What is a Mini Facelift?

Worldwide, many individuals are affected by their appearance, particularly when it comes to the face. As we age, the skin might become wrinkled or sag. Thankfully for the existence of cosmetic procedures are highly helping people regain their confidence and fresh look. 

According to the 2018 American Society of Plastic Surgeons annual report, 15.9 million cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures were performed in the United States. Precisely, techniques like mini facelifts are among these life-changing surgeries helping individuals stay at their best. 

A facelift is helpful for anti-aging because it repositions the skin and removes excess facial fats. It remains one of the most sought-after surgical procedures for anti-aging and has been known to provide viable results. However, patients need to have realistic expectations. Generally, patients experience a swift and full recovery after a facelift, but it’s essential to acknowledge the associated risk factors. Consulting with a professional who can address potential concerns and provide answers regarding the process is crucial before proceeding with the procedure.

But what is a mini facelift? And what type of candidate for this surgery can benefit the most? Let’s explore these common questions and more below.

What is a Mini Facelift? 

Mini Facelift is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the face. Surgeons can achieve a younger look for their patients by removing excess skin and tightening the underlying muscles. This procedure can be considered an anti-aging surgery that focuses on sagging skin. It is often combined with other facial procedures, such as a brow lift or eyelid surgery. When combined with other procedures, better results may be achieved. This minimal face-lift procedure is a less invasive choice than the traditional one and can provide just as dramatic results. 

The Difference Between a Facelift and a Mini Facelift

Facelifts and Mini Facelifts are cosmetic surgical procedures that aim to improve the appearance of the face. A younger look is achieved by tightening and lifting the skin on the face. The main difference between a facelift and a mini facelift is the incision size and placement. 

A facelift is a more comprehensive procedure that involves making incisions in the hairline and around the ear, lifting the skin, and removing excess fat and skin. Comparatively, a Mini Facelift uses smaller incisions than a traditional facelift and endoscopic techniques in that incisions are placed in strategic locations around the ear where they can be easily hidden. This leads to less scarring and a quicker recovery time. 

Mini Facelifts also tend to be less invasive than traditional facelifts, and they can achieve similar results. However, Mini Facelifts are not suitable for everyone, and your surgeon will be able to advise you on whether a mini face-lift or a traditional Facelift is right for you.

Who are the Best Candidates for a Mini Facelift Procedure?

The best candidates for a mini Facelift procedure are individuals worried about their sagging and aging facial skin. Typically, this surgery is viable for younger individuals since their skin has some elasticity. 

Also, it is suitable for the following:

  • Aging men and women in their 40s upwards
  • If you have wrinkles on your face
  • Skin laxity along your jawbone
  • Deep nasolabial folds
  • Excess skin around your jawline

What is the procedure for Mini Facelift like? 

While the numerous benefits of a mini facelift are evident, you might still be interested in learning more about the procedure itself. So, if you’re still wondering, “What is a mini facelift procedure like?” rest assured the process is relatively painless and safe, ensuring a positive experience.

The procedure typically involves making small incisions around the hairline and ear. Through these mini facelift incisions, the surgeon will tighten the underlying muscles and remove excess skin. The surgeon will first administer local anesthesia or intravenous sedation to numb the area during the procedure.

Next, the surgeon will make small incisions near the hairline, ear, or under the chin. Then, they will lift the skin and underlying tissues before trimming away any excess skin. 

Finally, the incisions will be closed with stitches. The entire procedure typically takes about two hours to complete. Typically, most people can return to their normal activities within a week. 

What Is The Cost Of A Mini Facelift?

The cost of an upper or lower mini face-lift can vary depending on several factors. These factors include the doctor’s fee, the cost of anesthesia, and the cost of the facility. Additionally, some patients may require additional procedures, such as liposuction or skin resurfacing, which can add to the overall quicklift mini facelift cost.

Generally speaking, the average cost of a mini facelift is between $5,000 and $9,000. However, it is essential to remember that this is only an estimate. The actual cost may be higher or lower depending on your specific situation. If you are considering a mini facelift, discuss all your options with a qualified plastic surgeon. They will be able to give you a more accurate estimate of the cost based on your individual needs.

What is recovery like for a Mini Facelift?

Mini facelifts can be performed on patients of all skin types and ages, and they typically have a shorter recovery time. To minimize swelling, recovery from a micro face-lift generally involves wearing a compression garment for the first week or two.

Most patients can return to work and other normal activities within two weeks. However, strenuous activity should be avoided for at least four weeks. Mini facelifts can provide significant facial rejuvenation with minimal downtime. This makes them an increasingly popular option for patients who want to refresh their look.

Potential Risks Associated with Mini Facelift

Although the procedure might sound like minor surgery, it’s a much more subtle and complicated surgery. Similar to other surgical procedures, there are various risks and side effects. 

These include:

  • Pain
  • Bleeding
  • Swelling and bruising on the stitched areas
  • Nerve damage

Choose WAVE Plastic Surgery for your Mini Facelift

As people age, they feel the urge to have a younger-looking face to keep up with the young crowd. But not everyone is ready or willing to go under the knife for a traditional facelift. With just minimal incisions and scarring from this type of facelift, mini-procedures are an excellent alternative for those who want to achieve a more youthful look without the commitment of a complete facelift. At Wave, we have a signature Mini Facelift called a Wave lift that is the culmination of years of experience performing endoscopic, anti-aging procedures. You can trust our staff to take care of your individual needs, minimizing the risks and providing long-lasting results.

At Wave Plastic Surgery, we offer wave lift surgery that can help you achieve the look you desire. We are anti-aging experts focused on helping our patients look and feel their best. With the help of Wave Plastic Surgery specialists, you can rest assured that all your anti-aging needs will be covered. 

Contact us today to learn more about our mini facelifts and how we can help you achieve your desired look.

Endoscopic Brow Lift, Lower Eyelid Surgery, and Wave Lift before and after
Endoscopic Brow Lift Aging Eyelid Surgery Wave Lift before and after

See more real WAVE Results in our Before and After Gallery.

Peter Lee

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.

Wave Plastic Surgery offers an inclusive menu of non-surgical treatment options that will cover all types of anti-aging and skin concerns from wrinkles, sagging skin, hair loss, women’s health, poor skin texture, large pores, skin discoloration, Rosacea, acne, scars, volume loss, and aging hands, neck and chest.