Mini Facelift Surgery London & UK
In recent years, facial rejuvenation techniques have made significant advancements, with the goal of creating a refreshed and natural-looking appearance rather than an unnaturally tight or overdone look. Today, there is a wide range of facelift and facial rejuvenation options available, including traditional facelifts, neck lifts, mini facelifts, and non-surgical options. Mini facelifts are particularly suitable for younger patients who are not yet ready for a full facelift.
Centre for Surgery, a specialist plastic clinic based in London, is home to some of the leading experts in mini facelift surgery in the UK.
Mini-Facelift: Streamlined Procedure, Stunning Outcomes for Youthful or Age-Defying Patients
You’ve diligently maintained your skin, got ample sleep, exercised, and used moisturiser and daily facial cleansers. Yet, despite your efforts, your face continues to show signs of ageing, with wrinkles and jowls beginning to appear. If this resonates with you, rest assured you’re not alone.
RELATED: Mini Facelift Surgery – A Less Invasive Way to Achieve a Youthful Look
Regardless of how youthful you feel, the visible indicators of ageing will eventually emerge, making you appear older than you’d like. Wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, and sagging jowls that obscure your jaw and neckline are just a few of the facial characteristics that may become bothersome with age. So, how can you rejuvenate the appearance of your face and neck?
At Centre for Surgery in London, we provide a variety of anti-ageing treatments to help you eliminate wrinkles and sagging skin folds, resulting in a more youthful appearance. Dermal fillers and injectables are ideal for minor, short-term enhancements. However, facelift surgery is the top choice for those seeking more significant and enduring outcomes. Mini-facelifts serve as a less invasive alternative to traditional facelifts and are ideal for individuals experiencing mild signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, jowls, and slight skin sagging.
What is a mini-facelift?
A mini facelift or short scar facelift differs from a full or traditional facelift in several key aspects. The procedure is considered less invasive than a full facelift or rhytidectomy procedure with shorter incisions that are better hidden within natural skin folds, and this makes them less visible to other people. Mini facelift results can often match those achieved from a traditional facelift without the increased scarring, risks or downtime.
Compared with a full facelift, a mini facelift is designed to tighten loose and sagging skin in the lower part of the face and this includes the jawline, chin, jowls and the upper part of the neck. Many people notice these areas develop obvious signs of ageing before other parts of the face. Choosing to have a lower facelift can effectively get rid of these features with highly impressive anti-ageing effects.
The mini facelift procedure is considered most appropriate for women and men aged over 40 and above. Well-performed mini facelift surgery can produce results that can easily last ten years or more. The natural and refreshed appearance that this procedure often provides results in many observers commenting on their youthful and rejuvenated look. People who are fifty and over may have more prominent signs of ageing, and this could be related to a number of factors, including excessive sunlight exposure. You may be considered more appropriate for a traditional facelift in some cases.
RELATED: What is the best age for a facelift?
The mini facelift is often preferred by many patients who come to see us because it can be easily combined with a number of other facial rejuvenation procedures at the same time, including a neck lift, brow lift, eyelid surgery, chin liposuction or chin augmentation with implants. This is because a mini facelift is designed to rejuvenate the lower portion of the face. Our surgeons commonly combine a mini facelift with facial fat transfer for enhancement of volume in targeted areas of the face, including the cheeks and temples. Fat transfer to the face first involves liposuction to harvest fat from another area of the body, followed by fat purification and then injection into selected areas of the face which have developed volume loss as a result of ageing. Mini facelift combined with fat transfer to the face is a powerful anti-ageing combination and is commonly performed at our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in central London.
It’s important to note that while many clinics market the mini-facelift as a simple and effortless procedure, this is not entirely true. Despite its name, the mini-facelift is still a complex surgical procedure that requires the skills of highly trained and certified plastic surgeons. At our clinic, our surgeons take their time performing the mini-facelift with great precision and meticulous techniques to ensure the best possible results for their patients.
The results of a mini facelift can be effectively maintained over time by having a wide range of non-invasive anti-ageing treatments at our 106 Crawford Street clinic, including anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing and Morpheus8 microneedling.
Mini Facelift Before & After




What are the benefits of a mini facelift?
