Mini Facelift

Early signs of facial aging, such as jowls or lax skin in the cheeks, can be effectively addressed with a mini facelift. The mini facelift is a shorter, less invasive facelift procedure that sculpts the mid and lower areas of the face and achieves a more defined jawline and neck contour.

Woman with red hair posing with her hand on her face

A mini facelift is a similar procedure to a traditional facelift, but it targets a more precise area of the face and requires smaller incisions. The mini facelift lifts and sculpts the mid and lower areas of the face, including the cheeks and jawline. Because the mini facelift targets specific areas of the face, this reduces the surgical trauma to a wide area, and thus results in a shorter recovery period. The shorter procedure time and faster recovery are why the mini facelift has earned the nickname, “the weekend lift.”

How Is A Mini Facelift Performed?

A mini facelift procedure typically begins with local anesthesia, which is an option because the procedure is shorter and less invasive. However, general anesthesia can be used if this is preferred.

Once the anesthesia has taken effect, small “S” shaped incisions are made by the ears near the hairline. The incisions are the access point to sculpt the underlying tissues of the face and neck to achieve more youthful and defined features. The skin is then repositioned and tightened to achieve a tighter, more sculpted appearance.

Mini Facelift Benefits

A mini facelift provides many benefits for patients who would like to turn back the clock on aging. While a mini facelift procedure is simpler and less invasive, the benefits are extensive and long-lasting.

Shorter facelift procedure
Easier, shorter recovery period
Can be performed with local anesthesia
More minimal scarring due to fewer, smaller incisions
Lifted, more youthful features
Takes years off the face
Smoothed wrinkles
Tighter skin
Better-defined and contoured facial features
Natural-looking results
Boosts confidence and self-esteem

Who Is A Candidate For A Mini Facelift?

During your consultation with Dr. Sulyman-Scott, she will examine your face and skin and discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals to determine if a mini facelift is the right procedure for you. Men or women who are seeing moderate, but not severe, signs of aging are usually the most ideal candidates for a mini facelift. Patients are typically in their late 40s or early 50s, but this varies from person to person, based on genetics, sun exposure, and other factors.

Typically, ideal candidates for a mini facelift meet the following requirements:

Have generally good skin quality
In good health
Are seeing moderate sagging in the cheeks, jawline, and/or neck area
Do not smoke
Have no serious medical conditions
Are not currently taking (or can stop taking) any blood-thinning medications or supplements

Recovery After A Mini Facelift

After a mini facelift, the recovery period is typically shorter than a traditional facelift. There will be some bruising and swelling during the first week, which will increase for the first couple of days. Bruising and swelling will begin to recede within 3-5 days.

Patients can expect to be mostly recovered in about 7-10 days, at which time most people can return to work. Before doing any strenuous activities, wait for the go-ahead from Dr. Sulyman-Scott that you’re cleared for vigorous exercise (usually this takes several weeks).

Mini Facelift Results

After a mini facelift, your face will be more youthful-looking with a more contoured definition. Your skin will be smoother and firmer, with fewer wrinkles, and your features will be subtly lifted and enhanced.

You will be able to enjoy the beautiful effects of your mini facelift for up to 10 years. As the aging process continues to progress, you may require additional procedures to maintain your more youthful, firmer appearance.

Why Choose That Face For A Mini Facelift?

At That Face, we follow the motto of our founder, Dr. Sulyman-Scott: “Everyone deserves to feel beautiful.” Our goal is to safely and thoughtfully enhance your natural appearance to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. We love to see our patients step out with natural confidence and enjoy the new discovery of their authentic beauty.

Dr. Sulyman-Scott is a former registered nurse, a trained ear, nose, and throat surgeon, and a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon who is board-certified in otolaryngology (head and neck surgery). She is known for her precise, meticulous care in safely achieving patients’ cosmetic goals to help them improve their quality of life.