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Targeted Facial Rejuvenation

Our board-certified plastic surgeons offer mini facelift surgery as a less invasive option for patients experiencing early to moderate facial aging. With extensive training from prestigious institutions and thousands of facial procedures performed, our surgeons combine technical skill with artistic sensibility to deliver natural, harmonious results. Our AAAHC-certified surgical centers across California and beyond provide the safety, technology, and personalized care you deserve throughout your rejuvenation journey.

Woman touching her face

What Is a Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift, also called a short-scar facelift or limited-incision facelift, is a surgical procedure that addresses mild to moderate sagging in the lower face and jawline using smaller incisions and less extensive tissue manipulation than traditional facelift surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, mini facelift procedures have become increasingly popular among younger patients seeking early intervention against facial aging. The science behind mini facelift surgery involves tightening the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), the layer of tissue beneath the skin that supports facial structures. The procedure provides meaningful rejuvenation with less extensive surgery, shorter recovery time, and more subtle, natural-looking results compared to a full facelift.

Benefits of Mini Facelift Surgery

Patients who choose a mini facelift at Athēnix experience numerous advantages, such as:

  • Tightens mild to moderate sagging along the jawline and lower face
  • Reduces early jowl formation for improved definition
  • Smooths marionette lines around the mouth
  • Creates a refreshed appearance without dramatic change
  • Involves shorter incisions with less visible scarring
  • Offers faster recovery than traditional facelift surgery
  • Provides natural-looking results that don't appear "overdone"
  • Typically costs less than full facelift procedures
  • Can be combined with other treatments for comprehensive rejuvenation
  • Delivers results that can last 5-7 years or longer with proper care

Are You a Candidate for Mini Facelift Surgery?

A mini facelift may be right for you if you:

  • Have mild to moderate sagging in your lower face and jawline
  • Notice early jowl formation or loss of jaw definition
  • Experience loose skin but don't require extensive tissue removal
  • Want to address facial aging before it becomes severe
  • Desire meaningful improvement with shorter recovery time
  • Maintain realistic expectations about the degree of correction
  • Are in good overall health without conditions impairing healing
  • Do not smoke, or are willing to quit before and after surgery
  • Have adequate skin elasticity for good healing and contouring

Why Choose Athēnix for Your Mini Facelift?

Selecting Athēnix for mini facelift surgery means choosing:

  • Exceptional Surgical Training: Our board-certified plastic surgeons have completed rigorous training at renowned institutions including the University of California San Francisco, Texas A&M, and McMaster University. They bring both technical precision and aesthetic judgment to every procedure.
  • Customized Surgical Approach: We tailor mini facelift techniques to your unique facial anatomy and aging patterns rather than using a standardized approach. This customization ensures results that look naturally refreshed, not surgical.
  • Natural-Looking Results: Our philosophy prioritizes subtle enhancement that turns back the clock without creating an artificial or "pulled" appearance. We preserve your natural facial expressions and unique features.
  • Comprehensive Facial Expertise: Our surgeons perform a full range of facial procedures and understand how mini facelift integrates with other treatments to achieve optimal facial harmony.
  • Patient-Centered Care: From consultation through recovery, our dedicated patient care coordinators and clinical teams provide attentive support, ensuring you feel informed, comfortable, and confident throughout your experience.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Mini Facelift

Consultation and Cost

Your mini facelift journey begins with a thorough consultation at our Brentwood practice. Your surgeon will examine your facial structure, assess your degree of aging, discuss your goals and concerns, and review your medical history.

Your surgeon will explain the surgical technique, what results you can realistically expect, and how the mini facelift compares to other rejuvenation options.

Procedure Steps

On surgery day, you'll arrive at our AAAHC-certified surgical center, where our team will prepare you for your procedure. Mini facelift surgery typically takes two to three hours under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation with local anesthesia. 

Recovery and Results Timeline

Most patients go home the same day with detailed aftercare instructions and pain medication. You may have light bandages or a compression garment for the first day or two. Expect moderate swelling and bruising that peaks within 48 to 72 hours and gradually improves over the following two weeks.

You'll need to keep your head elevated, avoid strenuous activity for three to four weeks, and protect your incisions from sun exposure during healing. Sutures are typically removed within five to seven days. 

Mini Facelift Versus Full Facelift

Mini Facelift is ideal for patients with mild to moderate aging who want:

  • Shorter incisions and less visible scarring
  • Faster recovery (typically 10-14 days to social activities)
  • More subtle, natural-looking enhancement
  • Lower cost than traditional facelift
  • Results lasting 5-7 years

Full Facelift is better suited for patients with advanced aging who need:

  • More comprehensive correction of sagging and excess skin
  • Neck lift component to address significant neck laxity
  • More dramatic, long-lasting results (10-15 years)
  • Correction of deeper structural changes
  • More extensive tissue repositioning

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I too young for a mini facelift?

Can I have a mini facelift if I had one before?

How soon can I wear makeup after a mini facelift?

What's the difference between a mini facelift and a thread lift?

Am I too young for a mini facelift?

Mini facelift is often ideal for patients in their 40s to early 60s experiencing early signs of aging. There's no specific "right age"—candidacy depends on your individual aging patterns and concerns rather than a number.

Can I have a mini facelift if I had one before?

Possibly. Some patients choose to have a second mini facelift years later as maintenance. However, repeat mini facelifts become increasingly challenging due to limited tissue availability.

How soon can I wear makeup after a mini facelift?

You can typically resume wearing makeup once the incisions have healed, usually within 7 to 10 days. Use mineral-based makeup and be gentle around incision areas.

What's the difference between a mini facelift and a thread lift?

Thread lifts use dissolvable sutures to temporarily lift sagging skin without surgery, with results lasting 1-2 years. A mini facelift involves surgical tightening of the underlying structures for more significant, longer-lasting results (5-7 years). Thread lifts require no downtime but provide much more subtle improvement than a mini facelift.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Discover how a mini facelift can refresh your appearance and restore youthful definition to your lower face and jawline. Contact Athēnix today to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons in Brentwood. 

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