Aging is inevitable, but looking older than you feel? That’s optional. If sagging skin and deepening lines are starting to bother you, a facelift can help turn back the clock. But not all facelifts are the same. A mini facelift and a full facelift both tighten and lift, but they’re designed for different needs.
A mini facelift is less invasive, tackling early signs of aging with a shorter recovery time. A full facelift offers a more dramatic transformation, addressing deeper wrinkles and more noticeable sagging. The question is: which one fits your goals?
If you’re weighing your facelift options, you’re in the right place. Our mini facelift vs. full facelift guide breaks down the key differences between these two types of facelifts, so you can make the choice that works best for you.
Table of Contents
What Is a Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift is a less intensive surgical procedure that tightens sagging skin and defines the jawline with smaller incisions and less downtime than a full facelift. It’s for people with early signs of aging, such as mild jowls or loose skin along the lower face, who want a refreshed look without major surgery.
The incisions are typically placed around the ears, making scars easy to conceal. During the procedure, the surgeon lifts and repositions facial tissue for a smoother, firmer appearance while keeping the results natural-looking.
If you’re starting to notice laxity around your jawline but aren’t ready for more extensive surgery, a mini facelift offers a subtle, youthful boost with a faster recovery.
Who Is a Candidate for a Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift is ideal for men and women who are starting to see sagging in the lower face and jawline but don’t have significant skin laxity yet. If you’re noticing mild jowls, loss of definition along your jaw, or slight skin drooping but still have good skin elasticity, this procedure could be a great fit.
Most mini facelift candidates are in their late 30s to early 50s, though age isn’t the only factor. The best candidates are:
- In good overall health, without conditions that could slow healing.
- Non-smokers (or someone willing to quit before and after surgery).
- Looking for natural, subtle improvements rather than dramatic changes.
- Willing to follow post-op care instructions for optimal healing.
Mini Facelift Procedure: What to Expect
A mini facelift is less invasive than a full facelift, but it still delivers noticeable tightening and lifting in the lower face and jawline. Here’s what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Before surgery, the surgeon will go over your medical history, goals, and expectations during a consultation. You may be asked to stop smoking, adjust medications, and avoid certain supplements that could increase bleeding.
A mini facelift is typically performed with sedation under local anesthesia or under general anesthesia, depending on your comfort level. Small incisions are made around the natural creases of the ears, keeping scars well hidden. The surgeon lifts and repositions underlying facial tissue, tightening loose skin while avoiding an overdone or pulled look. Once the desired lift is achieved, excess skin is trimmed, and sutures or dissolvable stitches are used to close the incisions.
The entire surgery usually takes about two to three hours, making it a quicker alternative to a full facelift.
After surgery, you should have someone available to drive you home.
Because the procedure is less invasive, scarring is minimal, and recovery is much smoother than with a full facelift. If you’re looking for refined, natural-looking results with a shorter healing time, a mini facelift delivers just that.
Mini Facelift Recovery and Downtime
One of the biggest advantages of a mini facelift is the shorter recovery time compared to a full facelift. While you’ll still need to take it easy for a bit, most patients bounce back quickly and can return to normal activities within a couple of weeks.
In the first few days, expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, especially around the incision sites. Your surgeon may recommend cold compresses and keeping your head elevated to minimize swelling.
Pain is typically manageable with over-the-counter medication, though prescription pain relief may be provided if needed.
Most patients can return to non-strenuous work within five to seven days, but you may still have mild swelling. Stitches (if not dissolvable) are usually removed within a week. Avoid bending over, heavy lifting, or anything that increases blood pressure to prevent unnecessary swelling.
In two to four weeks, swelling and bruising continue to fade, and results start to look more natural. Light exercise, such as walking, can be resumed, but anything high-impact should still be avoided. By the end of week two, most patients feel comfortable in social settings without noticeable signs of surgery.
