Mini Facelift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Montreal, Quebec

A mini facelift is a surgical procedure that addresses signs of facial aging, including sagging skin along the jowls, cheeks, and neck, and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. A modified version of the classic facelift, a mini rhytidectomy, uses shorter incisions for aesthetic improvement along the lower face and neck. (1) Also known as a limited-incision facelift, it addresses the areas of the face where signs of aging commonly appear first for a quicker recovery time and significant, lasting results.

At his private practice in Montreal, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gaby Doumit specializes in highly personalized aesthetic procedures and performs hundreds of facial transformations each year. Dr. Doumit prioritizes cutting-edge surgical technique and patient education. To explore your mini facelift options and book a personal consultation with Dr. Doumit, submit our contact form or call (514) 932-8200.

About Mini Facelift

The mini facelift is a popular facial rejuvenation procedure that uses limited incisions. It primarily aims to redefine the lower midface and jaw contour by lifting and tightening the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS), effectively reducing jowls and laxity. By employing deep plane or extended deep plane techniques with these short incisions, Dr. Doumit can also improve the midface and upper neck, avoiding the extensive incisions of a full rhytidectomy. (2)

Mini Facelift vs. Traditional Facelift

While both facelift procedures aim to restore a more youthful appearance, the key difference lies in their corrections and incision length. A traditional or full facelift addresses more advanced signs of aging across the entire face, requiring longer incisions that typically start at the temples, run in front of the ear, and wrap behind the ear into the lower scalp. (3) The recovery time is generally longer, and the surgery is more advanced.

The mini facelift uses shorter incisions that hide in the hairline and around the ear, focusing primarily on the lower third of the face and addressing mild to moderate jowling and sagging in the cheeks and neck. This less invasive procedure suits patients who show earlier signs of aging and wish to make a significant improvement without the commitment and recovery of a full facelift.

Benefits

Mini facelifts are beneficial for many patients, both as a corrective and preventative procedure to stop facial aging from advancing.

The primary advantages of the mini facelift include:

  • Minimally Invasive: The procedure features shorter incisions and less tissue manipulation than a full facelift.
  • Faster Recovery: Patients can typically return to normal activities more quickly, often within one to two weeks.
  • Reduced Scarring: The limited incisions result in smaller, less noticeable scars that hide easily.
  • Natural-Looking Results: By focusing on specific target zones, the procedure provides subtle yet significant rejuvenation, avoiding an overly tightened look.
  • Addresses Early Signs of Aging: The mini facelift is ideal for patients in their late 30s, 40s, or 50s who are beginning to notice mild to moderate jowling and skin laxity around the lower face and neck.
  • Long-Lasting: While not permanent, the results of a mini facelift can last for many years, often between 5 and 10, depending on the individual’s aging process and lifestyle.

Candidates

Potential candidates for a mini facelift should be non-smokers in overall good health and free from any medical conditions that could impair healing.

Eligible candidates should also:

  • Exhibit Mild to Moderate Facial Sagging: The procedure is most effective for those with early signs of aging, specifically sagging along the jawline and some laxity in the upper neck.
  • Have Good Skin Elasticity: Skin that retains some natural elasticity tends to heal better and provides longer-lasting results.
  • Have Realistic Expectations: Patients must understand what a mini facelift can and cannot achieve. It will not correct the severe neck banding or extensive skin laxity that would require a more comprehensive surgery.
  • Be Younger: While age is less of a factor than the present signs of age, most mini facelift patients are in their 30s to 50s.

A personal consultation with Dr. Doumit will determine your candidacy and whether the mini facelift is the appropriate procedure for your aesthetic goals.

Personal Consultation

Your personal consultation with Dr. Doumit is the essential first step in your mini facelift journey. He reviews your medical history and conducts a thorough physical assessment of your face, assessing the degree of skin laxity, bone structure, muscle tone, and skin quality to determine the best surgical approach. He will walk you through the steps of the mini facelift, including incision placement, anesthesia, recovery, and expected results. Patient education and safety are of the utmost importance to Dr. Doumit, so he will thoroughly answer your questions and address any concerns. This comprehensive discussion allows him to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique anatomy and desired outcome.

To schedule your personal consultation and explore mini facelift options with Dr. Doumit, call (514) 932-8200 or submit our online contact form.

Preparation

Dr. Doumit will provide personalized instructions to help you prepare for a smooth facelift procedure and recovery phase. In general, key guidelines include:

  • Suspending use of any medications or supplements that have blood-thinning properties.
  • Scheduling time off from work or other commitments.
  • Arranging transportation and personal assistance for the procedure day.
  • Filling any necessary prescriptions.
  • Preparing a comfortable recovery space.
  • Ceasing smoking and refraining from consuming alcohol.

