"I finally feel refreshed and it was quick. Wonderful surgeon, back to work in no time at all".
If you want to look refreshed and natural looking but do not have the time for a long recovery, then a mini facelift might be the best option. A mini facelift, also called a micro face lift procedure, targets sagging cheek areas, jowls and wrinkles. If you are considering a mini facelift in London, this treatment is especially popular for its convenience and natural results.
How does a mini facelift differ from a traditional facelift? The mini facelift is less invasive, uses smaller incisions, and specifically targets the lower face and jawline, making it ideal for those seeking subtle rejuvenation with minimal downtime.
If your neck is showing skin laxity and muscle banding (two buldging vertical strips along the neck) then the mini facelift can help target these issues. The procedure can also address the upper neck for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
The mini facelift is effective for those who do not have a lot of excess skin, which makes it a great option for women and men with mild to moderate signs of ageing. It is particularly suited for younger patients experiencing early facial ageing, moderate skin laxity, or loose skin who want to restore a youthful appearance without extensive surgery.
At Kensington Medical our facial plastic surgeons are experts in mini facelifts. It is one of the most popular facelift procedures we do.
The surgery starts with small incisions and smaller incisions, which are actually facial incisions placed in natural creases such as the hairline behind your ear, minimizing visible scarring and allowing for minimal downtime, bruising, and swelling.
A small incision is hidden in the hairline and often extends behind the ear.
It is a good alternative if you are unable to commit to the recovery of a full facelift.
The mini face lift reduces the signs of ageing in the face, cheek, jowls, and often the neck.
Other names for the treatment include S-lift, lunchtime facelift. There are other slight differences in the surgery, and they all come down to the length of the incisions.
The mini face lift will tighten the skin and remove sagging along the jawline, on the cheeks, and reduce wrinkles in this area.
One big advantage of the mini lift is that recovery can be quick, and you can be back to work in about a week.
Mini facelifts are the perfect procedure for eliminating the sagging cheek areas, jowls, and wrinkles around that area of the face. A mini-facelift can be just what you need to feel refreshed. In some cases, neck skin excision may be necessary to achieve optimal results in the neck area. The mini facelift focuses on the lower face and neck, using less invasive techniques to address signs of aging and restore a natural, youthful appearance.
A mini facelift can effectively target the lower face and neck, reducing sagging and wrinkles in these areas.
Lift the sagging cheek area
Reduce wrinkles in the area lifted
Reduce jowls
More defined jawline
The procedure also enhances facial contours, improving the definition and shape of your face for a more youthful look.
The above is determined by the face’s facial structure, muscularity or muscle tone, and skin looseness.
Patients can expect mini facelift results to appear gradually, with visible improvements becoming more apparent as swelling subsides and healing progresses. Typically, you will notice a subtle yet noticeable improvement in your appearance, with results that look natural and refreshed.
Find out more and get in touch to see if you are suitable for a mini face lift.
A mini face lift is a facial rejuvenation procedure that treats sagging of the cheek area, mouth corners, and can help the jawline. Mini face lift surgery is a targeted option for individuals in their 40’s or 50’s who want to address early signs of aging, such as laugh lines, wrinkles, and moderate skin laxity in the cheek area.
The mini facelift is designed to address facial and neck ageing, including sagging skin and wrinkles around the cheeks and jawline.
For individuals with advanced signs of ageing, a deep plane facelift may be more suitable due to its ability to target deeper layers of facial tissue.
We would carry out a mini-lift on a patient in their 60’s, although a SMAS, mid to lower facelift can often be a better choice. Our expert Plastic Surgeons will ensure that you get the best advice to achieve the results you are after.
We would not recommend a mini facelift or lower mini facelift for someone in their 70s due to greater skin and muscle laxity. The full facelift options can be discussed in your consultation.
Other procedures, such as eyelid surgery or non-surgical treatments, can also be combined with a mini facelift for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Compared to the SMAS facelift or the deep plane lift, this procedure does not require an incision in the temporal or upper forehead region. It is a less invasive procedure because it only requires one single cut around your ear. Mini facelift procedures can often be performed under local anaesthetic with sedation, allowing for a quicker recovery compared to the general anaesthesia typically used in traditional facelifts.
In some cases, a neck lift may be recommended in conjunction with a mini facelift to address significant skin laxity in the neck area.
The results are not as prominent as a full facelift; however, it has other advantages such as a lower down time and less swelling and bruising. Unlike a surgical facelift, which is a more extensive surgery involving deeper tissue repositioning and longer recovery, the mini facelift is less invasive and avoids the need for extensive surgery.
This procedure removes excess skin to achieve a more youthful appearance. You may not need a full facelift. We recommend that you discuss the options with our facial plastic surgeon in a consultation. Non surgical treatments, such as fillers or laser skin resurfacing, can also be considered.
When considering facial rejuvenation, it’s important to know that there are several types of facelift procedures, each designed to address different signs of ageing and deliver natural-looking results. The most popular options include the S-lift (short scar facelift), SMAS facelift, and deep plane facelift.