By four to six weeks, you should be fully healed, with final results becoming more apparent. Scars remain discreet, typically blending into the natural folds around the ears. Results last around five to 10 years, depending on skin quality and lifestyle habits.
Because a mini facelift involves smaller incisions and less tissue disruption, recovery is smoother than a full facelift. If you follow post-op instructions and give your body time to heal, you’ll be back to your routine in no time looking refreshed, not overdone.
Cost of a Mini Facelift
- Anesthesiology
- Medical facility fees
- Doctor’s care
- Follow-up appointments
Compared to a full facelift, which is more extensive and costly, a mini facelift offers a more affordable option for patients looking for subtle, natural-looking rejuvenation. Since facelift surgery is considered cosmetic, insurance typically doesn’t cover the procedure, but financing options are available to help make it more accessible.
If you’re considering a mini facelift, the best way to get an accurate price estimate is through a consultation with Dr. Basner, who will discuss your goals and provide a personalized treatment plan.
Read our Mini Facelift Guide for a comprehensive look at this procedure.
What Is a Full Facelift?
A full facelift is a surgical procedure that provides comprehensive facial rejuvenation, addressing moderate to severe sagging, deep wrinkles, and loss of definition in the midface, jawline, and neck. Unlike a mini facelift, which focuses on subtle lifting in the lower face, a full facelift reshapes and tightens deeper facial structures for more dramatic, long-lasting results. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, its members perform more than 78,000 facelifts annually.
The procedure involves strategic incisions around the ears and sometimes along the hairline, allowing the surgeon to reposition underlying tissue, remove excess skin, and smooth out deep folds. The goal is not to make you look different but to restore a younger, refreshed version of yourself—without an overdone or “pulled” appearance.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Full Facelift?
- Deep folds and wrinkles around the mouth and nose
- Significant skin laxity in the midface, jawline, and neck
- Jowls or sagging along the lower face
- Loose skin or vertical banding in the neck
- A desire for more dramatic, longer-lasting results
then a full facelift may be the right option for you.
Most patients considering a full facelift are in their 40s to 70s, though age isn’t the primary factor. Good skin elasticity, overall health, and realistic expectations are key to achieving optimal results.
Full Facelift Procedure: What to Expect
A comprehensive surgical procedure, a full facelift lifts and tightens sagging skin, smooths deep wrinkles, and restores definition to the midface, jawline, and neck. While it’s more extensive than a mini facelift, it delivers dramatic, long-lasting results. Here’s what to expect before, during, and after the surgery.
The process starts with a consultation, where Dr. Basner will evaluate your facial structure, discuss your goals, and determine the best approach. You may need to:
- Stop smoking for several weeks before and after surgery to promote healing.
- Adjust medications that could interfere with the procedure.
- Prepare for recovery, including arranging for help the first few days post-op.
A full facelift is performed under general anesthesia to ensure comfort. The surgeon makes discreet incisions around the ears, along the hairline, and sometimes under the chin (if neck tightening is included). These blend into natural contours, minimizing visible scarring. Deeper facial tissues are lifted and tightened, restoring natural volume and definition while avoiding a stretched look. The surgeon trims excess skin and closes incisions with sutures or dissolvable stitches.
The surgery typically takes three to five hours, depending on the level of correction needed. You should make sure to have someone drive you home after the procedure.
Because a full facelift repositions deeper structures, the results last much longer than a mini facelift—often 10 to 15 years. If you’re looking for the most comprehensive, long-term solution to facial aging, this procedure delivers.
Full Facelift Recovery and Downtime
A full facelift recovery requires more time than a mini facelift, but the results are longer-lasting and more transformative. While the healing process varies from person to person, here’s what you can generally expect.
Swelling, bruising, and tightness will be most noticeable in the first few days. Your face may feel stiff or tender, but discomfort is manageable with prescribed pain medication. You’ll need to keep your head elevated and avoid excessive movement to minimize swelling. Most patients rest at home during the first week, with light walking encouraged to promote circulation. Stitches are typically removed within the first week, depending on the type used.
