Why the Mini-Facelift Has Made a Big Return
The facelift is getting a modern makeover and this time, it’s all about doing less to achieve more. The mini facelift—once considered a less effective alternative to a full lift—is making a major comeback. With hidden incisions, quicker recovery times and a more natural look, it’s becoming the go-to choice for younger patients looking to prevent aging rather than correct it.
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What is a mini facelift?
The mini facelift, often called a short-scar facelift, is a less invasive version of the traditional facelift. Unlike a full facelift, which typically involves extensive incisions and repositioning of deeper facial tissues, the mini facelift focuses on early signs of aging along the jawline and lower face.
“The biggest difference between a mini facelift and a full facelift is the extent of the lift,” says Beverly Hills facial plastic surgeon Kimberly Lee, MD. “A mini facelift results in more subtle improvements and is usually reserved for younger patients who don’t have significant jowling or skin laxity.”
New York facial plastic surgeon Lee Ann Klausner, MD, agrees that the procedure typically involves shorter incisions hidden in natural creases around the ears and does not usually extend into the posterior hairline or temples.
Why is it back?
The days of waiting until your 50s or 60s to get a facelift are over. Today, patients in their late 30s and 40s opt for this “facelift light” surgery as a preventative measure rather than a corrective one.
“There’s a growing trend toward prevention instead of correction,” says Dr. Lee. “I’m seeing both men and women come in for facelifts much earlier than before. The facelifts we’re performing today are very different from those of past generations—we’re using smaller, more hidden incisions that provide maximum results while maintaining a natural look.”
Dr. Klausner notes faster recovery times have also fueled the mini facelift’s resurgence. “Patients today want to look better, not different,” she says. “The mini facelift offers a refreshed look without the stigma of major surgery and with much less downtime.”
The Modern-Day Mini Facelift
While the term “mini” might suggest a compromise in results, today’s mini facelifts are far from the quick-fix, skin-tightening procedures of the past.
“We’ve advanced both our techniques and instruments,” says Dr. Lee. “Incisions are smaller and more discreet and the results appear natural, not overly tightened or stretched.”
Dr. Klausner explains that the modern approach is to customize the surgery to each patient. “They may or may not include a deep plane technique and they are flexible in their design, catering to the patient’s main concerns.”
For those with more advanced laxity, a necklift may be added to address excess skin and muscle banding in the neck.
Who’s a Good Candidate?
Unlike a full facelift, often recommended for patients with significant sagging in the lower face and neck, the mini-facelift is best suited for those with mild to moderate skin laxity who still have good facial structure.
“The ideal candidate is usually someone in their 30s or 40s experiencing early jowling, marionette lines or sagging skin along the jawline,” says Dr. Lee. “The results are subtle but effective—a smoother, firmer jawline, lifted cheeks and a more defined profile.”
Dr. Klausner notes that patients at or near their goal weight will see the best results. “Some patients notice an improvement simply by retracting the skin along the jawline,” she says. “If that small adjustment makes a visible difference, it may be a great option.”
For those with more advanced laxity, this procedure can still offer a noticeable improvement but is considered a short- to intermediate-term solution, lasting around five years compared to the 10 plus years often seen with a full facelift.
Why More People Are Choosing It
The stigma around facelifts is fading and a more subtle, natural approach to aging is taking its place. “It’s not about removing every line and wrinkle,” says Dr. Lee. “It’s about looking like the best version of yourself, not someone else.”
