Mini Facelift in Miami
A shorter-incision lift for early jowls and jawline softening, planned by board-certified plastic surgeons at CG Cosmetic.
What it is: a mini facelift (short-scar / lower facelift) lifts early jowls and softens jawline aging by repositioning deeper tissue (SMAS) through shorter incisions around the ear. It focuses on the lower face; a full facelift covers more midface and neck when needed.
Good candidates: adults noticing early jowls or mild lower-face laxity (often late 30s to 50s), near stable health goals, non-smokers when possible, with realistic expectations. Significant neck laxity may need a fuller plan.
Who performs it: plastic surgeons on the CG Cosmetic Miami team. Surgical facelift procedures are performed by the plastic surgeons on our team.
Where / anesthesia: elective surgery in our mature Miami facility. Anesthesia is planned with our clinical team (often local with sedation; general when indicated).
Recovery (typical): many patients return to work and light social activity in about 10-14 days; exercise usually closer to 3-4 weeks, per surgeon instructions.
Key risks to discuss: bruising, swelling, scarring, asymmetry, nerve irritation, healing delays, infection, and anesthesia risks. Results vary.
Price: cost depends on extent, anesthesia, and whether you combine procedures (such as eyelids, chin lipo, or skin treatments). Ask for a written quote covering surgeon, facility, and anesthesia. Financing is available for qualified patients.
Content reviewed for patient education · Updated September 2026. Individual plans and candidacy are determined in consultation. Results vary.
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 on the areas where many patients first notice aging.
At CG Cosmetic Surgery in Miami, 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 for a refreshed, natural result without the longer downtime of a full facelift.
It is a common option for patients in their late 30s, 40s, and early 50s who want a rested look without appearing 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:planned with our clinical team; often local with sedation, with 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 who perform mini facelifts and full facelifts, along with related facial rejuvenation planning. Surgical facelift procedures are performed by the plastic surgeons on our team.
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 accredited surgical facility. Most mini facelifts are performed by plastic surgeons on our team, with anesthesia planned by the clinical team (often local 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
Mini facelift cost at CG Cosmetic depends on the extent of lift, anesthesia, and whether you combine procedures such as eyelid surgery, chin liposuction, or skin resurfacing. You receive a complete written quote after consultation covering surgeon, facility, and anesthesia. 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.