Healthy and supple skin contains abundant collagen and elastin, which are the building blocks responsible for importing plumpness and elasticity. With the ageing process, we naturally produce diminished amounts of collagen which results in the development of loose skin and this is linked with skin wrinkling and sagging. The chin and jawline are particularly susceptible to the effects of ageing and sagging skin in this area is commonly referred to as jowls. Fine lines are some of the early signs of ageing and eventually become deeper and may become wrinkles. The nose-to-mouth lines, also known as the nasolabial folds run from the sides of the nose downwards, and whilst initially only seen when laughing or smiling, they eventually become visible at rest.
These ageing features can be effectively treated with a mini facelift performed at the right time. People who have had a mini facelift with us often remark on how boosted their self-confidence is with their new, refreshed and youthful facial appearance. Some people can develop low moods and even depression from how aged they appear, and lower facelift surgery can really help to improve mental well-being. Compared with a traditional facelift, a mini facelift is a quicker procedure to perform with less downtime, risks and scars.
It is well known that the ageing process can be accelerated by a number of lifestyle factors and these include excessive sunlight exposure, high levels of stress, poor sleep hygiene and people who smoke. Although having a mini facelift can help to address many aspects of facial ageing, it is important to bear in mind that the results of the surgery could be diminished by not modifying the factors above. Getting the best mini facelift results means adopting sensible lifestyle habits, including sleeping more, stopping smoking, and avoiding too much sun exposure. If you are out and about in the sun, it is important to wear a minimum of SPF 30 sunscreen and wear protective clothing where possible. Adopting these measures will also have a positive impact on your overall health.
What’s the difference between a mini-facelift and a traditional facelift?
A mini facelift differs from a full facelift in several key respects. A traditional facelift is designed to treat deeper wrinkles and skin folds affecting a broader area of the face. The procedure, therefore, needs longer incisions to remove sufficient amounts of sagging skin. One of the key differences is where the incisions are located for each type of procedure and how prominent they appear. With a mini lift, the incisions are positioned behind the ear and extend into the hairline, which is barely visible once healed. In the traditional facelift, the surgeon makes incisions both behind the air and in front of it, with the incision often extending into the scalp area.
A full facelift is much more invasive compared with a lower facelift. A lower facelift can be effectively combined with other facial rejuvenation treatments in the same procedure for a more overall improvement in the usefulness of the face. Many people may be increasingly prone to prominent scarring, and a mini facelift may be considered a better alternative to a full facelift due to the smaller length and concealed location of the incisions.
Mini facelift surgery is most commonly recommended for women and men in their 40s and above, as it is particularly effective to treat many of the early signs of ageing, including jowls and sagging skin. Traditional facelift surgery is better suited for patients aged in their mid-50s and over as this is often the time when initial fine lines have now become deeper wrinkles and may be present even when the face is in a resting state of expression. A full facelift is also more effective for people who have significant laxity of the neck, and the procedure is often combined with a neck lift. Those who lose dramatic amounts of weight from successful dieting and exercise often develop loose and sagging skin in the face and neck area and a full facelift is a more suitable option for these types of patients for better correction of the signs of ageing.
A standard full facelift can often take well over five hours to carry out with patients, often requiring 2 to 3 nights of an inpatient stay in the hospital. Some facelifts may take longer, particularly the deep plane facelift. A mini facelift takes up to 2.5 hours to carry out, and patients often feel much more comfortable after the procedure with a quicker healing time.
Unlike traditional facelift surgery, which is routinely carried out under a general anaesthetic, mini facelift surgery can, in many cases, be performed under local anaesthetic and this can be supplemented with sedation if required as an outpatient procedure. This means the patient can recover at home later the same day. After this type of surgery, the majority of patients are able to recommence their everyday activities after one week. Full facelift surgery has a much longer recovery period, with many patients requiring at least two weeks and up to 4 weeks to recover from the procedure. Traditional facelift surgery involves a much greater degree of bruising and swelling, and this can last for a minimum of two weeks before beginning to improve. Any bruising and swelling after a mini facelift improve much faster, with most patients reporting a full resolution of the side effects in one week. At Centre for Surgery, our surgeons are experts in all facelift techniques.
The S Facelift or ‘S-lift’
This type of facelift involves incisions that resemble an S shape that starts in the hairline and extends to the back of the ear. Once the initial incision has been performed, the facelift surgeon delicately separates the skin from the underlying tissues, followed by the removal of excess skin and fat to optimise facial definition in the lower portion of the face and jawline.