During the second to third weeks, swelling and bruising begin to subside, and you’ll start to look more like yourself. Many patients feel comfortable enough to return to desk work or light activities after 10 to 14 days. You’ll still need to avoid strenuous activities, bending over, or heavy lifting to prevent complications.
Within four to six weeks, most residual swelling has faded, and results are more visible. You can gradually return to exercise and more demanding activities. Any remaining bruising can usually be covered with makeup.
By three months, your face will look more natural as the tissues settle. Final results are usually apparent within six months, once all swelling has resolved. Scars discreetly placed around the hairline and ears continue to fade.
A full facelift requires a commitment to the healing process, but the payoff is a refreshed, natural-looking appearance that lasts for years. Following Dr. Basner’s post-op care instructions ensures the smoothest recovery and best possible results.
Cost of a Full Facelift
- Anesthesiology
- Medical facility fees
- Doctor’s care
- Follow-up appointments
When you compare the cost of a mini facelift vs. a full facelift, the differences are clear. Because a full facelift addresses deeper facial structures and requires a longer surgical time, it costs more than a mini facelift. However, since the results last 10 to 15 years, it’s a long-term investment in facial rejuvenation.
Because facelift surgery is considered cosmetic, insurance does not cover the procedure, but financing options are available. During your consultation with Dr. Basner, you’ll receive detailed pricing and a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs.
Read our Full Facelift Guide to learn more about this procedure.
Facelift Features
Trust Your Facelift to Dr. Adam Basner
Choosing a facelift is a big decision, and the right surgeon makes all the difference. Dr. Basner is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of expertise in facial surgery, delivering results that look refreshed, and never overdone. Whether you’re considering a mini facelift or a full facelift, Dr. Basner’s precision, artistry, and patient-first approach ensure outstanding, natural-looking results. Submit the contact form on our website or call 410-616-3000 to schedule a consultation. Recognized as a Top Doctor by Baltimore Magazine, Dr. Basner is the Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at Sinai Hospital. Newsweek Magazine has named him one of the best plastic surgeons in America in all four of its categories: liposuction, breast augmentation, facelift, and rhinoplasty.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are plenty of questions when it comes to a mini facelift vs. a full facelift, and we have the answers to help you make a confident decision. Below, we’ve covered some of the most common concerns to give you a clear, no-nonsense look at what to expect.
Are the scars different for a mini facelift vs. a full facelift?
Yes, the scarring differs because the procedures involve different incision lengths and placements. A mini facelift uses shorter incisions, typically placed around the natural creases of the ears, making scars smaller and easier to conceal. A full facelift requires longer incisions, often extending into the hairline and sometimes under the chin, allowing for more extensive lifting. While both procedures minimize visible scarring, a full facelift involves more incision points due to its comprehensive nature.
Can you combine other procedures with a mini facelift?
Absolutely. Many patients combine a mini facelift with other treatments to enhance their overall results. Popular options include:
- Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) – To address drooping eyelids or under-eye bags.
- Neck lift – To improve sagging skin under the chin or along the neck.
- Facial fat grafting – To restore lost volume in the cheeks or temples.
- Dermal fillers – To smooth wrinkles and refine facial contours.
Combining procedures can provide a more balanced, youthful appearance while consolidating recovery time. Dr. Basner will customize a plan based on your goals.
Are the results of a mini facelift as natural-looking as a full facelift?
Yes! A mini facelift creates natural-looking improvements, just like a full facelift. The difference isn’t in how natural the results look but in the level of correction. A mini facelift is best for mild sagging and early signs of aging, offering a subtle, refreshed appearance. A full facelift provides more dramatic and long-lasting results, particularly for those with deep wrinkles or significant skin laxity. In both cases, Dr. Basner focuses on customized, natural enhancements—so you still look like yourself, just younger and more refreshed.
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