A mini-facelift is an aesthetic procedure that helps to correct a sagging jawline, cheeks, and neck, as well as signs of aging around the corners of the eyes and mouth. It is a variation of the traditional facelift that offers effective results with less postoperative bruising and swelling, a shorter recovery period, and fewer side effects. Overall the procedure achieves a more lifted, youthful facial aesthetic with less surgery required.
What Is the Difference Between a Mini-Facelift and a Full Facelift?
A full facelift tightens the lower two-thirds of the face from cheekbone to collarbone. It offers dramatic results for patients with more universal skin laxity throughout the face and neck in a surgery that takes 2 to 5 hours. Because the procedure is more involved, recovery for a full facelift takes about 10 to 14 days.
Alternatively, a mini-facelift provides moderate elevation of facial tissues. It is recommended for patients under 50 years old with mild to moderate sagging. This particular procedure uses shorter incisions that tighten the lower regions of a patient’s face. A mini-facelift takes about two hours to complete, and takes less time to heal than a full facelift.
Benefits
Benefits of a mini facelift include:
- Suitable for patients under 50
- Less invasive overall compared to a traditional facelift
- Shorter incisions with less risk of long scarring
- Effective, natural-looking results
- Can be performed using local anesthesia
- Less downtime than an traditional facelift
Candidates
The mini facelift is a less invasive alternative to a full facelift with fewer overall risks. So, if you’ve begun to notice signs of aging such as sagging in the cheeks and lower face or diminished jawline definition, and you are self-conscious about it, you may be a good candidate for a mini facelift. Patients in their 40s often want to address symptoms of aging before they worsen. A mini facelift is an effective procedure that boasts a shorter surgery and a fast recovery timeline.
You may not be a good candidate for a mini-facelift if you:
- Cannot quit smoking during preparation and recovery
- Are not at a stable weight up to 6 months before surgery
- Experience severe sagging in the fat pads of your cheeks
Personal Consultation
At your consultation, we will discuss the challenges that you currently experience with aging, which we understand may be a sensitive topic. Then we will examine your facial skin and determine whether a full or mini-facelift may be right for you.
To provide an idea of finished results and what your procedure may achieve, we will also be happy to show you a number of before and after images. Dr. Kayabasoglu has helped many patients to achieve remarkable results with a mini facelift.
Through this procedure, patients have come to experience tighter, smoother facial contours and newfound confidence!
Preparation
Taking time to prepare well is the key to an effective procedure and a swift, straightforward recovery. To prepare for a mini-facelift you should follow preoperative guidelines.
In the weeks leading up to surgery:
- Stop smoking six weeks before treatment to prevent postoperative complications.
- Create a home environment conducive to recovery with entertainment and ready-made meals.
- Avoid blood-thinning medications, vitamins, and supplements such as NSAIDs, aspirin, ibuprofen, ginkgo biloba, and Vitamins A & E.
- Arrange for a trusted person to drive you home after surgery and remain with you for the first 24 hours after you recover.
What is a Mini Facelift Procedure Like?
The mini-facelift procedure begins after careful preparation and the administering of anesthesia. Dr. Kayabasoglu will begin by making an incision in front of the ear that is carefully concealed along its natural curves, and extends behind the ear. This incision is shorter than that of a full face-lift, which typically stretches from the hairline near the temple to the nape of the neck. He will then carefully reveal the underlying tissues via the incision points, making the necessary adjustments.
Like the traditional facelift, the mini facelift requires an extremely skilled surgeon with a broad knowledge of facial anatomy. Once Dr. Kayabasoglu has located these anatomical features, and has manipulated them according to your treatment plan, he will redrape the skin and suture the incisions to complete the surgery.
Recovery
Recovery takes between two and four weeks. Your age and your health will impact the healing recovery timeline. Most patients experience mild discomfort and swelling, which should subside after the first week. We recommend sleeping with your head elevated and taking pain medication as needed.
You may also experience swelling and tightness in the neck. You should avoid strenuous activity during your recovery period and request help around the home, only participating in gentle activity. You may resume more strenuous activities after six weeks.
When you are no longer using the pain medications that Dr. Kayabasoglu has prescribed, you may resume driving.
Results
Results become apparent once swelling and bruising have subsided, after about four weeks. Scarring heals after about three months and will be significantly faded one year post-surgery.
While a mini facelift offers more subtle results, it still provides effective, visible lifting and smoothing of facial tissues in the lower face and neck region. The smaller incisions will help to decrease recovery time, while still reducing the size of jowls, and lifting the cheek tissues to a higher placement on the face.
Cost of a Mini Facelift in Turkey
The cost of a mini-face lift varies among patients. Factors that impact the cost of a mini-facelift include anesthesia and postoperative prescription medications. Qualified candidates may be interested in financing their procedure. We will be glad to provide you with an approximate quote at your consultation.
To schedule your appointment at Assoc. Prof. Gurkan Kayabasoglu Clinic, send message from Whatsapp +90 541 622 30 60 or submit an inquiry via our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Facelift Surgery
Yes, many surgeons offer mini facelift procedures with the option of local, rather than general anesthesia. As a result, recovery time may be significantly shorter.
No. The mini facelift only addresses skin laxity in the lower face. If you are looking to correct sagging brows, the best surgical option is the brow lift.
One advantage to the mini-facelift as compared to the full facelift is that the scar is relatively small. Dr. Kayabasoglu will take meticulous care to position the scar in an area around the ears that is concealed and difficult to detect. Once sutured, the scar will be minimally visible.

About Assoc. Prof.
Gürkan Kayabaşoğlu
Gürkan Kayabaşoğlu attaches great importance to the principle of “Health first”. He strictly adheres to the Hippocratic Oath, which advises a physician to, above all else, protect the basic health of his patients.
Gürkan Kayabaşoğlu has concentrated all his education and scientific studies on only one part of the human body, namely the face. He only performs surgeries on the facial area. For this reason, he was given the “Oral, Facial and Maxillofacial Surgery” Specialization Diploma by the Ministry of Health.