SMAS Facelift
SMAS stands for superficial musculoaponeurotic system and is the fibromuscular layer of tissue beneath the skin which is surgically altered to tighten the neck and jawline for effective rejuvenation of the lower and middle part of the face. A SMAS facelift is ideal for getting rid of saggy skin, excess fat and prominent jowls affecting the jawline. The cheeks can also be enhanced as part of a cheek lift or mid-facelift which is often combined with a SMAS facelift.
Deep plane facelift
A deep plane facelift, also known as a subperiosteal facelift, is one of the traditional techniques of facelift surgery designed to produce long-lasting results. The dissection area is in the deeper layers of the face located between the underlying muscles and fat. The deeper soft tissues can be surgically manipulated to tighten the neck, enhance the volume of the cheeks and result in a more defined jawline and overall rejuvenated appearance.
All three of these facelift techniques focus on improving signs of facial ageing affecting the lower half of the face. They are commonly combined with other complementary facial procedures for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Some of the most popular combinations include a brow lift for raising the outer third of the brow and enhancing the eye region. Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is an effective procedure to get rid of hooded eyelids and eyebags under the eyes. Drooping eyelids can be addressed with an eyelid lift.
The results of a mini facelift can be enhanced with non-surgical treatments, including anti-wrinkle injections to treat the upper part of the face and dermal fillers to add volume to parts of the face where it has been lost due to the ageing process.
Is a Mini-Facelift or Full Facelift Right for You?
Mini-lifts are designed for individuals experiencing early signs of facial ageing who desire a rejuvenated and well-defined face and neck. A mini-lift may be an excellent choice for you if:
- You have mild to moderate wrinkles on the lower portion of your face.
- You have sagging cheeks and pronounced nasolabial folds (laugh lines).
- Jowls obscure your jawline.
- Your neck and chin skin is loose, affecting their contours.
- You have a double chin with excess, puffy skin.
If any of these issues resonate with you and you’re seeking a solution, a mini-lift may be the right choice. After a thorough evaluation, we will discuss your surgical options. We may recommend combining a mini-lift with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as an eyelid lift or brow lift, to achieve optimal results.
Who is a good candidate for a mini-facelift?
A mini facelift is an ideal treatment for women and men aged over 40 who are unhappy with the obvious signs of ageing and loose skin located in the lower part of the face and neck and would like to have a treatment which is less invasive and carries fewer risks than a traditional facelift.
RELATED: Am I suitable for a mini facelift?
Surgeons at Centre for Surgery generally consider the following criteria when selecting patients for a mini-lift procedure in London:
- Over the age of 40
- Are in good physical and mental health with no chronic uncontrolled medical conditions
- Have obvious signs of ageing in the lower part of the face
- Have realistic expectations of what can be achieved with a lower facelift
- Prefer to have a less invasive procedure with less downtime compared with a full facelift
How to prepare for a mini-facelift
- Stop smoking: Smoking can affect the healing process and increase the risk of complications. It’s essential to stop smoking at least six weeks before your procedure to minimise these risks.
- Medications and supplements: Some medications and supplements can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. It’s important to inform your surgeon of any medications and supplements you are taking and follow their instructions on whether or not to stop or adjust them before the procedure.
- Hydration and nutrition: Staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet can help prepare your body for surgery and improve the healing process.
- Arrange for postoperative care: You’ll need someone to drive you home after the procedure, and you may need someone to stay with you for the first night or two. It’s important to arrange for postoperative care to ensure a smooth recovery.
- Follow preoperative instructions: Your surgeon will provide you with pre-operative instructions, which may include avoiding food and drink before the surgery, washing your face and hair before the procedure, and not wearing any makeup or jewellery to the clinic on the day of the procedure. It’s essential to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a safe and successful outcome.
Preparing for a mini-facelift is an important step to ensure the best possible outcome. It’s important to work closely with your surgeon and follow their instructions carefully to ensure a safe and smooth recovery.
Watch the Mini Facelift Animated Video
How is the mini facelift performed?
The mini facelift procedure involves making incisions which are well positioned in natural skin folds both behind the ears and in the hairline. The scarring from mini facelift surgery is minimal with most people being unable to see any visible scars as early as six weeks after the procedure. The areas of loose skin are then surgically removed by the surgeon before trimming any excess fat and finally surgically repositioning the tissues to tighten the face. The skin incision is then closed with dissolvable stitches followed by the application of a sterile dressing.
