“What is a mini face lift?”

A mini facelift could mean many things but in general it is a lesser surgery with smaller incisions less undermining and less removal of skin. Many surgeons feel however that the more limited the incisions and undermining etc. the more limited the benefit. If someone is young and is seeking minimal change perhaps a so-called minilift would suffice, but in general the more limited the procedure the more limited the benefit and the more limited the longevity of the results

A "miniature" facelift is a partial facelift, performed through a similar but smaller incision than a standard facelift. It usually results in two undesirable results; (1) It does not reposition the central third of the face where most signs of aging occur; and (2) It relies upon an unnatural degree of tension on the skin to improve the facial appearance. The extra tension always dissipates over a few weeks, leaving the original facial laxity. The tension also frequently produces a more visible scar than a standard facelift, thus creating a third undesirable result. A wise patient will choose to have a standard facelift that repositions the lax skin and fat and leaves a natural tension and facial appearance.

A mini facelift usually refers to a shorter, less invasive surgical facelift in which the incision does not extend behind the ear. This type of facelift can often be performed din the office and is best for small amount of lower face sagging (jowls). In this surgery there is less recovery and downtime than a full facelift. The mini facelift does not do anything to address sagging in the neck or submittal area like a full face and neck lift can provide. To determine if you are a candidate for a mini facelift it is important to seek the advice from a trained facial cosmetic surgeon.

My favorite technique is the MACS short scar Mini-Facelift. Developed in Europe, it is the ideal approach for the younger patient, not ready for a full facelift, or patients who desire a less invasive procedure with a shorter recovery time. It addresses both the mid face area (especially the jowls) as well as the neck, if needed.

A minilift is an attempt to lift the face by removing a small amount of skin or by minimal undermining of the skin. All instances,I have never seen a meaningful, long lasting result. Either there is no result or the face is transiently overpulled. Simply put, to correct sagging, drooping or any facial defect, surgery must reach beyond that point to allow correct repositioning.

There is no single operation called a mini-face lift. A mini-facelift is anything less than a full facelift. A full facelift involves making extensive incisions on the face through which the skin is widely released, facial muscles can be tightened with stitches, and excess skin removed. The scars, while lengthy, are usually almost invisible if properly placed. It requires proper anesthesia, either local with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. In my practice, nearly all patients are asleep for this. The healing time is 7-10 days and total recuperation is measured in months, not weeks. It can produce astounding results that look very natural and last a lifetime. The most well known "mini" facelift was the LifeStyle Lift which, at one time, provided the largest volume of facelifts in the US. Where is it today? The company went bankrupt for several reasons. Results were too often disappointing, with 50%+ negative reviews online. I saw many unhappy patients from this. It was also dishonest in its advertising and was subject to the largest fine in history by the state of New York for false advertising. In Florida, the Attorney General demanded it cease to call the procedure "revolutionary". Eventually, the company went under. Mini-facelifts can be offered to select patients who can accept modest results that won't last as long. I most often do these in combination with something else, like fat grafting to the fat.

Thank you for your question. This is a very good question that comes up often. To understand what a mini facelift is we have to first explain what a full facelift is.

A full facelift involves incisions generally around the ears and in the hairline as well as incisions under the chin. The skin is elevated over the face and the neck and it allows us to re-suspend the sagging muscles and remove extra skin. The incisions heal beautifully in natural creases of the face and you have a younger more rejuvenated look.

A mini-facelift in many instances involves incisions that aren’t quite as long as a full facelift and the elevation of the skin usually isn’t quite as extensive. Therefore, a mini facelift has a shorter recovery time but also has a less dramatic results. Generally when you are younger than 60 having a mini facelift is a great option because you don’t need as much skin removed and your recovery is much faster. Also, when you have surgery earlier, you enjoy the benefits longer.

Before answering the question what is a "mini" facelift it would be best to start off explaining that different surgeons have different definitions of a "full" facelift. Some consider that to mean that the entire neck, midface, and forehead are lifted but many consider the forehead (or brow) lift to be a distinctly separate procedure that may or may not be performed with lifting the midface and neck. Others consider the neck to be a separate procedure. So just like these named procedures the mini facelift, too, can be defined in different ways. I consider a "Mini" facelift to being a short scar that extends from the temple to the middle of the ear where enough skin is elevated to access soft tissue below which is then lifted and supported. The most important info I can give is for you to get a clear definition from the surgeon you are speaking with so you can 'compare apples to apples" and make an informed decision.

Hi, and thanks for your question!

Facelifts are indicated for many things, but mostly deal with sagging tissues in the midface, jawline, and neck. The term "mini" usually means a shorter incision which is useful for people without significant stretched skin in the neck. At 45 years old, this may be an option for you. My recommendation would be to find a board-certified facial plastic surgeon that you trust to go over your options in person and develop a customized plan.

Best of luck!

Dr. C

Every surgeon will have a different definition of what they consider a "mini" facelift. For most, it is a facelift that involves only the face and not the neck. It is a great procedure for younger patients like you who may have jowling without any significant neck laxity.

Thank you for your question. Typically, a mini facelift is designed to address skin looseness of the skin of your face with limited dissection. There are many procedures which fall into the designation of a mini facelift. So, what is a mini facelift for one plastic surgeon is not the same for the next plastic surgeon. Often, the incisions are only in front of the ear (though hidden within the ear too). Some plastic surgeons also tighten deeper tissues too for a more long lasting effect. It seems like such a satisfying procedure, but sometimes it's not enough. I prefer to evaluate a patient's face directly with the patient. I want to know what they like and what they don't like. Does the patient like their brow, their cheeks, their neck, or not. Once we establish the patient's desires, and evaluate their anatomy, we can come up with a blueprint of how best to proceed with their rejuvenation. Any skillful plastic surgeon knows how to alter an operation to fit the patient's needs. It is a bad idea to fit the patient into a standard process rather than designing the operation for the patient. Only once we have a road map for success, can we make a meaningful difference for the patient.

Facelifts are always tailored to the individual. Some people qualify for a facelift, a mini facelift, a neck lift and lower facelift, etc. The mini facelift is not any one thing, but generally, it means that the raise is smaller, the dissection is smaller, the incisions can often be shorter, and the recovery faster. Typically, patients should proceed based on their GOALS. If your goal demands a specific surgery, that's what you should pursue.