Mini Facelift Surgery

Conveniently located to serve Melville, Long Island, NY

Early changes along the jawline and jowl area can subtly alter how your face looks at rest. A mini facelift is designed to address these lower-face concerns before they become more pronounced.

At Layliev Plastic Surgery in Melville, Long Island, NY, mini facelift surgery offers a focused approach to lower-face rejuvenation, with smaller incisions and a shorter recovery time than a full facelift.

What Is a Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift is a surgical procedure that targets sagging skin and tissue in the lower face. It focuses on the jawline and jowl area rather than the midface or neck.

Unlike a full facelift, this approach uses shorter incisions and addresses early to moderate laxity. The procedure often includes tightening the underlying SMAS layer to improve support and contour while maintaining natural facial movement.

Am I a Candidate for a Mini Facelift?

You may be a good candidate for a mini facelift if you notice early jowling or mild sagging along the lower face. This procedure is commonly chosen by patients in their 40s to 60s, though candidacy is based on anatomy rather than age alone.

Ideal candidates typically have mild to moderate skin laxity, good skin elasticity, and overall good health. Having realistic expectations about the scope of improvement is also essential when considering mini facelift surgery.

If there is minimal sagging skin and wrinkles, Dr. Layliev may determine you are a good candidate for a mini facelift, which involves smaller incisions, less skin dissection, and less manipulation of the SMAS layer of tissue; this also means less downtime in the postoperative recovery period.

The Mini Facelift Procedure

Mini facelift surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, focusing on enhancing the lower face and jawline. Dr. Layliev uses this approach to address loose facial skin, jowls, and sagging between the cheeks and chin. Incisions are placed behind and in front of the ears, following natural skin creases to help limit visible scarring.

During surgery, the deeper facial tissues are adjusted to improve support in the lower face. Dr. Layliev focuses on tightening the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System), the supportive layer beneath the skin. This allows the skin to heal with less tension, helping to maintain a natural appearance.

Once the deeper tissues are supported, excess skin is removed to refine contour without creating a tight or pulled look. This SMAS-focused approach provides more stable improvement than skin tightening alone and supports longer-lasting results.

As part of surgical planning, you may be asked to bring photos of yourself from your 20s, 30s, or 40s to help assess facial volume changes over time. If volume loss is present, fat may be harvested from areas such as the hips or thighs and injected into targeted areas of the face. Dr. Layliev will determine during the consultation whether this approach is appropriate for your mini facelift.

Mini Facelift Recovery

Mini facelift recovery is generally shorter than recovery from a full facelift. Swelling and bruising are expected during the first week and gradually improve over the following 1-2 weeks.

Most patients return to non-physical work within 7-10 days. Strenuous activity and exercise should be avoided for several weeks to support proper healing.

Because the incisions are smaller and tissue adjustment is more limited than in a standard facelift, downtime is often reduced. Scars continue to soften and fade over time, with incision lines blending into natural contours around the ears.

a black and white portrait of a woman with long wavy hair

Benefits of a Mini Facelift

Mini facelift surgery offers several advantages for patients with early lower face aging concerns. These include:

  • Tightens sagging skin in the lower face and jowl area
  • Improves jawline definition
  • Smaller incisions compared to a full facelift
  • Shorter downtime and faster recovery
  • Natural-looking, refreshed results
  • Can be combined with fat transfer for enhanced facial volume

You can view examples of results in our before-and-after gallery.

Cost of Mini Facelift Surgery

The cost of mini facelift surgery varies based on surgical complexity and whether additional procedures are included. A personalized estimate is provided during your consultation.

Layliev Plastic Surgery offers financing options to help make treatment more accessible. Our team will review available payment plans and answer cost-related questions during your visit.

Why Choose Layliev Plastic Surgery for a Mini Facelift?

Layliev Plastic Surgery in Melville, Long Island, NY, is led by John Layliev, MD, a dual-board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in facial rejuvenation. His expertise includes SMAS facelift techniques and procedures focused on lower-face rejuvenation and jowl-tightening surgery.

Dr. Layliev’s approach emphasizes careful evaluation of facial anatomy, precise tissue handling, and thoughtful incision placement. Each mini facelift is planned to improve contour while preserving natural facial balance and expression.

The practice also supports patients traveling from outside the area with virtual consultations and coordinated surgical planning. Learn more about Dr. John Layliev or review details for out-of-town patients. You may also explore our full facelift procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

The difference between a mini facelift and a standard facelift is the extent of facial skin dissection, the length of the incisions behind and in front of the ear, as well as what is done with the deep layer of tissue. A mini facelift focuses on the lower face, while a full facelift also addresses the midface and neck.
Incisions are placed in natural creases around the ears. With proper healing, scars typically fade and are difficult to notice.
Results can last several years, depending on skin quality and lifestyle factors. Aging continues naturally, but treated areas often maintain improved contour longer.
Yes, a mini facelift is often combined with fat transfer or eyelid surgery. Combining procedures can address multiple concerns within a single surgical plan.
Mini facelift surgery is commonly performed using sedation or general anesthesia. The appropriate option is discussed during consultation.

Schedule Your Consultation

Interested in getting a mini facelift to improve the jawline and jowl area? Meet with Dr. John Layliev in Melville, Long Island, NY, to discuss candidacy, recovery, and next steps. Contact us to schedule a consultation with Layliev Plastic Surgery.

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Layliev Plastic Surgery | Dual Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Melville, NY

Discover personalized, natural results with Dr. Layliev—Long Island’s trusted specialist for Mommy Makeovers, Tummy Tucks, Breast Reductions, and Facelifts. Our Melville office provides advanced cosmetic surgery options designed to help you look and feel your best.

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