The Mini Facelift: Understanding Why I Don’t Offer This Procedure

In the world of facial plastic surgery, the term “mini facelift” has gained popularity, often marketed as a less invasive, more affordable alternative to a more comprehensive Deep Plane Facelift. Patients hear promises of quicker recovery times, minimal incisions, and a refreshed appearance—all without the commitment of full facial surgery.

As a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing exclusively in facial rejuvenation surgery, I have chosen not to offer the mini facelifts in my practice. While the concept may sound appealing, the procedure often fails to meet my standards of long-term effectiveness, natural results, and true facial rejuvenation.

Here’s an in-depth look at why I don’t perform mini facelifts and what I recommend instead.

What Is a Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift is often marketed as a less invasive surgical procedure aimed at correcting mild to moderate signs of aging in the lower face. The technique typically is advertised as having:

• Shorter incisions than a more comprehensive facelift
•  Reduced recovery time, sometimes advertised as a “weekend lift.”

At first glance, this may seem like an ideal option for patients looking to rejuvenate their facial appearance with less downtime. However, there are critical concerns regarding the longevity and effectiveness of this approach.

Why I Don’t Offer the Mini Facelift

1. The Results Are Superficial and Short-Lived

A true facelift is not just about removing excess skin—it’s about addressing the deeper structural elements of the face. The Deep Plane Facelift – a procedure which I perform on over 150 patients a year - repositions the deeper structural layers of the face that produce the sings of aging. This produces a much more meaningful result that looks natural and is long-lasting.

A 2020 study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that deep Plane Facelift provide significantly longer-lasting results than superficial facelifts, including mini facelifts, because they correct age-related structural changes at a deeper level [1].

By contrast, a mini facelift primarily tightens the skin, often without significantly repositioning the underlying fatty deposits or muscle layers. Because aging occurs beneath the skin at the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer, simply pulling the skin or muscle layer (instead of releasing and repositioning it) offers temporary improvement. Many patients who undergo a mini facelift find that their results last only one to three years, compared to 10-15 years with a deep Plane Facelift [2].

2. Skin-Only Lifting Can Lead to an Unnatural Look

One of the most common pitfalls of a mini facelift is that it tightens the skin without adequately supporting deeper structures. This can create a windblown, pulled, or artificial appearance, particularly around the ears and jawline.

Research from the Aesthetic Surgery Journal supports the idea that mini facelifts often fail to provide the natural-looking, comprehensive rejuvenation seen with deep Plane Facelift [3].

3. Mini Facelifts Often Require Revision Surgery

Because the mini facelift is limited in scope, many patients find themselves disappointed when the initial improvements fade more quickly than expected. Often, within just a few years, sagging reappears, prompting patients to seek a revision procedure.

A 2019 study in Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America reported that mini facelift patients were more likely to require secondary procedures compared to those who underwent a deep Plane Facelift, particularly in the lower face and jawline [4].

4. The Cost Isn’t Just Financial—It’s Emotional Too

One of the reasons some patients are drawn to a mini facelift is its perceived affordability. Nevertheless, the true cost of a mini facelift adds up when considering:

• The short-lived results, requiring additional procedures sooner.
• The emotional frustration of seeing results fade quickly.
• The cost of revision surgery or alternative procedures down the line.

Investing in a deep plane facelift provides better value both financially and emotionally—by delivering beautiful results that stand the test of time.

Final Thoughts: Why I Choose Quality Over Convenience

I understand why the idea of a mini facelift is appealing—it promises rejuvenation without the downtime of a traditional facelift. It seems less intimidating to patients than a more comprehensive facelift. One may even feel that they’re “not bad enough for a ‘full facelift’ yet”, and therefore opt for a mini lift. As a surgeon who has dedicated my career to facial rejuvenation surgery, performing over 150 Deep Plane Facelift yearly, my experience has shown me:

1. Incisions from Mini Lifts are often no smaller than incisions I make for a more compressive Deep Plane Facelift. In fact, I often find that incisions from mini lifts heal poorly, as the tension on the skin makes these scars wide and often visible.
2. The downtime from a mini lift is often not significantly less than the downtime for a more comprehensive deep Plane Facelift. The majority of my patients are socially presentable around 2 weeks after surgery, and I often find patients are more bruised after mini lifts than my Deep Plane Facelift.
3. The only thing Mini about a mini lift is the result.

Lasting facial rejuvenation requires anatomical precision, structural lifting, and a deep understanding of facial harmony. Performing a procedure I don’t fully believe in—one that produces short-lived, often unsatisfactory results—would be a disservice to my patients. My goal is always to provide exceptional care, natural outcomes, and the highest standard of expertise.

If you are considering facial plastic surgery and want results that last, look natural, and require minimal future intervention, I encourage you to explore procedures that truly address the aging process at its core.

Sources

[1] Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal (2020)
[2] National Library of Medicine (2020)
[3] Aesthetic Surgery Journal (2016)
[4] Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America (2019)
[5] National Center for Biotechnology Information (2020)