Mini facelift

A mini facelift — also known as a mini lift or S lift (short scar facelift) — is a type of cosmetic surgery that tightens and lifts the skin of the lower face. It focuses on the cheeks, jawline and sometimes the upper neck area.

A mini facelift is less invasive than a full facelift and may be suitable for people with early to moderate signs of ageing.

Why have a mini facelift?

You may want a mini facelift if you’re starting to notice early to moderate signs of ageing. The procedure focuses on lifting and tightening the lower face to restore a more defined appearance.

Is a mini facelift right for you?

A mini facelift may be suitable if you have mild to moderate signs of ageing, such as jowls (loose skin along the jawline) and less jawline definition, and you’re looking for a subtle improvement.

It may also be considered if you’re not ready for a full facelift and would prefer a less invasive procedure with a shorter recovery time. Good skin elasticity is important to help achieve optimal results.

A mini facelift may not be suitable if you:

• Have advanced skin sagging or deeper facial folds
• Have certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or autoimmune disease
• Have facial asymmetry or scarring
• Smoke, as it can affect healing and increase complications risk

It’s important to have realistic expectations. A mini facelift can provide a subtle improvement. It will not address more advanced signs of ageing and other treatment options may be more suitable depending on your goals.

Your consultant will explain the benefits, risks and recovery, so you can decide if this is the right option for you.

What are the benefits of a mini facelift?

A mini facelift can help improve sagging in the lower face. It can tighten the skin around the cheeks and jawline, while helping address other concerns, such as drooping at the corners of the mouth.

It’s a less invasive procedure than a full facelift, which can also mean a shorter recovery time.

Alternative treatments to a mini facelift

Alternatives to a mini facelift include non-surgical options, such as:

• Anti-wrinkle injections, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Dermal fillers to add volume and help improve skin appearance
• Fat grafting or lipofilling; using fat from a different part of the body to fill in lost volume in the face
• Laser skin surfacing, where a laser is used to heat the top layer of the skin to improve texture
• Ultrasound and radiofrequency to heat deep layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production

A mini facelift can be performed at the same time as other procedures, such as a neck lift, a brow lift or eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty).

What’s the difference between a mini facelift and a full facelift?

A mini facelift is less invasive than a full facelift. It’s often suitable for people with early signs of ageing and focuses on improving the lower face, including the cheeks and jowls.

A full facelift addresses more advanced signs of ageing, such as skin sagging and deeper folds around the cheeks and jawline.

Because a mini facelift is less extensive, results are usually more subtle, and recovery tends to be quicker than a full facelift.

During a mini facelift, your surgeon will make small cuts on either side of the face, along the hairline and around the ears. The cuts are shorter than those used for a full facelift and are placed within the natural creases to help minimise scarring.

Your surgeon will then lift and tighten the tissue underneath your skin and remove any excess skin. The cuts will be closed with stitches to support the skin in its new position. Your face is then bandaged to protect the wounds while they heal.

How to prepare for surgery 

Before your procedure, you’ll have a consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon. They’ll discuss your medical history to make sure surgery is suitable for you. They’ll also explain whether any additional tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.

This is your opportunity to ask questions about the procedure, risks and recovery.

Before your mini facelift, it’s important to tell your consultant about any medication you’re taking, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter products. Attending all appointments helps your care team plan your treatment effectively.

You can prepare for surgery by staying as healthy as possible — for example, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and keeping active.

You’ll need to stop eating and drinking for a few hours before your procedure. Your admission letter will include full instructions.

Who will be involved?

Your mini facelift will be carried out by a specialist plastic surgeon. You can choose the consultant you would like to see. They will guide you through every stage of your treatment, from your first consultation to your recovery.

A consultant anaesthetist will give your anaesthetic and monitor you throughout the procedure. Specially trained nurses and recovery staff will support you before, during and after your surgery.

All our consultants are highly experienced and are listed on the specialist register of the General Medical Council (GMC).

How long does the procedure take?

A mini facelift usually takes between 1–2 hours.

Anaesthetic choices

A mini facelift is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep during the procedure.

In some cases, it may be performed using a local anaesthetic with sedation. This means you'll be awake, but the area will be numbed and you shouldn’t feel any pain. Sedation can help you feel relaxed.

Pain during surgery and straight after surgery

You won’t feel any pain during the procedure as you’ll be under a general or local anaesthetic. It’s normal to have some pain after surgery, but you’ll be given pain relief to help manage this. 

What happens straight after surgery

After your mini facelift, your surgeon will apply dressings to your face to help reduce swelling and bruising. You’ll be monitored while you recover from the anaesthetic.

Your hospital stay

A mini facelift is usually carried out as a day case procedure, so you can go home on the same day as your surgery.

Recovery time

Most people recover from a mini facelift within 1–2 weeks.

Short-term side effects

Common side effects include swelling, bruising and numbness in the treated areas. These are usually temporary and improve as you heal.

After the operation

It’s normal to experience some pain, swelling and bruising after a mini facelift. Keeping your head elevated with extra pillows, for example, can help reduce swelling. You should be able to get out of bed and move around on the same day.

Wound care

Stitches are removed after 7–14 days, unless dissolvable stitches are used, which will gradually disappear on their own. There may be some small scars, but these usually fade with time. Your surgeon will place cuts carefully around the ears or along the hairline to make them as discreet as possible.

Pain relief

You may experience some pain or discomfort after surgery, but this can be managed with pain relief.

Smoking

It’s important to stop smoking at least 6 weeks before surgery and avoid it during your recovery, as smoking can affect healing and increase the risk of complications.

Driving
Avoid driving for several days after the operation and ask someone for a lift home from hospital. Your surgeon will advise you on when you can drive again. You’ll need to be able to perform an emergency stop and to turn your head without pain.

Time off work

You’ll usually need to take 1–2 weeks off work to recover from mini facelift surgery.

What you should/shouldn’t do after surgery

Following surgery, make sure to:

• Avoid showering and getting your bandages wet for the first 2 days
• Avoid smoking
• Follow your care team’s advice on how to care for your wounds

Things you can do to help with recovery

To help support your recovery:

• Attend your follow-up appointments
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Keep your head elevated with extra pillows when sleeping to help reduce swelling
• Rest — you need 1–2 weeks to recover

It’s important to follow the advice of your consultant and care team to support your recovery.

When can you resume normal activities?

You should be able to return to your usual activities 1–2 weeks after the procedure.

How does the recovery for a mini facelift compare with a full facelift?

Recovery after a mini facelift is usually shorter than after a full facelift. Most people recover within 1–2 weeks, compared with around 2–4 weeks for a full facelift.

When will I see the results?

You may start to see an improvement within a few weeks, once the swelling has settled. It can take up to 6 months to see the final result. The results of a mini facelift are not permanent. As your skin continues to age, you may choose to have further treatments in the future.

Like any type of surgery, a mini facelift carries some risks, such as:

• A build-up of blood under the skin (haematoma)
• Numbness or changes in skin sensation
• Scarring
• Unsatisfactory results

All surgery carries a small risk of complications, including:

• Allergic reaction to the anaesthetic
• Bleeding
• Infection — signs include pain, swelling, redness, pus at the wound site, chills or a high temperature

Your consultant will discuss these risks with you and answer any questions you have.

If you’re considering a mini facelift, it’s important to choose a consultant with specialist training in plastic surgery. They should be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and listed on the GMC’s specialist register for plastic surgery.

At Spire Healthcare, all our consultants are highly experienced, GMC–registered experts in their field.