Is it true that mini facelift surgery is less effective because it’s cheaper?

Gangnam KIDARI Plastic Surgery Interview
Site Question:
Some say that a mini facelift is less effective because it’s cheaper, and that it’s better to get a full facelift instead. What are your thoughts on this, doctor?
Dr. Kim Hyun‑cheol:
Mini facelift, it really works! 😊
But what really matters is how the surgery is performed.
A mini facelift can be broadly divided into a temporal mini facelift and a lower‑face mini facelift.

First, the key to a lower-face mini facelift is how well the SMAS layer is tightened. To improve neck wrinkles or sagging cheeks, the SMAS layer must be sufficiently dissected and firmly lifted. In other words, proper dissection of the SMAS layer and appropriate release of the retaining ligaments are essential to achieve the desired lifting effect.

Second, a temporal mini facelift is not just about pulling the skin. It is important to elevate the midface as well through subperiosteal dissection. By doing so, the corners of the mouth lift, the nasolabial folds and marionette lines soften, and the entire face appears lifted. These two types of mini facelifts may be relatively affordable (about $2,000–$2,500), but that does not mean they are ineffective. Because I have extensive experience with facial contouring surgery, I am highly skilled in performing subperiosteal dissection. What matters more than the length of the incision is how deep the lifting is performed.

The reason different doctors say different things is because each doctor learns and practices different techniques. Some doctors adopt new methods, while others stick to older, traditional approaches. Just like double eyelid surgery has incision and non‑incision methods, doctors tend to emphasize the techniques they are most skilled at.

Medical technology continues to advance.
When laparoscopic surgery was first introduced, there were criticisms such as, “How can you operate through such a small hole?”
Now, most surgeries are performed laparoscopically or with robots.
Criticizing a surgical method does not mean that the method is bad.
It often simply means that the doctor is not skilled in that method.
I have seen many excellent results even with mini facelifts.
It was another enjoyable and warm interview today.

https://youtube.com/shorts/K-D7_2IYp_g?si=-fiitGIzAIrPTg9e
https://cafe.naver.com/suddes/4051625

The source is the content from the website interview and the before‑and‑after photos on YouTube. Thank you.