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Home » Blog » What Does a Mini Facelift Include? Here’s What’s Really Covered

What Does a Mini Facelift Include? Here’s What’s Really Covered

06/06/2025 by Homer Hojjat, MD

Happy woman touching her face, showcasing natural and youthful appearance after undergoing a mini facelift procedure.
A mini facelift offers facial rejuvenation with quicker recovery and less scarring.

The mini facelift has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure for people who want to rejuvenate their appearance without undergoing the more extensive surgery of a traditional facelift. While it offers a quicker recovery and minimal scarring, many people still wonder: What does a mini facelift include? This article will break down everything you need to know about the procedure, the areas it targets, and how it differs from other facelift options.

If you’re looking to regain a youthful appearance but aren’t ready for a full facelift, the mini facelift could be the right solution for you. Dr. Homer Hojjat, a skilled and trusted facial plastic surgeon, provides patients with exceptional care and beautiful, natural results. Read on to learn more about what this procedure entails.

Mini Facelift: Important Things to Consider

  1. A mini facelift is a less invasive procedure that primarily focuses on the lower face and neck.
  2. It helps to tighten loose skin and improve the appearance of the jawline and jowls.
  3. The recovery time is generally shorter than that of a full facelift.
  4. A mini facelift does not address volume loss or heavy neck sagging.
  5. Dr. Hojjat’s expertise ensures a personalized treatment plan and optimal results.

What Really Is a Mini Facelift Procedure?

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A mini facelift is a more limited, more targeted version of a traditional facelift. While a full facelift addresses a broader range of facial areas, a mini facelift is ideal for those experiencing early signs of aging in specific regions of the face, such as the lower cheeks and jawline. It involves smaller incisions, less skin removal, and a quicker recovery period.

During the procedure, Dr. Hojjat makes small, discreet incisions around the ears to access the underlying muscles and tissues. These muscles are then tightened to lift and reposition the skin. This results in a more youthful, refreshed appearance, with minimal scarring.

Unlike a full facelift, a mini facelift does not require extensive surgery or general anesthesia. In fact, many patients can undergo the procedure under local anesthesia with light sedation, which reduces risks and leads to a quicker recovery.

What Areas Does a Mini Facelift Treat?

A mini facelift is particularly effective at addressing the following areas of the face:

Lower Face (Jawline & Jowls)

As we age, the skin on the lower face often sags, forming jowls and creating a loss of definition along the jawline. The mini facelift can help lift and smooth these areas, restoring a firmer, more youthful contour to the lower face.

Lower Cheeks

The lower cheek area is another target for the mini facelift. As time passes, the skin in this region tends to lose its elasticity, causing sagging. The procedure gently lifts the skin and tightens the underlying muscles, improving the overall shape and smoothness of the lower cheeks.

Neckline (Minimal)

While a mini facelift can provide subtle improvements to the neckline by tightening mild sagging or loose skin, it is not intended to correct significant neck aging, such as deep folds or bands. For more dramatic results in the neck area, a neck lift or full facelift may be a better option.

Procedure Gallery

Mini Facelift Before and After Photos

Mini Lift Before and After Photos in CA, Irvine, Patient 2010
Mini Lift Before and After Photos in CA, Irvine, Patient 2819
Mini Lift Before and After Photos in CA, Irvine, Patient 2845

* All patients are unique and individual results may vary.

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What a Mini Facelift Surgery Doesn’t Cover

While a mini facelift provides impressive results for many patients, it is important to understand its limitations. Here’s what it does not treat:

Midface, Under-Eye Area

A mini facelift does not target the midface or under-eye area, which may show signs of aging such as volume loss or dark circles. For these concerns, additional procedures like eyelid surgery or dermal fillers may be needed.

Heavy Neck Sagging or Banding

If you have significant sagging or pronounced neck bands, a mini facelift may not offer the desired results. Instead, a more comprehensive neck lift or full facelift may be necessary to address these concerns.

Volume Loss

A mini facelift focuses on tightening skin and improving the contours of the face, but it does not restore lost volume. If you’ve noticed hollow cheeks or thin lips, additional treatments like dermal fillers or fat grafting may be required to restore volume to the face.

