Mini Facelift
If you’re noticing early signs of aging in your lower face, jawline, or neck, a mini facelift may be the ideal solution to restore definition and youthful contours without the extensive recovery of a traditional facelift. At Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. W. Tracy Hankins and Dr. Samuel M. Sohn, specialize in this refined procedure for patients throughout Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada.
A mini facelift, also called a short-scar or limited-incision facelift, is a less invasive alternative to a full facelift that targets mild to moderate skin laxity and sagging in the lower face and neck. With smaller incisions, shorter operative time, and faster recovery, this procedure delivers natural-looking results that can last 10 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance.
- What Is a Mini Facelift?
- Benefits of a Mini Facelift
- Am I a Good Candidate for a Mini Facelift?
- The Mini Facelift Procedure: What to Expect
- Mini Facelift Recovery Timeline
- Mini Facelift vs. Full Facelift: Which Is Right for You?
- Extending Your Results: Complementary Treatments
- Why Choose Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery for Your Mini Facelift?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Facelift
What Is a Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift is a surgical procedure designed to address early signs of aging by lifting and tightening sagging skin in the lower face, jawline, cheeks, and neck. Unlike a traditional facelift, which addresses the entire face and requires more extensive tissue manipulation, a mini facelift focuses on the areas most affected by gravity and time.1,2
During the cosmetic procedure, our surgeons make small incisions typically placed in front of or behind the ear, hidden within natural creases and the hairline. Through these limited incisions, we gently lift the underlying facial tissues, reposition them to restore youthful contours, and remove excess skin. The remaining skin is then re-draped smoothly over the newly lifted framework, and incisions are closed with fine sutures that dissolve over time.
The result is a refreshed, naturally lifted appearance that erases jowls, softens marionette lines, and redefines your jawline, all while maintaining facial harmony and expression.
Benefits of a Mini Facelift
A mini facelift offers several compelling advantages for patients seeking facial rejuvenation who aren’t ready for facelift surgery:
- Combination-Friendly: A mini facelift pairs beautifully with complementary procedures like brow lift, eyelid surgery, or dermal fillers to address multiple areas of concern.
- Shorter Recovery Time: Most patients return to light activities within 5 to 7 days and resume normal routines within 1 to 2 weeks, compared to 2 to 3 weeks for a full facelift.
- Minimal Scarring: Incisions are strategically placed in inconspicuous locations, and scars fade significantly within 6 to 12 months as they mature.
- Natural-Looking Results: The procedure lifts and tightens without over-correction, preserving facial expression and maintaining a refreshed, not overdone appearance.
- Lower Complication Risk: Smaller incisions and less tissue manipulation reduce the risk of nerve injury, hematoma, and other surgical complications.
- Customizable Approach: The procedure can be tailored to address your specific concerns, whether that’s jowls, marionette lines, cheek sagging, or neck laxity.
- Outpatient Procedure: Surgery is performed in an accredited surgical facility and you return home the same day.
- Long-Lasting Results: Results typically last 10 to 15 years, making it a worthwhile investment in your appearance.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Mini Facelift?
Ideal candidates for a mini facelift typically share these characteristics:
- Age Range: Most candidates are in their late 30s to early 50s, though age alone doesn’t determine candidacy.
- Mild to Moderate Skin Laxity: You have noticeable sagging in the lower face or neck but don’t require the extensive lifting of a full facelift.
- Good Overall Health: You’re free from uncontrolled medical conditions and take no medications that significantly impair healing.
- Realistic Expectations: You understand that a mini facelift addresses the lower face and neck, not the forehead or upper face.
- Non-Smoker or Willing to Quit: Smoking impairs blood flow and delays healing, so we ask patients to abstain for at least 2 weeks before and after surgery.
- Stable Weight: Significant weight fluctuations after surgery can affect results, so we recommend being at a stable weight before proceeding.
- Commitment to Sun Protection: Protecting your skin from UV damage helps preserve results long-term.
During your consultation at our Las Vegas or Henderson office, Dr. Hankins or Dr. Sohn will evaluate your facial anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals to determine if a mini facelift is right for you, or if an alternative approach might better serve your needs.
The Mini Facelift Procedure: What to Expect
Before Your Surgery
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation where we discuss your concerns, review your medical history, and examine your facial structure. We’ll explain the procedure in detail, show you before-and-after photos of similar patients, and answer all your questions. You’ll receive pre-operative instructions, including guidelines on medications, supplements, and fasting.
On Surgery Day
The procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours and is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your preference and our recommendation. You’ll be comfortable and relaxed throughout.
Our surgeon begins by making small incisions in front of or behind your ear, carefully placed within natural skin creases and the hairline to minimize visibility. Through these incisions, we access the underlying facial muscles and tissues (SMAS layer). We gently lift and reposition these structures to restore youthful contours, then trim excess skin and close incisions with fine sutures.3
The entire process is designed to be precise and gentle, preserving facial nerves and blood vessels to ensure optimal healing and natural results.
