Mini Facelift vs Mid-Facelift: What’s the Difference?

Before and After Facelift

If you are researching facial rejuvenation procedures, you have likely encountered both the mini facelift and the mid-facelift. These two popular options target different areas of the face and vary in terms of invasiveness and results. But what exactly sets them apart, and which one might be right for your facial structure, skin aging, and aesthetic goals?

Let’s break down the differences between a mini facelift and a mid-facelift. More insight into the difference between the two approaches can help you make a more informed decision about your cosmetic journey.

What Is a Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift is a less invasive version of the traditional facelift, ideal for those with early signs of aging—especially around the lower face and jawline. This procedure typically involves shorter incisions and a quicker recovery.

Best for:

  • Mild skin laxity
  • Early jowls or sagging near the jawline
  • Younger patients in their 40s–50s

Benefits:

  • Less downtime
  • Subtle, natural-looking lift
  • Can be performed under local anesthesia in some cases

What Is a Mid-Facelift?

A mid-facelift targets the area from the lower eyelids down to the corners of the mouth and upper cheeks. It is designed to lift and reposition sagging fat pads in the cheek area, restore volume, and create a more youthful midface contour.

Best for:

  • Midface volume loss
  • Drooping cheeks or deep nasolabial folds
  • Aging that affects the area around the eyes and nose

Benefits:

  • More comprehensive lifting than a mini facelift
  • Dramatic cheek contouring
  • Often combined with other procedures for optimal results

Key Differences: Mini Facelift vs Mid-Facelift

Mini Facelift vs Mid-Facelift: What’s the Difference? Wave Mini Facelift versus Mid Facelift chart

Still not sure which is right for you? Watch this quick breakdown of the key differences between mini and mid-facelifts to see which fits your goals best.

Can You Combine a Mini or Mid-Facelift With Other Procedures?

Absolutely. Many patients combine facelift techniques with procedures like:

Combining treatments allows for more comprehensive facial balancing and customized rejuvenation.

Which Facelift Is Right for Me?

The decision between a mini facelift and a mid-facelift depends on your specific facial anatomy, aging concerns, and how subtle or dramatic you want your results to be. If you’re in the early stages of aging and want a quicker recovery, a mini facelift may be perfect. If you’re experiencing deeper volume loss and midface drooping, a mid-facelift might offer better, longer-lasting results.

The best way to determine the right fit? A one-on-one consultation with our experienced plastic surgeons at Wave Plastic Surgery.

Mini Facelift vs Mid-Facelift: Which Is Better?

Wondering which procedure is better for your unique facial structure and aging concerns? If you’re looking to subtly lift the jawline with minimal downtime, a mini facelift might be your answer. For deeper volume loss and sagging cheeks, a mid-facelift could offer more dramatic results.

Still not sure? Let’s break it down together in a personalized consultation.

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If you’re considering a mini or mid-facelift—or a customized combination of both—contact us to book your consultation. Our expert team is here to help you achieve a refreshed, youthful look that aligns with your natural beauty. We proudly serve clients throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Francisco, with personalized care and surgical excellence at each location.

Would you like to improve cheek contours, reduce jowls, or restore volume naturally? Let Wave Plastic Surgery guide your journey with tailored facial rejuvenation solutions across our California locations.

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Peter Lee

Dr. Peter Lee, MD, FACS, Founder, CEO and Chief Surgeon of WAVE Plastic Surgery Center and Advanced Endotine Bioskills surgeon educator and trainer, is a top Los Angeles board-certified Plastic, Reconstructive, and Cosmetic Surgeon. Dr. Peter Lee is a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Drawing patients from around the world, he is both an innovator and thought leader who has advanced the discipline of plastic surgery through his lifelong commitment to excellence and education. In addition to being bilingual in English and Korean, Dr. Lee has mentored and trained master surgeons in South Korea, China and other Asian countries in state-of-the-art techniques and scientific advancements in the field.

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With a wide range of breast, body, and face procedures, our goal at Wave Plastic Surgery is to allow for all of our patients to achieve their ideal appearance, no matter their age or ethnicity. Our doctors all have extensive experience working with patients of all different backgrounds and have developed expertise in Asian plastic surgery procedures such as eyelid and nose surgery. We work with all sorts of men and women—both local to the Los Angeles area and from far out of town—to help find the right procedure to help them reach their goals.

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