What Is a Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift is a focused version of a full facelift/neck lift. It targets mild to moderate sagging in a limited zone of the face or neck. This procedure focuses on lifting the skin and repositioning and shaping the underlying tissues to rejuvenate a specific portion of the face or neck.

Because the mini facelift is focused on a specific portion, it requires smaller incisions, often hidden around the ears, and takes less time to perform. Recovery time is also somewhat faster than a full facelift, making it an appealing option for those seeking noticeable results with less downtime.

Footer media

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift is best suited for individuals in their 40s to 50s and experiencing early signs of aging. It is particularly effective for patients who have:

  • Mild to moderate sagging around the jowls or chin
  • Loss of definition along the jawline
  • Laxity in the skin of the lower face and neck
  • Sagging or empty cheeks
  • Deepening of the facial folds with or without overhanging skin

Patients should be in good general health and have realistic expectations about the results. Those with more advanced aging concerns may benefit from a full facelift or other complementary procedures, such as a neck lift or eyelid surgery.

The Benefits of a Mini Facelift

The mini facelift in NYC offers several benefits for patients looking to address the initial signs of aging:

  • Natural-Looking Results: The procedure is designed to subtly enhance the contours of your face without creating an overdone or artificial appearance.
  • “Hidden” Incisions: Incisions are usually hidden in natural creases around the ears.
  • Less Invasive: With smaller incisions and less manipulation of the underlying tissues, the mini facelift is less invasive than a full facelift/necklift.
  • Faster Recovery: Basic recovery for most patients occurs within a week or two, allowing them to return to their daily activities more quickly than they would after a full facelift/necklift.
  • Targeted Results: A mini facelift focuses specifically on the zones where you already see skin sagging, making it ideal for those in the earlier stages of aging.
  • Long-Lasting Effects: While the mini facelift is less extensive, durability in the areas treated is excellent, providing long-lasting results.

The Mini Facelift Procedure

The mini facelift is performed using local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s preference and the extent of any associated procedures. During the surgery, Dr. Bass will make small incisions around the ears and hairline, carefully lifting and shaping the underlying facial connective tissues.  

Next, any excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is redraped to create a smoother, more defined and shaped appearance. Because the incisions are smaller and less invasive, the procedure is typically completed in a few hours.

Background media

Mini Facelift Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from a mini facelift is generally quicker than a full facelift/neck lift. Most patients can return to work and light activities within 7 to 10 days, though more strenuous activities should be avoided for at least 2 to 3 weeks.

During the initial recovery period, patients may experience:

  • Swelling and bruising
  • Mild discomfort, which can be managed with prescription pain relievers prescribed by Dr. Bass or often with acetaminophen alone
  • A sensation of tightness 
  • Temporary numbness or tingling in the treated areas

Dr. Bass will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery, including tips on caring for your incisions, when to return for follow-up appointments, and what to expect as your face heals. Full results will become more visible as swelling subsides over the following weeks.

Additional Complementary Procedures

Many patients choose to combine a mini facelift with other facial rejuvenation treatments to enhance their overall results. Some complementary procedures include:

  • Neck Lift: A neck lift can be performed alongside a mini facelift to address sagging or loose skin around the neck and under the chin.
  • Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): If patients have concerns about sagging or puffy eyelids, eyelid surgery can refresh the eye area and create a more youthful appearance.
  • Injectables (BOTOX® or Dermal Fillers): Non-surgical treatments like BOTOX® or fillers can help smooth wrinkles and restore lost volume to the face, providing a more comprehensive rejuvenation.
  • Laser Skin Resurfacing: For patients with wrinkles, uneven skin tone, texture, or sun damage, laser skin resurfacing or other energy-based treatments can improve skin quality and further enhance facelift results.

Schedule A Consultation

Contact Us
Contact us media

How Much Does a Mini Facelift in NYC Cost?

The price can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of the procedure, and the extent of the enhancements you're seeking. During your consultation, Dr. Bass will carefully evaluate your concerns and suggest a customized approach to achieve your desired results. Rest assured, Dr. Bass's fees are competitive within the field, and his staff will provide a detailed breakdown of any associated costs after your consultation. This ensures you have a clear understanding of what to expect, tailored to your unique situation.

Why Choose Dr. Bass for Your Mini Facelift?

Dr. Bass is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has been a leader in advancing facial rejuvenation over the past 3 decades that he has been in practice.  His approach to the mini facelift focuses on creating natural-looking results that align with each patient’s unique facial structure and aesthetic goals. Dr. Bass takes the time to understand your concerns and develops a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

By using advanced surgical techniques and prioritizing patient safety, Dr. Bass ensures that every mini facelift procedure is performed with precision and care. His commitment to excellence and attention to detail have earned him a reputation for delivering outstanding results.

Doctor credentials
Doctor credentials
Doctor credentials
Doctor credentials
Doctor credentials
Doctor credentials

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re ready to refresh your appearance and restore a more youthful, defined look to your face, a mini facelift with Dr. Bass may be the ideal solution. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how this procedure can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Logo media
Banner media

Mini Facelift FAQs

How long is compression needed after a mini facelift?

How should I sleep after my mini facelift?

How does a mini facelift differ from a traditional facelift?

Does Dr. Bass offer a non-surgical alternative to a mini facelift?

Reviews media

How long is compression needed after a mini facelift?

A bulky bandage or compression garment will be in place on the night after the procedure. Compression garments may be worn for the first 3-4 days and are typically recommended at night, while sleeping, for the first two weeks after a mini facelift. These garments help reduce swelling, support proper healing, and maintain the procedure's results.

How should I sleep after my mini facelift?

After a mini facelift, you should sleep with your head elevated on several pillows or in a recliner. This position helps reduce swelling and promotes proper healing by keeping your head above your heart.

How does a mini facelift differ from a traditional facelift?

A mini facelift performs the same lifting, shaping, and support steps as a facelift but focuses on a more limited area of the face or neck. This means fewer incisions and reduced recovery to address mild to moderate sagging and aging in the specific zone of the face or neck that needs it at this time. The modern full facelift/neck lift, is designed to address more significant sagging across the entire face and neck.

Does Dr. Bass offer a non-surgical alternative to a mini facelift?

Yes, Dr. Bass offers non-surgical alternatives, including injectable treatments like dermal fillers, Botox, and skin lifting treatments like Ultherapy. These options are best suited to those individuals at the earliest stages of facial aging, or as a touchup several years after surgical lifting. Injectable treatments like dermal fillers and Botox, along with a variety of laser and energy-based treatments, address other issues of facial aging. While these options can improve skin quality and reduce fine lines, they do not address skin laxity to any meaningful degree to the extent that a surgical mini facelift does. A detailed consultation with Dr. Bass can provide various options for whatever facial aging changes concern you.

Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 212-593-2600.
ADA
Text
Questions? Text us.