After Your Surgery
You’ll spend a brief recovery period in our facility before being discharged home with a responsible adult. You may experience mild swelling, bruising, and tightness, which is completely normal and expected.
Planning Your Mini Facelift Procedure*
Average Procedure Time:
1 – 2 hours
Average Recovery Time:
1 – 2 weeks
Post-Op Consultation:
6 – 8 weeks
*Your treatment plan at Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates will be customized to meet your needs and your individual experience will vary depending on a number of factors. All information provided on this page is an estimate of typical time and cost and does not represent an offer or guarantee of pricing or availability. Please schedule a consultation appointment to discuss which options may apply to you.
Mini Facelift Recovery Timeline
Understanding what to expect during recovery helps you plan accordingly and follow post-operative care instructions that optimize healing.
Days 1 to 3 (Immediate Recovery)
- Swelling and bruising peak around day 2 to 3.
- Keep your head elevated, even while sleeping, to minimize swelling.
- Apply ice packs for the first 48 hours, then switch to warm compresses.
- Take prescribed pain medication as directed; most patients experience mild discomfort, not severe pain.
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and bending.
Week 1
- Most patients feel comfortable returning to light activities like walking and desk work.
- Swelling begins to subside noticeably.
- You may shower, but avoid getting incisions wet; pat dry gently.
- Continue head elevation and avoid sleeping on your side.
- Attend your first post-operative visit for suture check or removal if needed.
Weeks 2 to 4
- Swelling continues to diminish; you’ll start seeing your true results emerge.
- Most patients resume normal activities, including exercise, by week 3 to 4.
- Incisions continue healing; scars begin to fade.
- Avoid direct sun exposure; use SPF 30+ sunscreen daily.
- Follow-up appointments ensure proper healing.
Weeks 4 to 8
- Significant improvement in swelling and bruising.
- Results become increasingly apparent as tissues settle.
- Most scars are well-healed and continue to fade over months.
- You can resume all normal activities, including strenuous exercise.
Months 3 to 12
- Final results stabilize as all swelling resolves completely.
- Scars continue to mature and fade; most are barely visible by 6 to 12 months.
- You’ll enjoy the full benefits of your mini facelift.
Peer-reviewed studies published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery demonstrate high patient satisfaction following limited-incision and short-scar facelift procedures. Using validated FACE-Q patient-reported outcome measures, patients consistently report significant improvements in facial appearance, confidence, and overall satisfaction when procedures are performed on appropriately selected candidates with realistic expectations.4,5
Mini Facelift vs. Full Facelift: Which Is Right for You?
Mini Facelift
- Targets lower face and neck only
- Smaller incisions, less tissue manipulation
- 1 to 2 hours operative time
- 1 to 2 weeks recovery
- Results last 10 to 15 years
- Ideal for mild to moderate sagging
- Lower complication risk
Full Facelift (Traditional Facelift)
- Addresses entire face, including forehead and temples
- Larger incisions, more extensive tissue work
- 2 to 4 hours operative time
- 2 to 3 weeks recovery
- Results last 10 to 15 years
- Ideal for significant sagging and skin laxity
- Slightly higher complication risk due to scope
If you have significant sagging throughout your entire face or require extensive lifting, a full facelift may be more appropriate. Our surgeons will help you determine the best approach during your consultation.
Extending Your Results: Complementary Treatments
A mini facelift provides excellent results on its own, but many patients choose to combine it with other procedures or non-surgical treatments to address additional concerns and maximize their rejuvenation. These complementary treatments can be performed at the time of your mini facelift or scheduled for later, depending on your goals and recovery preferences.
Surgical Combinations
- Brow Lift: Elevates the forehead and brows, opening the eye area and creating a more youthful appearance.
- Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Removes excess skin and fat from the upper and lower eyelids, eliminating hooding and under-eye bags.
- Neck Lift: Tightens loose skin and muscle in the neck for a more defined neckline.
Non-Surgical Extensions
- Dermal Fillers: Restore volume to cheeks, lips, and under-eye areas, complementing the lifting effects of your mini facelift.
- Laser Skin Resurfacing: Improves skin texture, tone, and fine lines for a more polished, youthful complexion.
- BOTOX®: Smooths dynamic wrinkles on the forehead, between the brows, and around the eyes.
Why Choose Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery for Your Mini Facelift?
Our Surgeons’ Expertise and Credentials
Dr. W. Tracy Hankins, MD, FACS
Dr. Hankins is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience in facial rejuvenation and body contouring. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Davidson College in North Carolina and earned his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1994. After completing his plastic surgery residency at Blodgett Memorial Medical Center, Dr. Hankins established a successful solo practice in Arizona for a decade before relocating to Las Vegas in 2004.
Dr. Hankins is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and a Distinguished Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He served as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center and is an Associate Clinical Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nevada. He has been recognized as a Top Doctor by Vegas Seven Magazine and Castle Connolly, and maintains a 4.8-star rating on RealSelf with over 390 patient reviews.