Procedure

Dr. Doumit performs each mini facelift on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with sedation, or sometimes general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure and patient preference. The surgery generally takes between one and a half and two hours.

To start, Dr. Doumit makes limited, discreet incisions. These are typically short and within the hairline or around the ear. Through these small incisions, he lifts and tightens the underlying muscle and connective tissues. Using a deep plane approach, he repositions this layer vertically to restore a more youthful contour along the jawline and lower cheek, with a focus on natural-looking results that suit each patient’s individual facial structure.

Next, Dr. Doumit gently re-drapes the skin over the newly contoured structure, trimming away any excess. Finally, he sutures the skin for a smooth closure and applies a dressing.

Recovery

While the mini facelift offers a faster recovery than a traditional facelift, post-operative care is essential for optimal results. You can expect some swelling and bruising directly following the procedure, which you can manage with a compression garment and prescribed pain medication. Rest is crucial, and you will need to elevate your head to improve circulation and reduce swelling. Avoid strenuous activity, bending, or lifting. Dr. Doumit or a skilled staff member typically removes the stitches between five and seven days post-surgery. Most bruising fades, and many patients feel comfortable returning to light work or social engagements within seven to ten days, despite temporary tightness or numbness. After two to four weeks, the majority of remaining swelling resolves, and subtle final contours emerge. You can usually resume more strenuous activity after three to four weeks, with Dr. Doumit’s clearance.

Results

The results of a mini facelift are visible soon after the procedure, with continued improvement as swelling subsides over the following weeks and months.

You can expect:

  • A Sharper Jawline: The procedure effectively addresses jowls and restores definition to the lower face.
  • Smoother Neck Contour: The mini facelift will improve mild neck banding and sagging, resulting in a more youthful transition from the chin to the neck.
  • Subtle Lift: Your overall appearance is refreshed, revitalized, and naturally younger-looking, without appearing over-stretched.

The longevity of your results depends on factors like genetics, skin quality, and lifestyle choices. Protecting your skin from sun damage and maintaining a stable weight will help preserve your rejuvenated appearance for many years.

Corresponding Procedures

Many patients choose to include additional procedures in their treatment plan to achieve a more comprehensive facial transformation.

Common additional procedures include:

  • Blepharoplasty: Upper and/or lower eyelid lifts provide an enhanced boost to the appearance of the upper mid-face, elevating the eyes for a more youthful, energized expression.
  • Neck Lift: A mini facelift offers some degree of neck refinement, but patients with more extensive platysmal banding (prominent neck muscle bands) or significant excess skin in the neck may require a full neck lift.
  • Laser Skin Resurfacing: For patients who prefer a minimally invasive procedure, laser treatments can help improve the texture, tone, and fine lines on the skin’s surface.

Cost of Mini Facelift in Montreal

The cost of your mini facelift will depend on a variety of factors, including the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia, and whether or not you choose to include any corresponding procedures. Dr. Doumit will give you a comprehensive price list alongside your treatment plan during the consultation.

Schedule a consultation today to explore your mini facelift options. If you have any questions or prefer to schedule over the phone, please call our office directly at (514) 932-8200.

FAQ

Will I have visible scars?

Dr. Doumit expertly places the short incisions in natural creases and hides them in the hairline and around the ear. This placement keeps them minimally visible, and as you continue to heal, they will fade significantly.

Is a mini facelift less effective than a traditional/full facelift?

A mini facelift is not less effective, but rather best for a lesser degree of aging. It is highly effective for patients with mild to moderate jowling and lower-face sagging. If a patient has significant skin excess in the neck, deep folds, or more generalized facial aging, a full facelift will provide a more comprehensive correction.

How long will the results of my mini facelift last?

On average, the results of a mini facelift can last for 5-10 years. While the procedure does not stop the natural aging process, it effectively turns back the clock. A healthy lifestyle and proper skin care will help maximize the longevity of your results.

References

  1. Borges J, Loureiro F. Minilifting technique for treatments of the lower third of the face and anterior cervical neck with tumescent anesthesia. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020 May;19(5):1208-1210. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31502738/
  2. Van Pham T, Truong KHTN. Short or Minimum Incision Deep Plane/Extended Deep Plane Facelift/Rhytidectomy. Facial Plast Surg. 2020 Aug;36(4):376-385. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32866975/
  3. Meretsky CR, Hausner P, Flynn BP, Schiuma AT. A Systematic Review and Comparative Analysis of Reconstructive Rhytidectomy: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Patient Outcomes. Cureus. 2024 Oct 7;16(10):e71006. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11539935/