Mini Facelift vs Full Facelift: Which Is Right for You?
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Introduction: Rejuvenation on Your Terms
In a city like Austin—where innovation meets natural beauty—it's no surprise that more people are seeking surgical solutions to maintain a youthful appearance without looking “overdone.” Whether you're in your 40s and noticing the first signs of sagging or in your 60s and ready for a more comprehensive refresh, knowing the difference between a mini facelift and a full facelift is the first step to choosing what’s right for you.
At Levesque Plastic Surgery, we understand that no two faces age exactly the same. That’s why we offer highly customized facial rejuvenation procedures tailored to your anatomy, lifestyle, and goals.
What Is a Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift is really just a marketing term and depending on the surgeon may mean different things. The overall reason why mini facelift is even a thing is the desire by patients to have a less invasive surgical procedure with less scarring, less cost. The psychology of the patient is also important here as we're commonly insecure about our chronological age and do not want to be told that we really need a "full" facelift.
How It Works
For me mini facelift using shorter incisions, usually hidden around the ears and not extending to the hairline. Through these incisions, underlying tissues are repositioned, and only mild excess skin is removed. Typically this small exposure does not allow for as aggressive deep tissue work so we likely would only perform a SMAS plication which is a tightening of the deeper tissues rather than a complete separation of the layer and repositioning that is the hallmarks of the deep plane technique. For younger patients without significant loss of skin elasticity this can redefine the jawline and lifts sagging cheeks without the need for a more extensive deep-plane dissection. Another subset of patient that might benefit from this approach is someone having their second or third facelift. This is due to the fact that typically after the first facelift there is not typically as much redundant skin that needs to be removed.
Ideal Candidates
- Typically in their 40s
- Notice early jowling or marionette lines
- Have good skin elasticity
- Thinner faces
Recovery and Results
- Downtime: 5–10 days
- Swelling/Bruising: Mild to moderate
- Results: Refreshed, firmer appearance that lasts 5–7 years
Pros
- Quicker recovery
- Subtle, refreshed results
- Less scarring
- Lower cost than a full facelift
Cons
- Less dramatic lift
- Does not address deep neck bands or significant skin laxity
- Not as long-lasting as a full facelift
What Is a Full Facelift?
A full facelift, also known as a SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) facelift, is a more comprehensive surgical procedure that addresses moderate to severe facial aging. It goes beyond skin tightening to reposition deeper facial structures for longer-lasting, natural results. This can be done with a deep plane technique and SMAS plication techniques and includes wide exposure of the face and neck with more aggressive removal of excess skin.
I typically perform a deep-plane facelift through incisions placed around the ears and into the temple hairline and posterior neck hairline and often under the chin. The deeper connective tissue layer is lifted and re-anchored, providing support that resists the pull of gravity over time.
Ideal Candidates
Typically 50s–60s, older patients certainly can benefit but other procedures like skin resurfacing, fat transfer, upper and lower eyelids, lip lifts will be necessary to make it look balanced.
- Have noticeable jowls, deep nasolabial folds, and loose neck skin
- Want long-lasting, more dramatic rejuvenation
- Are in good overall health
Recovery and Results
- Downtime: 10–14 days
- Swelling/Bruising: Moderate to significant (resolves over 2–3 weeks)
- Results: Rejuvenation that lasts 10–15+ years
Pros
- Addresses the neck and lower face thoroughly
- Long-lasting results
- Can be combined with other procedures for full facial harmony
Cons
- Longer recovery
- More costly
- Greater surgical commitment
Mini vs Full Facelift: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature: Mini Facelift Full Facelift
Ideal Age Range 40s–early 50s 50s–70s
Target Areas Lower face, jowls Mid-face, lower face, neck
Incision Length Short, around ears Longer, extends into hairline
Recovery Time 7–14 days 14–21 days
Longevity 5–7 years 10–15+ years
Cost Lower Higher
Customization Mild to moderate correction Moderate to advanced aging
The Power of Pairing: Neck Lift, Fat Grafting, and More
Many patients at Levesque Plastic Surgery choose to combine procedures for even more natural and comprehensive results. A mini or full facelift may be paired with:
- Deep neck contouring for platysma banding and fullness under the chin.