For many patients, a mini facelift has emerged as the most effective technique for rejuvenation of the lower part of the face and has replaced the standard traditional facelift for this purpose. The procedure carries fewer risks and complications, has less scarring, is minimally invasive and takes no more than 2.5 hours to perform in most cases. Natural-looking results are better achieved with a mini facelift. The standard facelift has a higher risk of resulting in a ‘done look’. Advances in mini facelift surgery now allow the surgeon to address the deeper tissue layers of the face and not just the skin itself. Facelift techniques which focus on only tightening the skin are more likely to result in an artificial-looking result with the facelift incisions looking more obvious to others.
Unlike a standard facelift, the mini facelift is easily carried out under a local anaesthetic despite being a surgical procedure and takes no more than two hours to perform. All types of mini facelift surgery are outpatient based which means you’ll be able to recover in the comfort of your own home later the same day and recommence your normal daily activities after the first week of recovery.
What to expect during recovery
Recovery from a mini-facelift can vary from patient to patient, but here are some general guidelines of what to expect:
- Pain and discomfort: Mild pain and discomfort are common after a mini-facelift, but your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort.
- Swelling and bruising: Swelling and bruising are normal after a mini-facelift and can last for several days or weeks. Applying cold compresses to the treated areas can help reduce swelling and bruising.
- Bandages and dressings: Your surgeon may place bandages or dressings on the treated areas immediately after the procedure to help with healing. You may need to wear a compression garment or bandage for a few days or weeks to help reduce swelling and support the healing process.
- Restrictions on activities: You will need to avoid strenuous activities, such as exercise and heavy lifting, for several weeks after the procedure. Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on when you can resume your normal activities.
- Follow-up appointments: You will need to attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress and ensure that you are healing properly. Your surgeon may remove any stitches or dressings during these appointments.
- Results: While you may notice some immediate improvement in the treated areas, it can take several weeks or months for the final results of the mini-facelift to be visible. The results of a mini-facelift can last several years with proper care and maintenance.
Does a mini facelift cause visible scars?
Additionally, your surgeon will use meticulous techniques and precise suturing to ensure the incisions heal as seamlessly as possible. As a result, any scarring that does occur is likely to be very faint and will fade over time.
Risks and complications of a mini facelift
Lower facelift surgery is considered very safe when performed by an expert surgeon. There are several common side effects which you may experience after the procedure including:
- Bruising and swelling
- Temporary numbness
- Minimal scarring which is barely visible
As with any type of surgical procedure, facelift surgery involves certain risks and complications which your surgeon will discuss at your consultation including:
- Bleeding
- Wound infection
- Prominent scarring
- Haematoma formation
- Skin necrosis
- Hairline distortion or localised hair loss near the incisions
RELATED: Is a facelift worth it?
Can a mini-facelift be combined with other facial rejuvenation surgeries?
Yes, a mini-facelift can be combined with other facial rejuvenation surgeries to achieve more comprehensive results. Here are some of the procedures that can be combined with a mini-facelift:
- Neck lift: A neck lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the neck area. Combining a neck lift with a mini-facelift can provide a more comprehensive improvement to the lower face and neck area.
- Brow lift: A brow lift is a surgical procedure that lifts the eyebrows to create a more youthful and alert appearance. Combining a brow lift with a mini-facelift can help address sagging skin and wrinkles in the upper face.
- Blepharoplasty: Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the eyelids to improve the appearance of sagging or puffy eyelids. Combining blepharoplasty with a mini-facelift can provide a more comprehensive rejuvenation of the entire face.
- Facial tat transfer: Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, involves removing fat from one area of the body and injecting it into the face to restore volume and improve facial contours. Combining fat transfer with a mini-facelift can provide a more comprehensive improvement to the face by addressing both sagging skin and volume loss.
Combining a mini-facelift with other facial rejuvenation procedures can provide more comprehensive results and achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance. It’s important to discuss the details of each procedure with your surgeon to ensure that you understand the risks and benefits and have realistic expectations for the outcome.
Mini Facelift London Cost & Prices – How much is Mini Face lift in London?
Several factors will determine the overall cost of your mini facelift procedure, and the final quotation will be given after your face-to-face consultation with your specialist plastic surgeon.