The S-lift, or short scar facelift, is a less invasive procedure that uses a smaller incision than traditional facelift surgery, making it ideal for those with mild to moderate signs of ageing. This technique focuses on lifting and tightening the lower face, particularly around the jawline and cheeks, with minimal scarring and downtime.
For patients seeking a more comprehensive approach, the SMAS facelift targets the superficial musculoaponeurotic system—a deeper layer beneath the skin. By repositioning this underlying tissue, the SMAS facelift offers more significant facial rejuvenation and longer-lasting results, while still being less invasive than a full traditional facelift.
The deep plane facelift is a more advanced and invasive procedure that addresses deeper facial structures. This technique is particularly effective for those with more pronounced sagging and moderate signs of ageing, as it lifts both the skin and the underlying tissues for a more dramatic and enduring transformation.
Each of these acelift procedures can be tailored to your unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals. During your initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will assess your facial structure and skin laxity to recommend the most suitable facelift surgery for you.
This personalised approach ensures you achieve the best possible outcome, whether you’re looking for subtle enhancement or more noticeable facial rejuvenation.
We offer specialist facial rejuvenation treatments in the heart of London. Our team of expert plastic surgeons is dedicated to providing you with a comprehensive and personalised experience. With our expertise in facial cosmetic surgery, we can help you fight back the years and delicately recover your facial freshness and youthful appearance.
Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a dialogue between you and your plastic surgeon: the pre-operative consultation, which is central to the operation's success.
At Kensington Medical, patients interested in surgery undergo several consultations with the surgeon. We are keen for our patients to be fully informed before deciding whether to proceed with a mini facelift. We encourage our patients to see our plastic surgeons more than once and ask as many questions as they wish. Typically, our patients go through two pre-operative consultations.
The first consultation tends to be face-to-face. During it, the surgeon will:
Following the first consultation, we will:
A second consultation is often necessary for the following reasons:
The second consultation can also be face-to-face. Alternatively, it can be via a video zoom call.
Following your consultations, our medical team is always available should you have further questions before your surgery.
Pre-Operative Care
Once you have decided to go ahead with a mini facelift, we will book your operation in one of our specialist cosmetic surgery hospitals.
Before your operation, you will be sent a health questionnaire. This will be reviewed by your anaesthetist, who may call you to discuss specific aspects of your medical history. In certain cases, you may be required to attend the clinic for blood tests. This will be discussed with you by one of our medical team members before your scheduled appointment date.
We will also issue you with preoperative instructions. In particular:
On The Day Of The Procedure
You will arrive at least one hour before the time of your procedure. The nursing staff at the hospital will monitor your blood pressure and other relevant essentials. You will then meet your anaesthetist and plastic surgeon for a final markup.
The actual operation involves carefully sculpting and repositioning underlying tissue and fat within the face to create a more youthful contour around the eyes, chin, neckline, and jawline area. The result is smoother skin texture while preserving natural facial expressions throughout different movements. The incisions are then closed using sutures. This will leave small scars hidden along areas such as the hairline or scalp, which can fade over time depending on how well they are cared for.
We typically perform this procedure under general anaesthesia. It lasts 2.0h to 2.5h.
Post-Operative Care
Aftercare following a mini facelift is essential to ensure we achieve best results. The benefits of a mini facelift include a quicker recovery period and natural results, allowing patients to return to their daily activities sooner while enjoying a refreshed appearance.
Following your surgery, you will be transferred to the hospital’s recovery room, where the nursing staff will ensure that your recovery is smooth. You should stay there for a few hours. Once the nursing team are happy that you are in a fit state to go home, you will leave the hospital accompanied by a friend or a family member. You should also arrange for someone to stay with you overnight for the first night following your operation. Generally, post-operative pain is minimal, but you will be given pain killers in case you need them.
Once you have been discharged from the hospital, our nursing team will be available 24/7 to ensure your post-operative journey is comfortable and pain-free and to field any questions you may have.
Your plastic surgeon will see you a number of times in the weeks following your operation to monitor the facial skin and scars and to support you:
The next day, the surgeon will check the wounds and dressings.
One week post-operatively, there will be another consultation and depending on your healing progress, the surgeon may decide to remove sutures then.
Your surgeon may see you again two weeks post-operatively, at which stage all remaining sutures will be removed and your progress monitored.
The last post-operative consultation is at six weeks. Generally, you will be discharged from the surgeon’s care at that stage.
Bruising and swelling can last up to one month following this surgery.
Post-Operative Instructions
Our medical team will provide detailed aftercare instructions based on your current health status and mini facelift procedure, including when it is appropriate for you to resume normal activities such as exercise, wearing makeup, and strenuous movements. It is essential to follow these instructions carefully to avoid complications or risks associated with the procedure.
Protecting your face from sun exposure is especially important, as it can cause scarring, discolouration, and other unwanted side effects. Wear 50+ sunscreen when outdoors and use a hat or an umbrella if possible. It would be best to avoid strenuous activities involving facial movements, such as exercise and sports, until cleared by our medical team at Kensington Medical.
