Minilifts, like our “Palmer Celebrity Lift”+�-� ( http://www.drfpalmer.com/PalmerCelebrityLift.html ) are small but highy effective versions of Facelifts ( http://www.drfpalmer.com/FaceLift.html ).+�-� Minilifts have shorter recovery time, smaller incisions and the benefit of being able to be done without general anesthesia.+�-� In many cases patients can go out in a day or so with little or no bruising and swelling.+�-� However, we are receiving questions from patients and the general public that indicates, to me, that there seems to be some confusion between Minilifts and suture suspension or Thread Lifts ( http://www.drfpalmer.com/ThreadLift.html ).+�-� So let me clarify each and their differences and benefits.

+�-�Minilifts are open procedures that allow tightening of the underlying muscle.+�-� Once the muscle is tightened, the Minilift Procedure also allows for the excess facial skin to be removed.+�-� On a typical face this amounts to 1 1/2 inches of skin from each side of the face.+�-� This is typically the minimum excess skin that appears in the face of a 30 ish year old female having a Mini Lift.+�-� This, because it’s an open procedure which allows muscle tightening and removal of the excess skin,+�-�is the most effective means of rejuvenating the face.+�-� So, let’s say this is the gold standard and we place the benefits ( or result ) at 100%.+�-� Then if a patient is, for some reason unwilling to have any incisions, I would have to offer them what I believe to be the+�-�another+�-�option.+�-� The suture suspension or Thread Lifts are, in my opinion, ~ 50% as effective as the Mini Lift Procedure.+�-�

+�-�When I consult with patients I am sure to put the options in just that manner.+�-� An open procedure that allows for skin removal is always the most effective means of rejuvenating the face.+�-� But if someone will not allow any incisions, that option is not possible and therefore, the Minilift can’t be done.+�-� The effectiveness of the next best option, in my opinion, drops down from 100% to 50% and if patients truly understand this, we are happy to give them the second best option.+�-� The confusion comes about because some people want to believe and hope that the Threads , Suspension Sutures, or some magical Laser Light will do the same thing to rejuvenate the face that a Minilift will accomplish and this logically, technically and physiologically just can’t happen.+�-� Period!

Dr. Francis R Palmer, III