- A mini facelift alone or combined with facial fat grafting or another procedure such as eyelid surgery
- Primary or revision mini facelift
Why not call 0207 993 4849 and speak to one of our expert patient coordinators, who can give you a rough cost for a mini facelift if you wish to combine it with other procedures.
Remember that mini facelift prices should never be the determining factor when choosing the best clinic for mini facelift surgery. We feel that safety and quality of service should be your number one priority and instil in you the confidence that our team will look after you before, during and after your procedure to the best of their ability.
Spread the cost of your mini facelift procedure – from as little as £95 per month.

Centre for Surgery is fully approved to offer finance, including 0% finance, via our specialist finance partner, Chrysalis Finance. You no longer need to use your savings to pay for your treatment – you can apply to spread the cost of your procedure with Chrysalis Finance using their simple 1,2,3 application to pay for your procedure. Don’t wait until you have enough money for your treatment. Apply today and (subject to status) pay for your procedure easily in monthly instalments using one of their payment options. Chrysalis Finance is the only ethical provider focusing solely on providing specialist financing for medical procedures.
What is included in my treatment package?
- As many preoperative consultations with your surgeon as you like to make sure the procedure is right for you
- Treatment at our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in Marylebone central London.
- Enhanced same-day discharge with the added benefits of recovering in your own home
- 24/7 clinical support from your surgeon for the first 48 hours and our expert postoperative support team
- Your dedicated patient coordinator to act as a personal point of contact to guide you through your patient journey with us at Centre for Surgery
- In-depth preoperative medical assessment to make sure you are fully fit for the rhinoplasty procedure
- Exceptionally high standards of postoperative care described as ‘outstanding’ by the CQC with regular telephone and face-to-face checks by our expert postoperative support team
Why choose Centre for Surgery for mini facelift?
Centre for Surgery is a renowned plastic surgery center that specialises in a range of cosmetic procedures, including mini facelifts. Here are some reasons why you should choose Centre for Surgery for your mini facelift:
- Expertise and experience Our plastic surgeons have years of experience in performing mini facelifts and are experts in the latest techniques and technologies. They work closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their unique needs and goals.
- High patient satisfaction rates At Centre for Surgery, patient satisfaction is our top priority. We have a proven track record of achieving high patient satisfaction rates and are committed to ensuring that our patients are completely satisfied with their results.
- State-of-the-art facilities We operate from modern, state-of-the-art facilities that are equipped with the latest technology and equipment. Our facilities meet the highest standards of safety and hygiene, ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care.
- Comprehensive aftercare We provide comprehensive aftercare and support to all of our patients, ensuring that they have a smooth and comfortable recovery. Our team is always available to answer any questions or concerns that our patients may have.
- Personalised treatment plans We understand that every patient is unique and requires a personalised treatment plan that meets their specific needs and goals. Our plastic surgeons work closely with each patient to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs.
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FAQs
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What are the benefits of a mini lift?The advanced surgical techniques for mini-facelift surgery result in patients taking over ten years off their age with natural-looking results. Compared with older facelift techniques, a mini facelift works deeper to reposition the underlying soft tissue compared with older techniques of only tightening the superficial skin.
The mini-lift procedure is performed as an outpatient at our surgical facility in central London. Both local anaesthetics and general anaesthetics can be used depending on individual preferences. The procedure takes no more than two hours to perform, and the incisions are most commonly positioned at the back of the ear and extend into the hairline. Mini facelift surgery is often combined with other facial procedures, including eyelid surgery, browlift or a neck lift depending on what you are trying to achieve. -
At what age should you get a mini face lift? There is no specific age requirement for a mini facelift, as the appropriate timing varies depending on individual factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and skin quality. Generally, patients considering a mini facelift are in their 40s to early 60s and exhibit early signs of facial ageing. The best approach is to consult a certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your unique situation and determine if a mini facelift suits you.
