Mini Facelift in Miami
Shorter incisions. Faster recovery.
Shorter incisions. Faster recovery. A natural lift for early signs of facial aging.
What Is a Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift (sometimes called a short-scar facelift or lower facelift) targets the lower third of the face, the jowls, jawline, and the area just above the neck. Unlike a full facelift, which addresses the mid-face, lower face, and neck together, the mini facelift focuses specifically on the areas where most patients first notice aging.
The mini facelift is a refined alternative to the traditional facelift, designed for patients who are starting to notice jowls, mild skin laxity, or loss of definition along the jawline and lower face, but aren't ready for a full facelift.
At CG Cosmetic Surgery in Miami, our board-certified plastic surgeons perform the mini facelift through shorter, well-concealed incisions around the ear. The deeper tissue layer (the SMAS) is lifted and repositioned, giving a refreshed, natural result without the longer downtime of a full facelift.
It's the procedure many of our patients in their late 30s, 40s, and early 50s ask about by name, the one that takes years off without looking pulled or operated on.
Key differences from a full facelift:
- Incisions:shorter, typically hidden in front of and behind the ear, without extending into the hairline
- Anesthesia:local with sedation in most cases, general anesthesia available when indicated
- Procedure time:approximately 2 to 3 hours
- Recovery:most patients return to work and social activity within 10 to 14 days
- Results:long-lasting lift of the lower face and jawline, with natural movement and expression preserved
Our Miami-based team includes experienced plastic surgeons and advanced practice providers (APRNs), specializing in facial procedures such as mini facelifts and full facelifts, along with minimally invasive lifting techniques. Select procedures performed under local anesthesia may be carried out by qualified APRNs, ensuring a safe, seamless experience with natural, consistent results.
Before & After
** Results may vary for each person.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
The mini facelift is best suited for patients who:
- Are in their late 30s to mid 50s (though older patients in good health are often candidates)
- Notice early jowls, softening of the jawline, or mild skin laxity
- Feel their face is starting to look tired even when they feel rested
- Have already maximized what non-surgical treatments (filler, Botox, energy devices) can do for them
- Want results that look like themselves, only refreshed, not stretched or operated on
- Are non-smokers in good general health
If your concerns extend to significant neck laxity, deep midface descent, or heavy skin in the lower face, a full facelift may give you better long-term results. Your surgeon will walk you through both options at your consultation.
The Mini Facelift Procedure
Your surgeon places small incisions in the natural creases around the ear, where they heal as nearly invisible lines. Through these incisions, the deeper supportive layer of the face, the SMAS, is lifted and repositioned to restore definition along the jawline. Excess skin is trimmed conservatively, and the incisions are closed in layers to minimize tension and visible scarring.
The procedure typically takes 2 to 3 hours and is performed in our AAAASF-accredited surgical facility. Most mini facelifts are performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation, allowing for a smoother same-day recovery.
Recovery
Mini facelift recovery is meaningfully shorter than full facelift recovery. A typical timeline:
- Days 1–3:rest at home, head elevated. Swelling and mild bruising peak around day 3.
- Day 7–10:sutures removed. Most bruising resolves. Patients begin venturing out.
- Week 2:most patients return to work and light social activity.
- Week 3–4:resume exercise and normal routines as cleared by your surgeon.
- Months 2–3:residual swelling resolves and the final result settles in.
You'll be seen for follow-up visits at our Miami office, and our team is available throughout your recovery for questions or concerns.
Results
Patients typically see:
- A defined, sculpted jawline
- Lifted, repositioned cheeks
- Reduction of early jowls
- A rested, refreshed appearance that still looks like you
Results from a mini facelift are long-lasting. While the natural aging process continues, most patients enjoy their result for many years. Maintenance with non-surgical treatments, neuromodulators, fillers, energy-based skin tightening can extend the result further.
Mini Facelift Cost in Miami
The cost of a mini facelift at CG Cosmetic varies based on the extent of the procedure, anesthesia, and your individual treatment plan. During your consultation, you'll receive a complete written quote. Financing is available for qualified patients through our partner lenders.
Common Questions
How is a mini facelift different from threads or non-surgical lifts?
Threads and non-surgical devices work on the skin surface and the most superficial layers. A mini facelift repositions the deeper tissue (the SMAS), which is why the result is more dramatic and lasts substantially longer, years rather than months.
Will I look pulled or 'done'?
No. The mini facelift is intentionally conservative. By lifting deeper tissue rather than pulling on skin, the result moves naturally and looks like a rested, younger version of you.
How long do mini facelift results last?
Most patients enjoy their result for many years. Aging continues at its normal pace from a younger baseline, and most patients never need a second procedure, though some choose touch-ups or full facelifts later in life.
Is the mini facelift painful?
Most patients report tightness and pressure rather than sharp pain. Discomfort is well-managed with prescribed medication, typically only needed for the first few days.
Will I have visible scars?
Incisions are placed in the natural creases around the ear and heal as fine lines that are difficult to see once fully healed. Most patients can wear their hair up without any scars being visible.
Can I combine a mini facelift with other procedures?
Yes, common combinations include eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), neck liposuction, fat grafting to the cheeks, and laser skin resurfacing. Your surgeon will recommend the right combination at your consultation.
How do I know if I need a mini facelift or a full facelift?
The shortest answer: a mini facelift addresses the lower face and early aging; a full facelift addresses the mid-face, lower face, and neck together. A consultation is the only reliable way to know which is right for you. Both are offered at CG Cosmetic.
Possible Risks
As with any surgical procedure, potential risks include:
Bruising and swelling (expected, temporary)
- Hematoma or fluid collection
- Temporary numbness or altered sensation around the incisions
- Scarring (typically minimal and well-hidden)
- Asymmetry
- Rare: infection, injury to facial nerve branches
Your surgeon will review all risks in detail at your consultation and provide a complete pre- and post-operative plan to minimize them.
Real Patients. Real Mini Facelift Results.
There's only so much a website can tell you. These are real CG Cosmetic patients sharing their mini facelift experience in their own words, why they chose the procedure, what recovery actually looked like, and how they feel about their results months later. No scripts, no filters.
