique is ideal for treating sagging areas of the face, neck or décolleté, with visible results from the very first sessions. The treatment is fast, well tolerated, and requires no recovery time.


Another major innovation: EMFace, a cutting-edge technology that combines synchronised radiofrequency and facial muscle stimulation (HIFES™). This treatment strengthens facial muscles while tightening the skin, without needles or downtime. EMFace is particularly effective in redefining the oval of the face and achieving a natural lifting effect, in just a few sessions.

Other popular aesthetic solutions include hyaluronic acid injections, which restore lost volume, smooth out marked creases and restore structure to the face. Adapted to different types of skin slackening, they offer a natural and progressive result, without altering expressivity.


These approaches are often complementary and can be offered as part of an overall treatment plan of non-invasive techniques, personalised according to the needs and expectations of each patient.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Full Facelift or Mini Facelift

Can a mini-facelift be combined with other treatments?

Yes, it can be supplemented with filler injections ( hyaluronic acid , biostimulants or botulinum toxin ) or with an Ultraformer HIFU treatment. Moreover, patients often combine a mini-lift with blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), which allows for a more harmonious lifting effect, both on the lower face and on the eyelids.


Does a facelift change facial expression?

No, the goal is to rejuvenate while preserving your natural identity.


When is the ideal time to have a facelift?

Usually fall or winter, a good time to convalesce at home.

In conclusion

The choice between a full surgical facelift and a mini-facelift depends on your aesthetic goals, your availability, and your budget.


The most important thing is to benefit from personalized support and the expertise of a qualified team. Make an appointment with our specialists at our clinic in Geneva for an accurate diagnosis and care tailored to your needs.

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BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

Book an appointment today for personalized, high-quality aesthetic treatments. Our team of experts is here to offer you innovative treatments tailored to your needs.

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