A mini facelift is a less invasive approach to anti-aging for both men and women who have early signs of facial aging. The procedure involves a shorter scar, and addresses the mid to lower face. Every surgeon is different in what they call a “mini facelift,” but in every case, it’s a 100% customized procedure. Dr. Mesa focuses his surgical work on creating the most natural look possible, which may include treating the deep plane to re-suspend the underlying tissues through a small incision around the ear.
What’s the difference between a traditional facelift and a mini facelift?
If you have an excess of stretched, hanging skin, a traditional full facelift is probably more appropriate for you. For younger patients who have retained a higher level of skin flexibility but are developing jowls and a lack of firm, elegant definition at the jawline, a mini facelift can achieve ideal results.
Who is a candidate for a mini facelift?
- Mild to moderate sagging skin
- Developing jowls
- Loss of a clean, firm jawline definition
- Sagging lower portion of the face
- Aging jawline
What are the advantages of a mini facelift?
A mini facelift involves shorter incisions and faster recovery time. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, which provides a higher level of patient safety and fewer risks. The treatment involves less discomfort during recovery, and typically only requires prescription medication for a few days, after which over-the-counter medication is all that is needed. The incisions are placed around the ears, leaving scars that are virtually invisible once healed.

What is
the procedure?
A mini facelift is performed under local anesthesia and involves administering the anesthetic to your face and neck to ensure comfort. Incisions are placed around the ears, and the facial structure is accessed and corrected. Excess fat under your chin is removed, the underlying tissues are lifted and restored to a youthful location, and any excess skin is carefully excised.
How long do
the results last?
A mini facelift is appropriate for women and men who are experiencing a moderate level of facial aging. The results last for about five to seven years, or longer. For those who are experiencing more advanced effects of aging, a traditional or deep plane facelift may be more appropriate to achieve more significant results that can last up to ten years or longer.

Why choose
Dr. Mesa
for a mini facelift?
The technique that is employed, the artistry, and the skills of your plastic surgeon are the most critical points in a successful mini facelift to achieve results that appear entirely rejuvenated and natural. Dr. Mesa is among the most highly trained, board-certified plastic surgeons in the nation, and has offices in NYC, New Jersey, and Miami. His customized approach to every surgery produces superior outcomes, as can be seen in his hundreds of positive reviews. Beyond his artistry and technique, he and his staff are warm, caring, and dedicated, and form a strong bond with every person they treat.
Verified Customer Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My experience with Dr. Mesa was nothing short of life-changing. From the moment you walk into his office, you’re treated with genuine care, attention, and respect. The staff is top-notch the front desk, the CMAs, and Christina especially, are all amazing. You feel like you’re walking into a second home, not a medical office.
I came to Dr. Mesa because I was feeling a disconnect. I work out six days a week, my body was tight and strong, but my face and neck weren’t matching up. I started noticing sagging in my lower face and neck, a loss of elasticity that I just couldn’t reverse on my own. It bothered me, not because I wanted to look different, but because I wanted my outside to reflect how I felt inside, vibrant, strong, and confident.
I had been seeing Dr. Mesa for about 13 years, and finally, he said it was time to do something. I trusted him completely. I never even asked for the full breakdown. I just showed up for surgery, knowing I was in expert hands.
He performed a deep plane facelift and deep plane neck lift, all under local anesthesia. And let me tell you painless. Yes, really. The entire process was smooth and comfortable, and I never once felt uneasy.
Recovery was actually… enjoyable. Yes, I missed the gym, but Dr. Mesa’s team had me busy with massages, follow-ups, and self-care routines. They truly cared about my mental and emotional well-being, not just the physical results. They understood my lifestyle and made sure I felt supported every step of the way.
Now, 34 days later, I look in the mirror and see the version of myself I always felt on the inside. My face is tight, lifted, but natural, no one noticed I had surgery, just that I looked refreshed. Some thought I’d had PRP (which I joked about), but let’s be honest PRP doesn’t give you this kind of result!
This has been an unforgettable experience, and one I’m so grateful for. If you’re on the fence, just do the consultation. You’ll know right away that Dr. Mesa is the real deal, a true artist, an expert surgeon, and a kind soul with an incredible team behind him.
Thank you, Dr. Mesa, for giving me back a face that matches my energy and spirit. You’ve truly changed my life.
I would recommend their office 10000000 times!!!!

