Short-Scar Facelift vs Traditional Facelift: What’s the Difference?

Facelift surgery has evolved to offer more customized options depending on the degree of facial aging and desired recovery time. Two commonly compared approaches are the short-scar facelift and the traditional facelift.

While both aim to improve sagging and restore facial contours, they differ in incision length, treatment scope, recovery, and long-term results. Understanding these differences helps patients choose the most appropriate procedure for their needs.

What Is a Short-Scar Facelift?

A short-scar facelift (also known as a limited-incision or mini-type facelift) is designed to reduce visible scarring while addressing early to moderate facial sagging.

Key features include:

• Shorter incisions, typically around the ear
• Focus on the lower face and jawline
• Less extensive tissue dissection
• Reduced downtime compared to traditional facelift

This approach emphasizes subtle rejuvenation and is often chosen by patients seeking natural-looking improvement with minimal scarring.

Who is a good candidate for a short-scar facelift?

• Mild to moderate jowling
• Early facial sagging
• Patients in their late 30s to early 50s
• Those prioritizing faster recovery and discreet scars

What Is a Traditional Facelift?

A traditional facelift (often called a full or standard facelift) is a comprehensive surgical procedure that addresses more advanced signs of aging.

It typically involves:

• Longer incisions extending around the ear and hairline
• Lifting and repositioning deeper facial tissues
• Removal of excess skin
• Often combined with a neck lift

This technique offers more dramatic and longer-lasting rejuvenation for patients with significant sagging.

Who is a good candidate for a traditional facelift?

• Moderate to severe facial sagging
• Pronounced jowls and jawline laxity
• Neck skin looseness
• Patients seeking full lower-face rejuvenation

Short-Scar Facelift vs Traditional Facelift: Key Differences

Incision length

• Short-scar facelift: Limited, discreet incisions
• Traditional facelift: Longer incisions for wider access

Treatment area

• Short-scar facelift: Lower face and jawline
• Traditional facelift: Midface, lower face, jawline, and neck

Degree of correction

• Short-scar facelift: Subtle to moderate improvement
• Traditional facelift: Comprehensive correction

Recovery

• Short-scar facelift: Shorter downtime
• Traditional facelift: Longer recovery due to broader surgical scope

Longevity

• Short-scar facelift: Results often last 5–8 years
• Traditional facelift: Results may last 10–15 years

Which Facelift Option Is Better?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best option depends on facial aging severity and expectations.

A short-scar facelift may be better for:

• Early signs of aging
• Patients wanting modest improvement
• Those seeking minimal scarring and quicker recovery

A traditional facelift may be better for:

• Advanced facial aging
• Combined face and neck sagging
• Patients wanting long-lasting, dramatic results

A professional evaluation is essential to determine which approach aligns best with facial anatomy and aging patterns.

Short-Scar vs Traditional Facelift in Korea

Korea is internationally known for advanced facelift techniques that emphasize:

• Natural facial proportions
• Scar-minimizing incision design
• Precision-based tissue repositioning

Both short-scar facelifts and traditional facelifts in Korea are often customized based on skin thickness, aging degree, and recovery preferences, particularly for international patients.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between a short-scar facelift vs traditional facelift helps set realistic expectations for results, recovery, and longevity. While short-scar facelifts offer subtle rejuvenation with minimal scarring, traditional facelifts provide comprehensive correction for more advanced aging.

A personalized surgical consultation remains the most important step in choosing the right facelift technique.