Mini Facelift vs. Full Facelift vs. Deep Plane Facelift

When it comes to facelifts, there are different options, each suited to specific needs. Let’s take a look at how a mini facelift compares to a full facelift and a deep plane facelift:

Facelift TypeMini FaceliftFull FaceliftDeep Plane Facelift
Ideal CandidateMild to moderate signs of aging in the lower faceSignificant signs of aging in the lower face and neckAdvanced aging with deeper skin sagging in the lower face and neck
Incision SizeSmaller, more discreetLarger, more visible incisionsLarger incisions under the skin layers
Procedure FocusJawline, lower cheeks, minimal necklineLower face and neckLower face, neck, and midface; more comprehensive approach, addresses deeper layers of tissue
Recovery TimeAbout 1-2 weeksAbout 3-4 weeksAbout 3-4 weeks
ResultsSubtle, natural improvementsMore dramatic results for overall facial rejuvenationMajor transformation with more dramatic changes

Each of these facelift techniques has its own advantages. The choice depends on the extent of aging and the specific areas you wish to address.

See if your concerns can be addressed with a mini facelift

Dr. Hojjat will evaluate your facial structure and goals in a personal appointment.

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Why Choose Dr. Homer Hojjat for Your Plastic Surgery?

Dr. Homer Hojjat is a trusted facial plastic surgeon with years of experience in performing mini facelifts. He has a reputation for delivering beautiful, natural-looking results tailored to each patient’s needs. With his expertise, you can be confident that your procedure will be performed with the highest level of precision and care.

His practice, SoCal Aesthetic Surgery, is known for providing personalized treatment plans designed to give patients the best possible outcomes. Whether you’re considering a mini facelift or another cosmetic procedure, Dr. Hojjat’s thorough consultation process will ensure that your goals are addressed.

What If Neck Aging Is Your Main Concern?

If neck aging is your main concern, a mini facelift can offer some improvement, but it is typically not the best option for more advanced issues like heavy neck sagging or visible neck bands. In such cases, a neck lift, full facelift or deep plane facelift may be the better choice. These procedures are more comprehensive and address the full scope of neck aging.

For patients concerned with both their lower face and neck, a neck lift combined with a mini facelift can provide remarkable results, rejuvenating both areas simultaneously.

Close-up of mature woman’s neck with visible wrinkles, illustrating need for a neck lift over a mini facelift.
Neck lifts are ideal for addressing sagging skin and neck bands beyond the scope of a mini facelift.

Are You a Candidate for a Mini Facelift?

Ideal candidates for a mini facelift are individuals who are in good health and experiencing early to moderate signs of aging, such as jowls, loose skin on the jawline, or sagging in the lower cheeks and neck. This procedure is especially effective for patients who are not yet ready for a full facelift and want a less invasive option with a shorter recovery time.

The best way to determine if you’re a candidate for a mini facelift is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hojjat. During this appointment, he will assess your facial features, listen to your concerns, and recommend the most suitable procedure for you.

Consult with an Expert Surgeon Who Specializes in Facial Rejuvenation

If you’re considering a mini facelift, Dr. Hojjat is here to guide you through every step of the process. From your initial consultation to your post-surgery recovery, you’ll receive the highest level of care and attention. Don’t wait to restore your youthful appearance – schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a more refreshed, vibrant you!

FAQs about Mini Facelift

Is a mini facelift a permanent solution?

A mini facelift offers long-lasting results, but it is not permanent. Over time, natural aging will continue, and the skin may begin to show signs of aging again. However, the results can last for many years.

How soon will I see results after a mini facelift?

Most patients begin to see visible improvements within a few weeks after the procedure, although full results may take several months to fully develop as swelling subsides.

Can a mini facelift fix asymmetry in the lower face?

Yes, a mini facelift can help correct asymmetry in the lower face by lifting and tightening the skin, resulting in a more balanced and symmetrical appearance.

How do I know if I need a mini facelift or just fillers?

A mini facelift procedure may cost less than a traditional facelift procedure because it’s a less invasive surgery. A full facelift procedure involves more extensive work and often a longer surgical time, which can increase the average cost. However, the total cost will vary depending on the surgeon, location, type of procedure, and any additional facial plastic surgery procedures like brow lift, Botox or laser skin resurfacing.

What are the risks and benefits of a mini facelift compared to other procedures?

The benefits of a mini facelift procedure include quicker recovery and small incisions. It’s ideal for early signs of aging but may not address issues like heavy neck skin. Compared to a full facelift or neck lift, a mini facelift has fewer risks and side effects but offers less dramatic results. Discussing options with your surgeon helps you choose the best procedure based on your needs.

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