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Am I suitable for a mini facelift?The mini facelift procedure is designed to improve facial rejuvenation with minimal risk of risks, complications and less downtime compared to a full facelift. Although mini facelifts can be suitable for most patients, it is ideally suited for younger individuals with early to moderate signs of ageing. Ideal candidates often find they cannot accept the ageing facial changes but are not ready to commit to a more major facelift and neck lift. Centre for Surgery also offers a full range of non-surgical treatments such as injectables, chemical peels and laser treatment to reduce the need for early surgical intervention. In the past, it was often the case that patients had a limited number of treatment options for facial ageing, with most being quite invasive, including a full facelift. The results of a traditional facelift can be awe-inspiring and often reduce or even eliminate the need for further surgical treatment. In the last five years, patients are now unable or unwilling to undergo major surgery as a first-line option and prefer less invasive treatment. A mini facelift should be viewed as part of a combination treatment approach and is routinely combined with facial fat grafting to tackle volume loss and laser skin tightening for enhancing tissue tightness and skin quality. Using skin resurfacing treatments such as fractional laser resurfacing or chemical peels is an excellent complement to surgical treatment. Speak to one of our highly knowledgeable patient coordinators to learn more about our anti-ageing treatments.
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Does a mini face lift address the neck?A mini facelift primarily targets the lower half of the face, focusing on areas such as the cheeks, jawline, and jowls. While it may provide some improvement to the neck area, particularly the upper neck, it is not specifically designed to address significant sagging or laxity in the neck. For more comprehensive neck rejuvenation, a neck lift or full facelift may be recommended in combination with the mini facelift.
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Does a mini face lift look natural?When performed by a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, a mini facelift can produce natural-looking results. The procedure aims to provide subtle enhancements and restore a more youthful appearance without drastically altering one's facial features. To ensure a natural outcome, it is essential to select a reputable surgeon with a proven track record of successful mini facelift procedures.
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What can I expect after having a mini facelift procedure?Once you have had a lower facelift, you will be required to attend for a postoperative check-up with one of our post-operative nursing team at one week. At this appointment, your dressings will be removed and the incision site will be inspected to make sure there are no signs of infection.
Your surgeon will see you six weeks after your procedure to review the results of your procedure and to make sure your recovery process is progressing as planned. Suggestions to improve the appearance of your mini facelift scars will be provided including silicone gel sheets. Throughout your mini facelift recovery, you will be able to get in touch with our post-operative nursing team at any time if you have any questions or concerns. We believe it is important to make you feel as well supported as possible during your recovery as this will contribute to achieving the very best results. -
How long does a mini facelift last?The longevity of a mini facelift varies among individuals, but the results typically last between 5 to 10 years. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and skincare habits can influence the duration of the results. To prolong the effects of a mini facelift, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, protect your skin from sun damage, and follow a consistent skincare routine.
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Is a mini facelift worth it?A mini facelift can produce considerable improvement in the lower part of the face with a quick procedure, minimal scarring and fewer risks compared with a standard facelift. It is applicable to more patience than more extensive facelift surgery, with younger patients in their 40s being particularly suitable as they often have early signs of ageing which are amenable to successful treatment with a mini lift. Having this procedure at the appropriate time means you will be less likely to need more extensive surgery further down the line. The results of the mini facelift can be enhanced with many nonsurgical treatments, including peels, lasers and injectable facial treatments.
The traditional approach to treating the aging face was often based on recommending a full facelift for patients with extensive signs of aging rather than suggesting minimally invasive procedures earlier. Although the results of a full facelift can be impressive, they are often at the expense of significant risks, prolonged downtime and longer scars. Modern approaches to facial rejuvenation are tailored to patients who nowadays prefer more subtle improvements with minimally invasive techniques.
A mini facelift can be considered part of an overall treatment package to enhance your youthfulness and is particularly effective when combined with fat transfer to the face (lipofilling) to address volume loss that is commonly associated with the ageing process. Nonsurgical chemical peels and laser treatment can then be used as an annual treatment to prolong the results further.
Centre for Surgery has a full range of non-surgical and surgical facial rejuvenation treatments across both our sites in Marylebone. Get in touch with us today to arrange a consultation to determine the most appropriate treatment for you. -
How can I lift my face without surgery?There are several non-surgical options for facial rejuvenation that can provide subtle lifting and tightening effects. These include:
Dermal fillers: Injectable fillers can add volume and lift to specific areas of the face, such as the cheeks, temples, or nasolabial folds.
Anti wrinkle injections: This injectable treatment can help relax facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and providing a subtle lift.
Ultherapy: This non-invasive procedure uses ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production, tightening and lifting the skin over time.
