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Mini Facelift in Washington, DC

Early signs of facial aging often appear along the jawline and around the mouth. You may notice the beginnings of jowls or less definition in the lower face, even while the rest of your face has changed very little. If these are your main concerns, a mini facelift may be worth considering.

The term “mini facelift” can mean different things depending on the surgeon and the patient’s needs. It often refers to a less extensive facelift that addresses early signs of facial aging, sometimes with shorter incisions, a quicker recovery, and in select cases, the ability to perform the procedure under local anesthesia. However, there is no single standardized mini facelift technique. At Center for Plastic Surgery, our surgeons evaluate each patient’s anatomy and goals to determine the most appropriate surgical approach, whether that’s a more limited facelift or a more comprehensive face and neck lift.

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Who Is a Good Candidate for a Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift is generally considered for people with early changes in the lower face, including:

  • Mild jowling or loose skin along the jawline
  • Mild to moderate sagging around the mouth
  • Loss of definition in the lower cheeks and jawline

Candidates are often in their late thirties or forties, but age alone does not determine whether the procedure is appropriate. The extent of sagging, skin quality and your goals matter more.

A mini facelift cannot correct significant neck laxity or more advanced facial sagging. In those cases, a full facelift, sometimes combined with a neck lift, may provide a more balanced result. Center for Plastic Surgery offers mini facelifts selectively after an in-person evaluation.

Mini Facelift vs. Full Facelift

Both procedures address facial sagging, but they differ in the areas treated, the extent of surgery and recovery.

Mini faceliftFull facelift
Areas treatedLower face, especially around the mouth and jawlineMore extensive lower-face changes; may be combined with a neck lift
Typically suited forMild to moderate saggingMore noticeable facial sagging
IncisionsLimited incisions, typically around the ears, that are shorter than those used for a traditional facelift.More extensive incisions around the ears; sometimes under the chin
AnesthesiaLocal anesthesia may be possible in selected casesDepends on the surgical plan and patient
Procedure timeUsually about 2–3 hoursVaries with the technique and combined procedures
RecoveryMay be shorterOften more involved
ResultsMore limited correction; longevity variesMore extensive correction; longevity varies

A mini facelift does not prevent you from having a full facelift later. Your surgeon can explain the likely benefits and limitations of each option based on your examination.

How a Mini Facelift Is Performed

A mini facelift generally uses shorter incisions placed around the ears. Through these incisions, the surgeon lifts the lower cheeks and jawline. The precise technique depends on the patient and surgical plan.

The procedure usually takes about two to three hours. Local anesthesia may be an option for some patients; your surgeon will discuss the appropriate anesthesia and surgical setting during your consultation.

Recovery and Results

Recovery can be shorter than with a traditional facelift, but swelling, bruising and healing time vary. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions and explain when you can return to work, exercise and other activities.

The goal is to improve early jowling and restore some definition to the lower face. A mini facelift provides less correction than a full facelift, and results may not last as long. Longevity depends on factors including your skin, age, surgical technique and lifestyle. Aging continues after any facelift.

Risks and Limitations

As with other facial surgeries, risks include bleeding, infection, anesthesia complications, facial nerve injury or weakness, numbness or changes in sensation, prolonged swelling, poor wound healing, visible scarring and hair loss near incisions. Your surgeon will review your individual risks and the limitations of the procedure before surgery.

Can a Mini Facelift Be Combined With Other Procedures?

Depending on your concerns, your surgeon may discuss a neck lift for loose neck skin or eyelid surgery or a brow lift for changes around the eyes and forehead. Combining procedures changes the surgical plan, recovery and cost.

How Much Does a Mini Facelift Cost in Washington, DC?

Mini facelift pricing at Center for Plastic Surgery starts at $12,000. Actual cost depends on the surgical plan, facility and anesthesia fees, and whether other procedures are included.

During your complimentary consultation, the practice can provide a personalized quote that includes the surgeon’s fee, facility fee, anesthesia fee and pre- and post-operative appointments. Financing through CareCredit® may be available. See our pricing and cost information page for details.

Meet Our Plastic Surgeons

Center for Plastic Surgery has four physicians who care for patients at its Chevy Chase, Maryland, and Tysons Corner, Virginia, locations. Explore the surgeon profiles below to learn about their training and areas of focus, and discuss which surgical approach is appropriate for you during your consultation.

Frank P. Albino, MD

Frank P. Albino, MD

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

Profile

Christopher M. Fleury, MD

Christopher M. Fleury, MD

Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)

Profile

Arjun P. Kanuri, MD

Arjun P. Kanuri, MD

Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)

Profile

Samir S. Rao, MD, FACS

Samir S. Rao, MD, FACS

American Board of Plastic Surgery · Fellow, American College of Surgeons

Profile

See Facelift Results

View before-and-after photos in our facelift gallery.

Mini Facelift FAQs

What age is best for a mini facelift?

There is no single best age. A mini facelift is generally considered when changes in the lower face are still relatively mild. Your anatomy and goals are more important than your age.

How long do mini facelift results last?

Results vary. A mini facelift provides more limited correction than a full facelift, and the effects may not last as long. Your surgeon can discuss realistic expectations for your situation.

Can a mini facelift be done under local anesthesia?

Sometimes. The anesthesia choice depends on the procedure and your medical and surgical needs.

How is a mini facelift different from a full facelift?

A mini facelift focuses on earlier changes in the lower face and generally uses shorter incisions. A full facelift addresses more extensive sagging and may be paired with a neck lift.

Is a mini facelift the same as a limited-incision facelift?

The terms mini facelift, limited-incision facelift, and short-scar facelift are often used to describe less extensive facelift procedures that address early sagging in the lower face and jawline. However, techniques can vary between surgeons. Your surgeon will recommend the approach best suited to your facial anatomy and goals.

Can a mini facelift be combined with a neck lift?

In selected cases, yes. If loose neck skin is a major concern, your surgeon may instead recommend a more comprehensive facelift and neck lift plan.

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Related Facelift Articles

How Long Does a Facelift or Mini Facelift Last?Read article →How Visible Are Facelift Scars?Read article →Deep Plane vs. SMAS Facelift: What’s the Difference?Read article →Facelift Recovery TimeRead article →Facelifts Through the Ages: When Should You Get Yours?Read article →
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Schedule a Mini Facelift Consultation

To learn whether a mini facelift is appropriate for you, schedule a consultation with Center for Plastic Surgery. Our offices serve patients in Washington, DC, Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Tysons Corner and surrounding communities.

Chevy Chase: (301) 652-7700 | Tysons Corner: (703) 560-2850

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