What Is a Mini Facelift

A mini facelift, also known as a temporal facelift, is a less invasive surgical procedure that addresses the signs of aging on the upper face and jawline. It lifts the outer part of the eyebrow and tightens the skin around the corner of the eye and upper cheekbone.

Since the mini-facelift involves a shorter, s-shaped incision around the ear, it cannot address excess skin and sagging in the neck area. Still, the mini facelift is one of the best upper facelift procedures and expected to be a popular plastic surgery trend in 2020.

The ideal candidate for a mini facelift is a younger patient with mild to moderate signs of aging. Typically, patients are under the age of 50 and don’t have a lot of excess skin or neck skin laxity. The candidate should be someone who hasn’t gained or lost a lot of weight.

A mini facelift is best at addressing wrinkling and sagging skin in the face and jawline immediately in front of the ear. The procedure is typically performed in either the office of a plastic surgeon in Fort Lauderdale or a hospital using local anesthesia and a mild sedative.

The Difference Between a Facelift and a Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is a less invasive and less aggressive face surgery procedure compared to a normal or “full” facelift. There are several variations on the procedure, but a mini facelift will always use a shorter incision around the ear. Depending on your plastic surgeon and what you need, a mini facelift can involve lifting the mid-face or lifting the entire facial region.

Since the mini facelift is performed under local anesthesia, there is a lower risk for complications. The shorter scars also mean a shorter recovery time. Patients experience a healing process that involves less pain and swelling. Mini facelifts are also more affordable than full facelifts.

Mini Facelift Cost and Recovery Time

We have established that a mini facelift is a more affordable option. So, how much is a mini facelift? According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a mini facelift is from $4,000 to $8,000.¹ Since a mini facelift is a cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by health insurance.

The recovery time after a mini facelift is typically shorter than the recovery time after a full facelift. There will be less swelling, bruising, and pain. Many patients can go back to work one week after the procedure. Still, complete recovery is expected only after several weeks. Despite a mini facelift being less invasive, you still want a board-certified plastic surgeon to complete the procedure.

If you would like to find out if a mini facelift is right for you, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Zoran to talk about your options. We’d love to hear from you and help restore your youth! Contact us today.

Sources

1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons – 2018 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report

Faith

Dr. Zoran Potparic is a board certified plastic surgeon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, committed to performing surgery of the highest quality, safety, and artistry. He applies his years of global study and research, as well as more than 30 years of hands-on experience performing reconstructive and cosmetic surgery for patients coming from all over the United States.