- A lateral necklift in my opinion are always performed with a facelift they are not seperate.
- Fat grafting to restore volume to cheeks, forehead, ear lobes, chin, or temples
- Eyelid surgery for upper or lower lids
- Laser skin resurfacing to improve skin tone and texture
- Bullhorn upper lip lift
- Browlift
These combinations allow for a more balanced, youthful appearance—and they can often be performed in the same surgical session.
What About Non-Surgical Alternatives?
There’s a time and place for injectables, and skin tightening devices, but it’s important to know their limits.
Non-Surgical Options Include:
- Dermal fillers: Volume but not lift
- Neuromodulators like Botox® or Dysport:® Smooths dynamic wrinkles
- Radiofrequency microneedling: Mild tightening over time or thinking of the skin
- Laser resurfacing or chemical peels: Can turn back the skin texture and smoothness to complement the repositioning of the deeper tissues.
If you’ve already tried these and feel like they’re not doing enough—or you’re returning every few months for maintenance—it may be time to consider surgery.
“The most satisfied patients are the ones who choose the right tool for the job. Sometimes that’s surgery, sometimes it’s not. The key is a personalized plan.”
– Dr. Andre Levesque
Why Austin Patients Choose Dr. Levesque for Facelift Surgery
As one of Austin’s most trusted board-certified plastic surgeons, I tailor each facelift for what will achieve the best result for the patient while prioritizing safety. We do not just to pull skin, but to restore youthful contours and facial balance. We also have developed a specialization of performing the facial aesthetic surgeries including deep plane face and neck lifting with local anesthesia and only a small amount of oral medications. No IVs, No general anesthesia. We can certainly book your surgery at several accredited surgery centers we work out of should you desire Intravenous or general anesthesia but it not required.
Patients Appreciate
- A natural, refreshed—not “tight”—look
- Meticulous, hidden incisions
- Thoughtful consultation and education process
- Before-and-after results that reflect you, only younger
View our facelift gallery to see real patient transformations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I start with a mini facelift and get a full facelift later?
Yes. Many patients choose a mini facelift in their 40s, then opt for a more comprehensive procedure 10+ years later. The initial surgery can often delay the need for more aggressive intervention. The more facelifts I have done in my career however I feel like younger patients do spectacular with the full facelift and smaller versions of eyelid surgery, brow lifting, fat transfer as the skin still has great elasticity and we can really pull off a very young appearance.
Will I look like myself?
Absolutely, that’s the goal. We don't pull on the skin our pull is on the SMAS layer and skin is removed to just cover the underlying facial structure. This creates natural contours rather than creating an artificial or “windswept” appearance.
How much does a mini vs full facelift cost?
Costs vary depending on the extent of surgery, anesthesia, and facility fees. Mini facelifts generally range lower in price, while full facelifts are more involved. During your consultation, you’ll receive a custom quote with no surprises. We alays have rough costs for our procedures in our menu of services .
Is it ever too late (or too early) for a facelift?
It’s never too early to learn about your options. Some patients benefit from earlier intervention, while others wait until changes are more advanced. The right time is when you feel ready and have realistic expectations.
Conclusion: Let’s Personalize Your Path to Rejuvenation
Whether you’re just beginning to notice early signs of aging or you’re ready for a dramatic transformation, your journey to a more youthful, confident appearance starts with the right information—and the right surgeon.
At Levesque Plastic Surgery in Austin, we specialize in custom facial rejuvenation plans designed around your unique goals, anatomy, and lifestyle.
Schedule your private consultation with us discover whether a mini facelift, full facelift, or a combination approach is right for you.