A mini facelift is a shorter-scar lift designed to treat early jowls and mild loosening along the jawline and lower cheeks. It suits people with early signs of ageing who do not yet need a full facelift, and typically involves a shorter operation and recovery.
Price: From £8,000 (local anaesthetic); £9,500 (general anaesthetic) · Consultation £150, charged separately · Full price list
What is a mini facelift?
A mini facelift, sometimes called a short-scar facelift, lifts and tightens the deeper supporting tissue of the lower face, known as the SMAS, and removes a small amount of excess skin. It uses shorter incisions around the front of the ear than a full facelift and focuses on the jawline and lower cheeks. It does not usually address significant neck laxity, which generally requires a neck lift or a full face and neck lift.
Who is a mini facelift suitable for?
A mini facelift may suit adults aged 18 and over, often in their 40s or 50s, who have early jowling and mild softening of the jawline, reasonable skin elasticity and minimal loose neck skin. Candidates should be in good health and non-smokers or willing to stop. If you have more advanced changes, particularly in the neck, Mr Nassab may advise that a full facelift or deep plane face and neck lift would give a better and longer-lasting result. Non-surgical options, such as dermal fillers or skin tightening, may help very early changes but do not lift sagging tissue in the same way.
Technique
- Incisions: shorter incisions run in the natural crease in front of the ear and may extend a short distance around the earlobe, avoiding the long scar behind the ear used in a full facelift.
- SMAS lift: the deeper tissue layer is tightened, either by folding and stitching (plication) or by removing a strip and suturing it (SMASectomy), to lift the jowls and define the jawline.
- Skin redraping: the skin is redraped without tension and a small amount of excess is removed.
- Combined procedures: a mini facelift can be combined with procedures such as blepharoplasty or fat grafting where appropriate.
Mr Nassab will explain whether a mini facelift or a more extensive lift better suits your anatomy.
What happens on the day
A mini facelift can be performed under local anaesthetic, with or without sedation, or under general anaesthetic, and usually takes around two hours. It is often a day case. Mr Nassab will mark the incisions and confirm the plan. Afterwards a light dressing is applied and you will be asked to rest with your head elevated. You will need someone to take you home and stay with you for the first night.
Recovery timeline
- First week: swelling, bruising and tightness around the cheeks and jawline are expected. Keep your head elevated and avoid bending and strenuous activity.
- Days 7–10: stitches are removed. Many people feel comfortable returning to work and being seen socially after around ten days to two weeks.
- Weeks 2–4: most bruising has faded, though some swelling and numbness around the ears persists.
- Weeks 4–6: gradual return to exercise as advised.
- 3–6 months: swelling settles fully and scars continue to fade.
These timings are typical and your own recovery may differ.
Risks and possible complications
Risks include bleeding and haematoma, infection, visible or stretched scars, numbness of the cheeks and ears (usually improving over months), asymmetry, irregularity, changes in the shape of the earlobe, hair loss near incisions, and, rarely, injury to branches of the facial nerve affecting facial movement, which is usually temporary. General risks include anaesthetic reactions and blood clots. Contact your surgical team urgently if you develop rapidly increasing swelling or pain on one side of the face.
Results and cost
A mini facelift aims to give a fresher, more defined jawline with a natural appearance. Because it is less extensive, results may not last as long as a full facelift, and ageing continues after any procedure. A mini facelift with Mr Nassab costs from £8,000 under local anaesthetic or from £9,500 under general anaesthetic. For comparison, a full facelift is from £14,500 and a deep plane face and neck lift from £18,500. Your price will be confirmed after consultation. The consultation fee of £150 is separate.
Why choose Mr Nassab
Mr Reza Nassab FRCS (Plast) is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery (GMC 4704243). He is a Council member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and Chair of the ISAPS Social Media Working Group, and consults in Manchester, Knutsford (Cheshire) and London. He performs a range of facial rejuvenation procedures, from mini facelifts to deep plane face and neck lifts, and will recommend the approach he considers most appropriate rather than the largest or smallest option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a mini facelift and a full facelift?
A mini facelift uses shorter incisions and focuses on early jowls and the jawline, with a shorter recovery. A full facelift treats more advanced changes, usually including the neck.
Can a mini facelift be done under local anaesthetic?
Yes, it can often be performed under local anaesthetic, with or without sedation, although some patients prefer or are advised to have a general anaesthetic.
How long does a mini facelift last?
Results are long-lasting, but generally not as long as a full facelift. Ageing continues, so the face will keep changing over time.
Will a mini facelift tighten my neck?
A mini facelift has a limited effect on the neck. If neck laxity is a concern, a neck lift or deep plane face and neck lift may be recommended.
Where are the scars?
The scars sit in the natural crease in front of the ear and around the earlobe, and usually fade well over several months.
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