Mini Facelift

Consultations offered at our four convenient locations in La Jolla, San Diego, Newport Beach and Beverly Hills

A mini facelift is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the lower face without the extensive surgical corrections and recovery time of a traditional facelift. (1)

Factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, environmental exposure, and more contribute to the visible effects of aging, causing many individuals to seek facial rejuvenation. Many people find that surgical approaches are most effective in achieving their desired results. These methods, however, also often come at the cost of a more complicated process and a lengthier recovery. Many patients seek the mini facelift as an option to regain a firmer, more youthful profile with a treatment that balances effective results and limited downtime.

At La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, Dr. Richard Chaffoo and his expert team deliver advanced mini facelift procedures combining artistic skill with meticulous surgical technique. The practice is also the only hair restoration center in the United States co-directed by a triple board-certified plastic surgeon and a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Susan Stuart. Together, this team provides a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation that integrates skin health and surgical excellence.

Patients interested in exploring the benefits of a mini facelift can begin by scheduling a consultation through our online contact form or by calling one of our locations spread across Southern California:

About the Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is a targeted surgical procedure designed to refresh and rejuvenate the lower third of the face by removing excess skin and tightening underlying muscles. This procedure focuses on areas prone to sagging and early signs of aging. Unlike a traditional full facelift, which involves more extensive surgical work and a longer recovery, the mini facelift offers a less invasive solution with a quicker return to daily activities.

Facelifts are one of the most sought-after facial rejuvenation treatments. (2) This version of the facelift provides a subtle yet effective and noticeable improvement for patients seeking to restore a youthful contour without undergoing major surgery. It is because of this that the mini facelift has seen a substantial rise in popularity in recent years. (3)

Benefits

Choosing a mini facelift offers numerous advantages, including:

  • Less Invasive Surgery: The procedure involves smaller, carefully placed incisions, leading to less scarring and reduced tissue trauma compared to traditional facelifts.
  • Shorter Recovery Time: Most patients experience faster healing and can resume light activities within a week.
  • Natural-Looking Results: The mini facelift enhances the natural contours of the face without resulting in an overdone appearance, preserving your unique facial identity.
  • Reduction of Jowling and Sagging: By lifting and tightening underlying tissues, the procedure smooths the jawline and reduces sagging around the cheeks and lower face.
  • Boosted Confidence: Many patients report feeling more youthful and confident following their mini facelift.
  • Long-Lasting Effects: Results generally last several years, depending on individual aging processes and lifestyle factors.

Candidates

Ideal candidates for a mini facelift typically include individuals experiencing early to moderate signs of facial aging who desire improvement without the extent of a full facelift. The mini facelift is particularly effective for patients with:

  • Mild to moderate sagging in the lower face
  • Presence of jowls or softening of the jawline
  • Loss of facial volume and skin elasticity
  • Overall good health and realistic expectations for surgical outcomes

Men and women alike pursue this procedure to restore a firmer facial appearance with natural results. During your personalized consultation, Dr. Chaffoo will assess your skin quality, facial structure, and goals to determine if the mini facelift is the best option for you or if alternative treatments may better suit your goals.

Personal Consultation

Your journey toward facial rejuvenation begins with a consultation. Dr. Chaffoo will evaluate your facial anatomy and discuss your aesthetic goals in detail. This appointment includes a review of your medical history, current medications, and any previous cosmetic procedures.

Dr. Chaffoo will explain the differences between the mini facelift and other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as full facelifts or nonsurgical options. Together, you will design a customized treatment plan tailored to enhance your natural beauty while addressing your specific concerns. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the surgical process, recovery expectations, and anticipated results.

To schedule this personal consultation and get started on your mini facelift journey at La Jolla Plastic Surgery, contact us online or by calling one of several locations:

Preparation

Before your procedure, you will receive detailed instructions designed to optimize your safety, results, and healing. These may include:

  • Avoiding nicotine products, alcohol, and certain medications that could impair healing
  • Arranging transportation home from the surgery center
  • Planning for assistance at home during your initial recovery

Following these guidelines will help ensure the best possible outcome and minimize risks.

Procedure

On the day of surgery, you will receive either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Dr. Chaffoo will make small, discreet incisions around the natural creases near your ears and hairline to minimize visible scarring.

Using precise surgical techniques, Dr. Chaffoo will gently lift and tighten the muscles and tissues beneath the skin to restore youthful contours. He will remove excess skin and redrape the skin in a natural way.

Dr. Chaffoo’s main goal is to achieve a refreshed look that maintains natural facial expressions and appearance. He executes every maneuver with precision to ensure optimal outcomes.

Recovery

Recovery following a mini facelift is generally faster and less intensive than full facelifts. You may experience mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness, which typically improve within days. Dr. Chaffoo will provide you with specific aftercare instructions, including how to care for incisions, manage discomfort, and recognize signs of complications.

Most patients return home on the day of surgery and can resume light activities within one week. It is important to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and direct sun exposure until healing is complete. Follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor progress and remove sutures as needed. Throughout your recovery, Dr. Chaffoo and his team will remain available to answer questions and support your healing.

Results

You will begin to see improvements as swelling subsides. Full results will continue to develop over several months as healing completes. Dr. Chaffoo is known for delivering natural-looking outcomes that avoid an artificial or overly tight appearance. With proper skincare and healthy lifestyle choices, the benefits of your mini facelift can last for several years.

Cost of Mini Facelift in La Jolla, San Diego

The price of a mini facelift varies depending on factors such as the extent of treatment, anesthesia choice, and facility fees. Each patient’s procedure is uniquely tailored to their goals and anatomy, so costs are individualized. During your consultation, Dr. Chaffoo will provide a detailed estimate and discuss financing options for eligible patients. Our practice strives to offer transparent pricing and flexible payment plans to make this transformative procedure accessible.

Schedule your consultation today by submitting our online contact form. If you have any questions or prefer to schedule over the phone, please call your closest office directly:

FAQ

How long does recovery take after a mini facelift?

Most patients experience a recovery period of approximately one week, after which they can resume light daily activities. Full healing may take several weeks, depending on individual factors.

Will there be visible scars?

Incisions are strategically placed in natural creases around the ears and hairline to minimize visible scarring. Over time, scars typically fade and become nearly indetectable.

Can a mini facelift be combined with other treatments?

Yes. Many patients enhance their results by combining a mini facelift with nonsurgical procedures such as Botox, dermal fillers, skin resurfacing treatments, or other surgical procedures.

Is a mini facelift suitable for older patients?

While often recommended for patients with early to moderate aging signs, healthy older individuals may also benefit from a mini facelift. Dr. Chaffoo will determine the most appropriate facial procedure for you during your consultation.

Will I eventually need a full facelift?

Some patients may require additional procedures over time, but a mini facelift can delay or eliminate the need for a full facelift with proper care. The decision to undergo additional aesthetic procedures is ultimately up to you!

References

  1. Jung KH, Lee W. Minilifting: Short-Scar Rhytidectomy with Thread Lifting. Archives of Plastic Surgery. 2024;51(05):459-465. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0044-1788907
  2. 2024 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report. plasticsurgery.org. Published June 2025. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
  3. Wolf Y, Selinger R, Skorochod R, Mitz V. Micro-face-lift: A novel biplanar, composite, less-invasive procedure. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2023;17(1):60-65. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/jcas.jcas_71_23