What Is a Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift is a surgical procedure that reduces signs of aging for a more youthful, rejuvenated look. This particular surgery focuses on the lower portion of the face and jawline, allowing for fewer incisions and a faster recovery than a traditional facelift. It’s also less expensive. Unlike dermal fillers, Botox, laser treatments, and other skin rejuvenation options, a mini facelift can easily last five to 10 years and doesn’t require ongoing treatments.
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Mini Facelift vs. Traditional Facelift
There are a few key differences between a mini facelift and a traditional facelift. It’s important to understand them so you can choose the correct procedure for you and your unique needs. These differences are outlined in the chart below.
| Mini Facelift | Traditional Facelift | |
|---|---|---|
| Target Areas | Lower face and jawline | Midface, lower face, and neck |
| Incisions | Small, around the ears | Larger, extending into the hairline |
| Recovery Time | 1-2 weeks | 2-4 weeks |
| Results | Subtle, natural | Dramatic, comprehensive |
| Longevity | 5-10 years | 10-15 years |
| Invasiveness | Less invasive | More invasive |
| Ideal Candidate | Mild to moderate sagging | Advanced signs of aging |
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Not everyone is a good candidate for every surgery. Ideal candidates for a mini facelift are people who meet the following criteria:
- Are typically (but not always) in their 40s and 50s
- Display good skin elasticity
- Live an overall healthy lifestyle that will promote good healing and a successful outcome (i.e. nonsmokers)
- Have realistic expectations about what the surgery can do
The Procedure and Recovery Process
We know that although surgery is just part of the daily routine for us, it’s anything but ordinary for you. Many of our patients express feelings of nervousness and anxiety prior to their procedures, and we do what we can to put them at ease. One of the best ways to do this is by making sure that you know what to expect when you come in for your procedure. To that end, here are the steps involved in a mini facelift:
- The first step for our patients at Mia Aesthetics is always a free virtual consultation. During this consultation we will assess whether you are a candidate for a mini facelift and answer any questions you may have about getting one.
- When you arrive on the day of your surgery, you’ll be prepped for surgery and have a quick check-in with your surgeon. After that, we’ll take you into the OR and place you under general anesthesia.
- Once you’re peacefully sleeping, your surgeon will start the procedure by making their incisions. For a mini facelift, doctors usually hide their incisions along the natural crease at the front of your ear. The cut may continue down around and behind the earlobe, if necessary, but it will still be well hidden.
- Next your plastic surgeon will gently separate your skin from the underlying tissue and muscles. They will then tighten these muscles as needed to create the desired shape and contour.
- Your surgeon will then cut away any sagging, stretched, or excess skin.
- The remaining skin is smoothed over the lower portion of your face and pulled taut.
- Lastly, your incisions will be closed and any necessary dressings applied.
Your care team will monitor you as you wake up from the anesthesia and then send you home the same day as your surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to keep you comfortable, but discomfort is generally mild after a mini facelift. You will manage swelling and bruising by applying icepacks to your face. You will also need to keep your incision sites clean and dry as they heal.
Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment with you a few days after your surgery. It’s important that you keep this appointment. It is when your stitches will be removed, if applicable, and allows your surgeon to check your progress and make sure you are healing well and without complications.
Why Choose Mia Aesthetics for Your Mini Facelift?
At Mia Aesthetics, we know that you have many plastic surgery clinics to choose from. Of course, we want you to choose us, and there are many compelling reasons to do so. These include our:
- Highly trained and experienced plastic surgeons who understand both the technical and artistic aspects of plastic surgery
- State-of-the-art surgical facilities and use of current technology for the safest surgeries and best outcomes
- Personal and individualized attention, care, and surgical planning
- Emphasis on natural-looking results and patient satisfaction
Frequently Asked Questions
You can expect the results of your mini facelift to easily last five to 10 years. This procedure can turn back the clock, but it can’t stop time. You will continue to age after your facelift and may see signs of aging again in the future. This is why we can’t promise that your results will last forever.
Scarring after a mini facelift is minimal and your surgeon will hide the scar in the natural crease of your ear. Although red and sometimes slightly raised at first, mini facelift scars fade to a natural color and flatten out in three to six months. Scars mature fully after a year and are usually very hard to see at this time. The surgical techniques your surgeon uses during your mini facelift will have a direct impact on scarring, so make sure you choose your doctor carefully. How you take care of your incisions after surgery can also impact scarring. Make sure you follow all of your post-op instructions carefully to keep scarring to a minimum.
Most patients can return to work and resume their normal activities seven to 10 days after their mini facelift. Put physically demanding activities on hold for two to four weeks after surgery. After four weeks you should have no restrictions at all.
Yes. You can combine a mini facelift with fillers, Botox, and other treatments. Botox and fillers can be done at the same time as your surgery while other topical treatments may require that you heal first. Combining these treatments can help you add volume to your cheeks or further customize your lower face. You can also use Botox or fillers to correct issues a mini facelift will not, such as crow’s feet or forehead lines.
Absolutely! A mini facelift is an excellent option for anyone who is concerned about signs of aging starting to show on the lower portion of the face, regardless of gender.
The main difference between a mini facelift and non-surgical options is longevity. Non-surgical treatments require ongoing maintenance to keep working. You’ll need periodic treatments every few weeks to months in order to keep your results, and some of these treatments provide results gradually. A mini facelift can easily last 10 years and provides results after a single procedure.
A mini facelift concentrates on the bottom third of your face and your jawline. It will not address issues with your neck or anything in the mid or upper face. If you wish to address problem areas there, you will likely need a full facelift. Whether or not a mini facelift will address all of your concerns is a topic best discussed with your plastic surgeon during your consultation.
At Mia Aesthetics, mini facelifts are performed under general anesthesia.
This is somewhat up to you. Most of your swelling and bruising should be gone three to four weeks after your surgery, and any mild bruising that remains can easily be hidden with makeup. If you want to be absolutely certain that every sign of your procedure is gone, allow six to eight weeks between your surgery and any big plans.