Dr. Samuel M. Sohn, MD
Dr. Sohn is a board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon who joined Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates in 2008. He earned his undergraduate degree from Stanford University and his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia in 2001. Dr. Sohn completed his integrated plastic surgery residency at Michigan State University and received specialized fellowship training in aesthetic surgery at the prestigious New York Eye and Ear Infirmary.
As one of the few fellowship-trained plastic surgeons in Las Vegas, Dr. Sohn brings advanced expertise in facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and breast aesthetics. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Dr. Sohn is affiliated with Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center and maintains a 4.7-star rating on RealSelf with numerous patient testimonials praising his skill and compassionate care.
Our Commitment to Excellence
At Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery, we believe that exceptional results begin with meticulous surgical technique, personalized patient care, and a deep understanding of facial aesthetics. As Dr. Hankins often says, “The goal of facial rejuvenation is not to make someone look different, but to help them look like the best version of themselves.” This philosophy guides every procedure we perform.
Our practice has been voted among the Top Plastic Surgery practices in Nevada, and we’ve been honored with multiple awards including Best of Las Vegas recognition. With over three decades of combined experience, we’ve helped thousands of patients achieve their aesthetic goals with natural-looking, long-lasting results.
We maintain state-of-the-art surgical facilities, use advanced techniques, and prioritize patient safety and satisfaction above all else. Your comfort, confidence, and trust are paramount to us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Facelift
How long do mini facelift results last?
Mini facelift results typically last 10 to 15 years. The longevity of your results depends on factors like your skin quality, sun exposure, lifestyle, and natural aging process. Many patients maintain their results longer by protecting their skin from sun damage, staying hydrated, and using quality skincare products.
Will my scars be visible?
Incisions are strategically placed in inconspicuous locations, hidden within the hairline and natural creases around the ear. Scars fade significantly over 6 to 12 months as they mature. Most patients report that their scars are barely noticeable once fully healed. We provide detailed scar care instructions to optimize healing and minimize visibility.
Where can I find a mini facelift near me in Las Vegas and Henderson?
Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery has two convenient locations serving the Las Vegas and Henderson areas. Our board-certified surgeons, Dr. W. Tracy Hankins and Dr. Samuel M. Sohn, specialize in mini facelifts and other facial rejuvenation procedures. With over 25 years of combined experience and thousands of satisfied patients, we’re committed to delivering natural-looking results and exceptional patient care. Schedule your consultation today to learn how a mini facelift can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
What is the difference between a mini facelift and a full facelift?
A mini facelift targets the lower face and neck with smaller incisions and shorter operative time, making it ideal for mild to moderate sagging. A full facelift addresses the entire face, including the forehead and temples, and requires larger incisions and longer recovery. Your surgeon will recommend the best approach based on your specific concerns and goals.
How much downtime will I have?
Most patients return to light activities within 5 to 7 days and resume normal routines within 1 to 2 weeks. You can return to strenuous exercise and heavy lifting after 3 to 4 weeks. Full recovery and final results are typically visible by 8 to 12 weeks.
Is a mini facelift painful?
Most patients experience mild discomfort rather than pain, which is well-controlled with prescribed pain medication. Tightness and mild soreness are normal and typically resolve within the first week.
Contact Us for Your Mini Facelift Consultation
If you’re ready to explore how a mini facelift can refresh your appearance and restore your confidence, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hankins or Dr. Sohn at Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas or Henderson, NV. During your visit, we’ll discuss your goals, evaluate your facial anatomy, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
1 Johns Hopkins Medicine.Treatments and Procedures: Facelift and Mini-Facelift. Available: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/otolaryngology/specialty_areas/facial-plastic-reconstructive/cosmetic/face-lift.html. Accessed January 22, 2026.
2 ASPS. Facelift Surgery. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/facelift/procedure. Accessed January 22, 2026.
3 Imber G, Silich RC. Limited-incision face lift technique. Aesthet Surg J. 2001 May;21(3):216-26. doi: 10.1067/maj.2001.116244. PMID: 19331896. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19331896/. Accessed January 22, 2026.16-226. doi:10.1067/maj.2001.116244. Accessed June 29, 2020.
4 Sinno, Sammy MD; Schwitzer, Jonathan A. MD; Anzai, Lavinia BS; Thorne, Charles MD. Facelift Satisfaction Using the FACE-Q. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 136(4S):p 144, October 2015. | DOI: 10.1097/01.prs.0000472464.63754.d3. Available: https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/fulltext/2015/10001/facelift_satisfaction_using_the_face_q.197.aspx. Accessed January 22, 2026.
4 Berger M, Weigert R, Pascal E, Hufschmidt K, Casoli V. Assessing Improvement of Patient Satisfaction Following Facelift Surgery Using the FACE-Q Scales: A Prospective and Multicenter Study. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2019 Apr;43(2):370-375. doi: 10.1007/s00266-018-1277-9. Epub 2018 Nov 28. Erratum in: Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2019 Aug;43(4):1132. doi: 10.1007/s00266-019-01405-6. PMID: 30488241. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30488241/. Accessed January 22, 2026.
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This content has either been authored or reviewed and approved by the doctors at Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates.