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What Is the Difference Between Mini Facelift and Facelift Surgery?

Written by Dr. Min S. Ahn · Updated June 16, 2026 Facial Plastic Surgeon · Diplomate, American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery · Diplomate, American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

The term “mini facelift” suggests that the procedure is dramatically different and much less expensive than a full facelift. This is typically not true. Although a common characteristic of the surgery is smaller incisions and often quicker recovery times, the definition of mini facelift is not set in stone, and the procedure may be performed in different ways by different surgeons.

Experienced Boston plastic surgeon Dr. Min S. Ahn often recommends mini facelift for patients who have loose jowls but relatively good skin integrity in other areas of the face and neck.

For such patients, he makes a small incision along the contour of the ear and tightens the jawline by pulling tissue upward through the cheeks. Unlike full facelift, the procedure does not target the neck, nor include brow lift or eyelid lift.

Distinctions and Similarities

A traditional facelift trims years from a patient’s appearance by tightening facial skin and muscles, while sometimes also removing skin and fat. The procedure targets displaced fat and sagging tissue on the cheeks, creases beneath the lower eyelids, excess skin and fat along the jawline, and furrows between the nose and corners of the mouth.

Facelift performed by a skilled plastic surgeon will typically last about 10 years. Mini facelift will last 8-10 years. For both facelift and mini facelift, recovery is measured in weeks, not days. Both are major surgical procedures.

Swelling is a key aspect of healing for each procedure. Swelling builds during the first three to four days after surgery. It is accompanied by bruising and some pain, which can be managed with prescribed medication.

Whether you choose to have facelift or mini facelift, plan to stay home for one to two weeks after surgery. You should be able to resume most normal activities in a month, although your face will continue to heal for up to a year.

To learn more about facelift or mini facelift, or to schedule an appointment, call or email Dr. Min S. Ahn of Ahn Point today.

About Dr. Min S. Ahn

Facial Plastic Surgeon · Ahn Point Center

Board certification

American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (verify)
American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (verify)

Education and training

Harvard University, B.A. in Biology, cum laude
George Washington University School of Medicine, with distinction; Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society
University of California, San Francisco, Head and Neck Surgery (Internship/Residency)
Research at the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health and at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Department of Surgery
Medical degree, George Washington University School of Medicine, with distinction
Bachelor of Arts in Biology cum Laude, Harvard University (1985–1989)
Degree in medicine, with Distinction, The George Washington University School of Medicine (1990–1994)
Internship in General Surgery, The University of California at San Francisco (1994–1995)
Residency in Head and Neck Surgery, The University of California at San Francisco (1995–1999)
Fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The University of California at San Francisco (1999–2000)

Hospital affiliations

UMASS Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA

Memberships