Summer ready in a flash: The mini facelift

There are many products and services that come in both full-sized and miniature versions. Coke has Coca-Cola Mini, Snickers has Snickers Fun Size and beauty products have travel sizes. The mini versions give you a taste of what you love or let you experiment with new products before committing to the standard size.

In plastic surgery circles, some procedures have been affectionately dubbed "mini," like baby Botox and the mini facelift. These mini procedures are popular because they offer softer, more subtle results and minimal downtime, perfect for a summer revamp.

Before you dive in, though, it's helpful to understand what a mini facelift entails and the achievable results this procedure can provide.

What is and isn't a mini facelift?

A mini facelift is a term coined to describe a less invasive procedure that helps address the early signs of aging. It focuses on tightening and lifting the skin and underlying tissues in the face. Often, a mini facelift aims to achieve results in a specific area of the face, rather than the entire face. The benefit of a mini facelift is that it provides subtle and harmonious results with less downtime than a full facelift. However, the phrase "mini facelift" can be a bit confusing.

"One thing that I think is important to understand is that there is no standard term or understanding of what a mini facelift is," said Anureet Bajaj, MD. "The thing about plastic surgery is that sometimes what lay people refer to doesn't really exist in the true surgical definition."

So, without a true surgical definition, how can we know was a mini facelift is? Let's start with what a full facelift is.

"A traditional facelift addresses the face and neck and involves an incision from the temple hairline extending downwards in front of the ear, around the lobe and extending behind the ear into the posterior (rear) hairline," said Dr. Bajaj. "There is also usually an incision under the chin. Through these incisions, the underlying muscle is tightened and the excess skin is removed. The reason for the incisions around the ear is that it is really the only way to remove the excess skin with discrete scars."

She explained that when people talk about a mini facelift, they may be thinking of a short scar facelift.

"In these situations, the incision is just around the ear, in front of the ear and behind the ear, like a horseshoe," said Dr. Bajaj. "The disadvantage is that only a limited amount of skin is removed, and the muscle tightening is also very limited. Essentially, it means that you are also getting a 'mini' result."

Can the idea of a "mini" procedure be simplified further? It can!

"Any procedure that is called 'mini' just means that the full procedure is not being done," said Karen Horton, MD, MSc, FACS. "For a mini facelift, this usually denotes a shorter scar, more limited dissection and less work being done. It could focus on just the upper face, just the mid-face or just the lower face or neck."

She also notes that in some situations, nonsurgical procedures could be labeled as a "mini facelift," involving threads to lift the tissues or a combination of fillers and neuromodulator injections, such as Botox, along with energy-based treatments, like lasers, that claim to "tighten" the skin. When procedures like these are classified as "mini facelift," it can blur the lines for patients and cause confusion about what they are getting and the results that a mini "anything" can provide.

Is the mini facelift tour key to an ageless summer glow?

If you're looking for a fresh glow-up for the summer, it's helpful to understand the aesthetic goals you want to achieve.

"With a less-involved procedure, results will be less dramatic, recovery shorter, bruising and swelling hopefully less and downtime less overall," said Dr. Horton. "It is a trade-off when considering any 'mini' procedure."

So, who would be the ideal patient for a mini facelift then?

"I think there is a place for them in very selected patients," said Jeffrey Roth, MD, FACS. "They are usually younger, mostly in their 40s and 50s."

He added that these individuals tend to see early "jowling", loss of definition in the jaw or a "sliding" of the mid-face. There has been a trend among younger individuals in their 30s to seek a tightening effect from mini facelifts, but he recommended exercising caution with too much surgery too soon.

If you want a minimally invasive way to enhance your face subtly, bring those desires to a plastic surgeon to help develop a plan for you.

"When discussing facial rejuvenation options with patients, it is really important to understand their goals and expectations," said Dr. Bajaj. "Some patients may be good candidates for a less invasive procedure if their skin quality is good and they don't have extensive skin excess; others may not be. In my practice, I rarely find anyone who is a good candidate for a short scar facelift or an isolated neck lift."

There is an appeal to revamping your face for the summer in a way that allows you to maximize your summer vacation, but as always, you want to go into any procedure fully understanding what to expect. All three surgeons recommend consulting with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who is an ASPS member to discuss your aesthetic goals and expected recovery timeline. From there, a plastic surgeon can help you find the procedure that addresses your concerns, moving past catchy buzzwords to find real solutions.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.