What Is a Mini Facelift?

If you notice mild sagging along your jawline, early jowls, or loose skin in your lower cheeks, you may be considering options to address these concerns. A mini facelift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure designed to lift and tighten the lower third of your face. It uses small incisions, resulting in a shorter recovery than a traditional facelift. Often called a weekend or limited incision facelift, this procedure addresses signs of aging typically with less downtime. Discover what leads to these facial changes, how the mini facelift works, and whether it might be an ideal choice for you.

What Does a Mini Facelift Treat?

A mini facelift focuses on the lower face, where many first notice visible aging. You may see loose skin near the jawline, early jowls, or reduced firmness in the lower cheeks. These changes can happen as your body produces less collagen, which affects how well your skin holds its shape.

A mini facelift can help improve the following:

• Loose or sagging skin along the jawline
• Early development of jowls
• Loss of firmness in the lower cheeks
• Softening or drooping in the lower third of the face

During the procedure, your surgeon makes small incisions near your ears to access deeper facial layers. They gently lift and reposition these tissues to improve the shape and support of your lower face. This helps define the jawline and smooth areas where sagging has developed.

A mini facelift targets specific areas. It does not treat the neck or upper face. Some people combine it with other treatments such as BOTOX® or dermal fillers, for more comprehensive results.

How Does a Mini Facelift Differ from a Traditional Facelift?

A mini facelift uses smaller incisions and less tissue movement than a complete facelift, often resulting in a shorter recovery. Most people return to their regular activities within one to two weeks.

This procedure is a good fit for people with mild to moderate aging in the lower face. It focuses only on areas that need attention, helping you look refreshed while keeping your natural features.

Results may last several years, depending on your skin, age, and lifestyle habits. While it won’t stop aging, it can help maintain facial definition over time or delay the need for more extensive procedures in the future.

When Should You Consider This Option?

You might consider a mini facelift in your late 30s to 50s, especially if non-surgical treatments no longer give you the desired results.

This procedure may be a good fit if you:

• Are noticing early signs of aging in your lower face
• Want longer-lasting results than fillers or skin tightening
• Prefer a less invasive option with a shorter recovery
• Want to treat one area without altering your overall appearance

It addresses visible aging in a specific area with less downtime, resulting in a more balanced and well-defined appearance.

Learn More About the Mini Facelift

If mild sagging in your lower face impacts your confidence, a mini facelift at J. Hopkins Plastic Surgery can help restore definition and balance. By addressing early signs of aging, this treatment can refresh your appearance, improve facial contours, and support a more refreshed look. Learn more about a mini facelift and how it can help you achieve a more rejuvenated look.