A mini facelift is a less extensive type of facelift surgery that can address the signs of ageing in the lower face and along the jawline. This procedure is ideal for patients who want to reduce the appearance of jowls and excess skin in the lower one-third of the face.

What is a Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift helps address early signs of ageing in the lower third of the face and neck. This type of procedure is ideal for patients with minimal signs of ageing in the lower area of the face and along the jawline. During a mini facelift procedure, Dr Turner lifts the skin in the lower face upwards and removes excess skin. This in turn reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and excess skin.

What’s the Difference Between a Mini Facelift and Other Types of Facelifts?

Mini facelift vs. Skin-only facelift: Unlike a mini facelift, the skin-only facelift doesn’t lift any soft tissue. Instead, it only tightens the surface of the skin without addressing deeper tissue layers. On the other hand, a mini facelift involves lifting and tightening the underlying facial tissues, repositioning fat pads if necessary, and removing excess skin.
Mini facelift vs. Ponytail facelift: For the ponytail facelift, the incisions are made through the hairline and around the ears to access the deeper tissues of the face. Moreover, the ponytail facelift focuses on lifting the midface instead of the lower face as a mini facelift does.
Mini facelift vs. MACS facelift: The MACS facelift is a technique that lifts and repositions deeper facial structures with three main stitches. On the other hand, a mini facelift typically uses smaller incisions to lift and tighten the underlying facial tissues
Mini facelift vs. SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) facelift: The SMAS facelift can lift the deep and soft tissue in the face and neck, including the SMAS layer. However, this results in longer scars that extend behind the ear. In contrast, a mini facelift uses smaller incisions and focuses on lifting and tightening the superficial layers of facial tissue.
Mini facelift vs. Deep plane facelift: A mini facelift is a less extensive surgical procedure compared to a deep plane facelift as it involves smaller incisions and limited tissue manipulation. Conversely, a deep plane facelift is a more comprehensive procedure as it involves more extensive lifting and restructuring of the deeper layers of tissue in the midface, lower face, and neck.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Mini Facelift?

You’re an ideal candidate for a mini facelift if:

You have minimal jowling and descending skin on the lower third of your face.
You’re healthy and don’t have any untreated medical conditions that prevent you from being under anaesthesia for the duration of the procedure.
You’re a non-smoker or stopped smoking at least four weeks before the mini facelift surgery.

During your consultation, Dr Turner will ask about the changes you’ve noticed in your face and what you’re hoping to achieve after the procedure. Then, he’ll be able to tell which surgery can help address these changes and what are its benefits and potential risks.

How Do You Prepare Yourself For a Mini Facelift?

Here are some things you can do to get yourself ready for a mini facelift procedure:

Keep your skin hydrated: Drinking plenty of water in the weeks before your mini facelift flushes the toxins out of your body and keeps your skin hydrated.
Wear sunscreen: Before your mini facelift procedure, apply sunscreen on your face every day before you go out. This will help prevent further skin damage to your face.
Quit smoking: Smoking damages the collagen in your skin and restricts your blood flow. Stop smoking at least four weeks before a mini facelift to avoid wound-healing problems and other complications after the procedure.
Avoid alcohol: Alcohol thins your blood and increases your risk of bleeding. Avoid drinking alcohol 2-3 days before a mini facelift.
Adjust your medications: Meds like anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and herbal supplements can interfere with the anaesthesia or cause excessive bleeding and bruising. Consult Dr Turner on when you should stop taking herbal supplements, certain vitamins, and other OTC meds before a mini facelift surgery.

How is a Mini Facelift Performed?

A mini facelift can be done under general anaesthesia. Dr Turner will do the following:

First, he’ll make a small incision in front of each ear that’s well hidden in the natural curves of the ear.
Then, the skin and soft tissue layers are separated from the deeper muscle layer.
Next, Dr Turner gently pulls the skin and soft tissue up toward the ear to tighten the skin. The excess skin is then removed.
Finally, the incisions will be closed using stitches.

Dr Scott Turner customises each facelift surgery according to the specific needs of his patients.

How long does it take to Recover from a Mini Facelift?