Radiofrequency treatments: These treatments use radiofrequency energy to heat the skin's deeper layers, promoting collagen production and resulting in a tighter, more youthful appearance.
Microneedling: This procedure involves creating micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture and firmness.
While these non-surgical options can provide some improvement, their results are typically less dramatic and long-lasting than those of surgical procedures like a mini facelift.
What To Expect
Consultation
We would recommend booking a consultation with an expert surgeon to discuss the benefits of a mini facelift. We would recommend using the consultation to discuss your needs and preferences and what you hope to achieve and your surgeon will be making your determination on your suitability for the procedure. The treatment options will be discussed with you, and the surgeon will make their professional recommendation on the procedure which is most likely to achieve your goals. The surgeon will then carry out a physical examination, including a detailed facial analysis, to map your anatomy in detail. Standardised clinical photos will then be taken from several angles. We would recommend patients bring a list of questions to the consultation and typical questions you may wish to ask include:
- Am I suitable?
- Are my expectations realistic?
- can I view before and after photos of similar patients?
- Is there anything I could do to get the best results?
- What is the recovery period like, and will I be supported?
- What types of scars can I expect?
- Is a mini facelift painful?
- When can I go back to work after the procedure?
Once the most appropriate surgical option has been decided, the potential risks and complications will be discussed, including how to manage them if they were to occur. You will also be advised on what the post-operative recovery period involves. The surgeon will take a full medical history, including any previous operations you may have had. What medication you are taking and whether you have any allergies will also be enquired about. This information will be used to determine your fitness for the procedure.
If you are deemed to be an ideal patient for surgery, we would then recommend you reflect on all aspects of the procedure for two weeks after your consultation. This is known as the two-week cooling-off period. We invite you to come back and see the surgeon as often as you like if you have any questions or concerns about the mini facelift procedure.
Before your surgery
Once you have decided to move forward with mini facelift surgery, our preoperative nursing team will send you the procedure information pack, which will include the following items which must be adhered to minimise the risk of complications:
- We recommend you stop smoking at least six weeks before the procedure as people who smoke have a higher risk of wound complications and infection.
- You should avoid any medications which contain aspirin as these increase the risk of bleeding during or after the procedure
- Preoperative fasting requirements mandate you must stop eating six hours prior to surgery, and you may have small sips of clear fluids up to 2 hours before your admission time. Clear fluids include still water, black tea and black coffee.
Surgery day
Please arrive for your procedure at the allocated time to ensure a smooth admission process. One of our admission nurses will get you changed into clinic clothing and measure your vital signs including your blood pressure.
You will then be seen by your anaesthetist, who will review your medical history, and finally, your surgeon will see you and mark the areas for the procedure.
A mini facelift is an advanced facelift technique with less tissue disruption which means a quicker procedure lasting no more than two hours. There are several variants of a mini facelift, and your surgeon will select the correct technique customised to your anatomy. Sometimes, the mini facelift may be combined with facial fat grafting for volume enhancement.
The procedure involves incisions being made behind the ear followed by surgical alteration of the underlying deeper tissues to reposition them to a level which tightens the lower face. Once any loose skin has been removed, the surgeon will close the incisions with dissolvable stitches, followed by the application of a sterile dressing.
After the surgery
Once the procedure is complete, you will be transferred to our recovery suite where you will be resting whilst the effects of the anaesthetic wear off. Once you have commenced eating and drinking and been to the toilet, our discharge nurses will discuss the post-operative instructions with your adult carer. You will be allowed to go home with your adult escort, who must look after you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
It is normal to have mild discomfort in the early postoperative period, but this will settle down very quickly, and any pain can be well controlled with over-the-counter painkillers. Mini-lift recovery is generally rapid with any bruising and swelling subsiding over a few days. Most patients can return to normal activities after one week. We recommend taking one week off work and more if you have a strenuous work occupation. You should avoid direct sunlight exposure for at least four weeks, which can result in excessive scarring. Avoid lifting heavy items and take it easy for the first couple of weeks after surgery and try not to allow knock your face.
You will be reviewed by one of our post-operative nurses one week after your procedure to review the incision site and expert advice on optimising the appearance of your scars will be given over the first six weeks. Mini facelift results are generally visible after six weeks have passed. Further improvements in the results can be seen over the next three months. Your surgeon will review you at our Baker Street clinic six weeks after your procedure.