Mini Facelift
Mini Facelift at West End Plastic Surgery
At West End Plastic Surgery in Washington, D.C., we specialize in creating natural, youthful results through advanced facelift techniques tailored to each patient’s goals.
Mini facelift surgery is ideal for those seeking a less invasive option to refresh their appearance with a shorter recovery time and minimal scarring. Our board-certified surgeons bring precision, artistry, and compassion to every procedure, ensuring results that look authentically you.
A mini facelift, sometimes called a “short-scar” facelift or a "mini lift", is a facial plastic surgery procedure designed to lift and tighten the lower face and jawline.
It addresses early signs of aging, like mild sagging, jowls, or deepening folds, without the more extensive incisions or downtime of a traditional facelift. At West End Plastic Surgery, the mini facelift is tailored to harmonize with your features, enhancing natural contours while preserving individuality.
Performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, the mini facelift uses shorter incisions typically placed discreetly around the ears.
Through these incisions, underlying facial tissues are gently lifted and repositioned, tightening sagging skin while refining the jawline. Excess skin is removed, and incisions are closed with precision for minimal scarring. The procedure usually takes 2–3 hours and is often performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Refines the jawline and reduces early jowls
Softens wrinkles and folds around the mouth and lower face
Provides natural, long-lasting results
Involves smaller incisions and a quicker recovery than a full facelift
Helps patients look refreshed, not altered
The best candidates for a mini facelift are typically in their 40s to 60s who are beginning to notice early signs of facial aging, such as mild to moderate sagging along the jawline or lower face. During your mini facelift consultation at West End Plastic Surgery, your surgeon will carefully evaluate your facial structure, skin elasticity, and overall goals to determine whether a mini facelift is the right choice.
Some patients may achieve better results with a more advanced procedure—such as a full facelift or deep plane facelift—if aging changes are more pronounced. Others may benefit from non-surgical treatments to complement or postpone surgery. Above all, we focus on creating a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your lifestyle, health, and expectations, ensuring refreshed and natural-looking results.
With fewer incisions, a mini facelift or "weekend facelift" delivers a rapid recovery compared to a more invasive full facelift. Most patients take about one week away from work or social events.
Swelling and bruising gradually subside within 10–14 days, and makeup can be applied once incisions are healed. Discomfort is typically minimal and managed with prescribed medication. Light activity can resume within days, while strenuous exercise should be avoided for 3–4 weeks. Our team provides detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up visits to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery.
Patients notice immediate improvements in facial definition once swelling subsides, with final results visible within a few weeks. A mini facelift restores youthful contours, reduces sagging, and creates a smoother, more refined jawline—without the overly tightened look of older facelift techniques. Results typically last 7–10 years, and many patients choose to complement their surgery with ongoing non-surgical treatments to maintain a refreshed appearance.
At West End Plastic Surgery, our plastic surgeons are leaders in advanced facial rejuvenation, recognized by Castle Connolly Top Doctors and Washingtonian Top Doctors.
With over two decades of experience, Dr. Paul Ruff and his team combine surgical artistry with a patient-centered philosophy to deliver results that look natural and harmonious. In our state-of-the-art D.C. facility, you’ll experience concierge-level care, compassionate guidance, and results that enhance your confidence at every stage of life.
Results typically last 7–10 years, depending on genetics, lifestyle, and skin care.
Incisions are short and placed discreetly around the ears, healing into fine lines that are difficult to detect.
Most patients experience only mild discomfort, easily managed with medication in the first few days.
A mini facelift addresses the lower face with smaller incisions and quicker recovery, while a full facelift treats more advanced sagging in the midface, jawline, and neck. While a mini lift offers a more affordable alternative for younger patients, those with significant signs of aging, such as severe sagging, may be able to achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation and optimal results with a full facelift.
Yes. Many patients enhance results with eyelid surgery, neck lift, fat transfer, or non-surgical treatments like fillers and laser skin resurfacing.