After a mini facelift, you can expect some bruising and swelling in the face. Recovery from a mini facelift can take 1-3 weeks depending on the extent of surgery and your healing ability. Before your procedure, arrange some time off from work and other responsibilities.

Plan to rest for at least a week after a mini facelift without spending too much energy. During the first week, try to let your body use most of your energy for healing. Avoid exercising for 3 weeks to reduce the amount of swelling in your face.

Mini Facelift Potential Complications

Like any other surgery, a mini facelift might cause complications, such as:

Wound infection
Haematoma ( build-up of blood under the skin)
Seroma (fluid build-up under the skin)
Skin necrosis (the skin along the incision line becomes much darker in colour or even black, which can result in additional scarring)

Can You Combine a Mini Facelift with Other Procedures?

A mini facelift can be combined with other cosmetic procedures for a more comprehensive result. These include:

A facial fat transfer or cheek augmentation to add volume to the face
A brow lift or a forehead lift
An upper or lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)

Dr Turner can combine a mini facelift with complementary procedures to address other areas of your face.

What’s the Cost Of a Mini Facelift?

Several factors can make a difference in how much a mini facelift surgery costs, including:

The complexity of the procedure
Other complementary cosmetic procedures combined with a mini facelift
The type of anaesthetic used
The location of the facility where you’ll have the surgery

After examining you and going over the details of the procedure, Dr Turner will be able to give an estimate of the costs associated with a mini facelift surgery.

You can check out the Plastic Surgery Pricing and Payment Plans for Dr Scott Turner by clicking on this link: Surgery Pricing and Payment Plans for Dr Scott Turner Plastic Surgeon

Please phone Dr Turner’s team for an estimate.

Is It Worth having a Mini Facelift?

Keep in mind that a mini facelift isn’t for everyone. It’s ideal for people with minimal signs of ageing in the lower third of the face. People who have more extensive or advanced signs of ageing in the face might need a more comprehensive procedure to address their concerns.

Before a facelift procedure, it is important to:

Take your time researching your plastic surgeon. Check for training, accreditation, area of specialty, and years of experience. You can also check their patient’s mini facelift reviews.
Make sure your surgeon offers a complete package, including the support you’ll need during your recovery.
Check out the facility where your surgeon operates to make sure it follows proper sterilisation and health measurements.

Finally, communicate clearly with your surgeon about your cosmetic concerns and goals. Dr Turner will tailor your mini facelift procedure based on your individual cosmetic goals.

FAQs about the Mini Facelift

How long do the results of a mini facelift last?

A mini facelift offers long-term results that can last for up to 10 years. However, it is important to keep in mind that the procedure cannot stop the effects of ageing. After the procedure, your face and skin will continue to age, which is completely normal. So, you may need another surgery or a different facelift in the future.

Are mini facelifts effective?

This procedure is ideal for patients with early signs of ageing in the face. However, patients with more advanced facial ageing may need a different type of facelift.

How painful is a mini facelift?

A mini facelift is performed under general anaesthesia. While pain perception will vary from patient to patient, you may experience pain, swelling, and bruising after the procedure.

Next Steps

Always Do Your Research

Enquire to find out more about your surgery.
Please read our website to learn more about your intended procedure.

Do you need a Medical Referral to see Dr Turner?

A medical referral is helpful but NOT essential for purely cosmetic consultations.
Please obtain a referral from your GP or Specialist if you want a consultation for an MBS item number surgery.
Please note that your Medicare Rebates will NOT be claimable without a valid recent Medical Referral.

Making The Most of Your Consultation

Please arrive early for your in-person consultation.
You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to help consider the information and discuss your options.
Ensure you also take a lot of notes during the consultation and thoroughly examine all the documents provided.

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

Find out more about pricing and payment plans
Request more information about the procedure – call or contact us

How to Book Your Consultation

You can book your initial consultation by paying the $350 cosmetic consultation fee in advance – when you make your appointment.

Book a Phone Call for More Info

To find out more information about surgery you can book a FREE 15-minute phone conversation with our Friendly Patient Care team via Calendly- Book Consultant 1 or Book Consultant 2.

Email us for more information: [email protected]

What is a Mini Facelift Surgery ?