Mini Facelift Frequently Asked Questions
A mini facelift is a less invasive facial rejuvenation procedure that targets the mid to lower face area, specifically addressing early signs of aging such as developing jowls and loss of jawline definition. Unlike a traditional facelift that requires longer incisions and addresses the entire face and neck, a mini facelift uses shorter incisions around the ears and focuses on lifting and tightening specific areas. The procedure offers faster recovery time and can often be performed under local anesthesia.
Ideal candidates for a mini facelift are individuals with mild to moderate facial aging who still maintain good skin elasticity. You may be a good candidate if you have developing jowls, loss of firm jawline definition, sagging in the lower portion of your face, or an aging jawline. This procedure is perfect for both men and women who want to address early signs of aging without the extensive recovery time of a full facelift.
A mini facelift typically takes 1-2 hours to complete, depending on the extent of correction needed and whether additional procedures are performed simultaneously. Dr. Mesa performs the mini facelift under local anesthesia, which eliminates the risks associated with general anesthesia while ensuring your comfort throughout the treatment.
Recovery from a mini facelift is significantly shorter than a traditional facelift. Most patients can return to work within 5-7 days, though you may experience some swelling and bruising for the first week. You'll typically need prescription pain medication for only a few days, after which over-the-counter medication is sufficient. Full recovery and final results are usually visible within 2-3 weeks.
Mini facelift results typically last 5-7 years or longer, depending on individual factors such as skin quality, lifestyle choices, and the natural aging process. While the aging process continues, many patients find that they maintain a more youthful appearance for years after their procedure. Some patients may choose to have touch-up procedures in the future to maintain their results.
The incisions for a mini facelift are strategically placed around the ears where they can be easily concealed. Dr. Mesa uses advanced surgical techniques to minimize scarring, and once fully healed, the scars are virtually invisible. The shorter incisions used in a mini facelift result in less noticeable scarring compared to traditional facelift procedures.
Yes, a mini facelift can often be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as neck liposuction, eyelid surgery, or non-surgical treatments like Botox or dermal fillers. Dr. Mesa will evaluate your specific needs during your consultation and recommend the best combination of treatments to achieve your desired results.
Mini facelifts are generally considered safe procedures with minimal risks when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Potential risks include temporary swelling, bruising, numbness, and infection. Serious complications are rare. Dr. Mesa will discuss all potential risks and complications during your consultation to ensure you make an informed decision.
The cost of a mini facelift varies based on several factors including the surgeon's experience, facility fees, anesthesia costs, and the extent of the procedure. During your consultation with Dr. Mesa, you'll receive a detailed cost breakdown tailored to your specific treatment plan. Financing options are available to help make your procedure more affordable.
During your consultation, Dr. Mesa will evaluate your facial anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine if you're a good candidate for a mini facelift. He'll explain the procedure in detail, show you before and after photos of previous patients, and create a customized treatment plan. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss costs and financing options.
While non-surgical treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, and skin tightening devices can provide temporary improvements, a mini facelift offers more significant and longer-lasting results by actually lifting and repositioning the underlying facial tissues. Non-surgical treatments typically need to be repeated every few months, while mini facelift results last several years.
When selecting a surgeon for your mini facelift, it's crucial to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in facial plastic surgery. Look for a surgeon who specializes in natural-looking results, has positive patient reviews, and makes you feel comfortable during your consultation. Dr. Mesa is Harvard-trained and a board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed hundreds of successful mini facelifts with natural-looking results.
Dr. Mesa is among the most highly trained, board-certified plastic surgeons in the nation, with offices in NYC, New Jersey, and Miami. His customized approach to every surgery produces superior outcomes, as evidenced by his thousands of positive reviews. Beyond his technical expertise and artistry, Dr. Mesa and his staff are known for their warm, caring approach and dedication to forming strong bonds with every patient they treat.
