Facelift – Mini

Mini Facelift in San Diego

Sometimes called a “short-scar facelift” or “limited incision lift,” a mini facelift is an attractive option if you notice the first signs of jowls and sagging skin. A mini facelift addresses mild to moderate facial aging using a less invasive technique than our board-certified plastic surgeons use during traditional facelift surgery, targeting the lower face, jawline, and upper neck.  

Even subtle changes can restore a more youthful look that matches the energy and active lifestyles that so many of our San Diego mini facelift patients lead. Our surgeons are known for creating results that look natural.  

Is a Mini Facelift Right for You? How To Know if You’re a Good Candidate 

If you’ve caught yourself trying to elevate your chin during Zoom meetings to create the appearance of a more well-defined jawline, it might be time to think about a mini facelift. Many women and men who get mini facelift surgery at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre are in their 40s or early 50s and want a more refreshed look without the overhaul and recovery time of a full facelift.  

Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking about getting a mini facelift: 

• Is the skin on your jaw starting to sag, showing early signs of jowls? 
• Do you notice “smile lines” beginning to develop around your mouth? 
• Are you in generally good health with no underlying medical conditions? 
• Do you smoke? 

If you answered “yes” to the first 3 questions and “no” to being a smoker, a mini facelift could likely help you get the desired results.  

What Are the Risks of a Mini Facelift?

All surgery includes risk and the potential for complications to occur. For facelift patients, the risks depend in part on the extent of the procedure. In other words, there is less risk associated with a mini facelift than with a full or deep plane facelift.

The specific risks for all facelift procedures are infection, bleeding, poor healing, and injury to facial nerves (usually temporary but can be permanent). Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will review your entire health history carefully to ensure you are as safe as possible throughout every step of your surgery. 

How Long Is Facelift Recovery?

One of the benefits of a mini facelift is that the recovery time is a bit shorter than what’s needed after a complete facelift. You can expect to feel back to normal within about 7 to 10 days after the surgery, compared to 3 weeks following a full facelift.

How much time you take off work (for a desk job) depends partially on the level of privacy you desire. Some bruising and swelling can take 2 weeks or more before it’s less noticeable.