By following the instructions of our medical team and taking precautions to protect your face, you can ensure that you achieve the best results from a mini facelift surgery. Following a healthy lifestyle with sufficient rest, nutrition, and hydration is essential for healing and maintaining long-term effects. It is strongly recommended to avoid smoking and alcohol consumption before and during the recovery period.
While mini facelift surgery is considered a less invasive procedure compared to traditional facelift surgery, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and complications that can arise.
Common side effects include temporary swelling, bruising, and numbness in the treated areas, which typically resolve as part of the normal healing process. As with any surgical procedure, there is also a risk of bleeding, infection, and scarring, although these are generally minimal with mini facelift procedures.
Rare but more serious complications can include injury to facial nerves or adverse reactions to anaesthesia. Choosing a highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeon significantly reduces these risks and ensures that any issues are promptly addressed. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will discuss all potential risks and complications in detail, as well as the steps taken to minimise them.
Understanding the possible outcomes and being well-informed about the facelift procedure will help you make a confident decision about whether a mini facelift is right for you. Open communication with your Kensington Medical plastic surgeon and following all pre- and post-operative instructions are essential for achieving the best results and a smooth recovery.
Mr David Gateley
Mr Amir Sadri
Mr Paul Tulley
Mr Naveen Cavale
The ponytail facelift is a minimally invasive procedure that typically results in less scarring, reduced discomfort, and a quicker recovery. It is popular with men and women who are working or have a busy lifestyle.
It is a day case procedure, with surgery taking only between 1-2.5 hours. Patients can move about on day one and get back to work in a week.
What are the risks associated with a mini facelift?
What are the risks associated with a mini facelift?
A mini facelift has fewer risks and a shorter recovery time than a full facelift. Full facelift surgery is a more invasive procedure that addresses deeper wrinkles and more significant sagging, with a longer recovery period, making it suitable for patients with advanced signs of aging.
Following the procedure, you may experience discomfort and pain, swelling, and bruising. Additionally, your face will be red and sensitive. You might feel numb in your face for a few days while it heals. This response is normal and should go away after 24-48 hours. The risks will be explained in consultation with your plastic surgeon.
What is the recovery time from a mini facelift?
We advise at least two days to rest. Depending on the type of work, you can return to your job in as little as one to two weeks. It is best to avoid strenuous activity for a minimum of two to four weeks.
What scarring can be expected from a mini facelift?
All scarring is minimal and hidden by the natural contours in the skin and hairline.
How soon will I see results / are they permanent?
The micro or mini facelift can give you a freshed looking face with minimal downtime. Everyone will continue to age, as part of the natural ageing process.
The procedure is popular because it is minimally invasive and quickly addresses wrinkles and sagging skin. Scarring is minimal and recovery can be fast.
The results last for approximately six years. The results are less dramatic than a full facelift procedure.
It is a popular choice for working women and men who cannot afford the downtime of a full facelift. We see many women and men in their 40's, 50's and 60's who are looking to have a more refreshed appearance especially in the lower half of the face.
For patients seeking more comprehensive rejuvenation, facial fat grafting can be performed alongside a mini facelift to restore lost facial volume and achieve a more natural, youthful look.
How much does a mini facelift cost?
At Kensington Medical located in Harley street and Wimbledon, a mini face lift cost £8,500.
If you are interested in finding out more the best option is to contact us to discuss and arrange a personal consultation with our best mini facelift plastic surgeons. They will listen to what you are wanting to achieve, discuss the procedure, the time lines, recovery and look at time lines if you have an event or date you are working towards.
A mini facelift is a highly successful procedure, particularly if you are short on time. We have many working professionals who decide to have a mini facelift for that very reason.
How should I prepare for a mini facelift?
Your facial cosmetic surgeon will discuss how to prepare for the procedure in your face to face consultation. They will discuss your medical history and general lifestyle to ensure that you are in good shape for the procedure and feeling confident.
A full pre-operative medical will detail the steps before and after the mini facelift procedure. We use local anaesthesia and sedation for the procedure, so that you will have a much shorter recovery.
Following the treatment, you will not be able to drive so we advise that you get a friend of family member to look after you. We have a 24 hour phone contact if need be.
For those interested in a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) and brow lift can be combined with a mini facelift to further enhance your results and create a more youthful, refreshed appearance.
When will I see before and after images of a mini facelift?
During your consultation, your surgeon will share before and after images of previous mini facelift patients that they have performed on so that you can see the types of results you should expect.
At Kensington Medical, the process is an exciting journey. A consultation with your mini facelift surgeon is the starting point.
At the consultation your Consultant Plastic Surgeon will discuss your mini or micro facelift and any complementary procedures you are having with the cosmetic surgery.
At your consultation with your plastic surgeon, you will have a discussion about your facial structure, skin and muscle laxity, and other concerns. You will be able to see mini facelift before and after photos. Your Plastic Surgeon will create a personalised plan so you can achieve your goals which can include ensuring you achieve any dates you may have in mind.
To book a consultation in our Harley street, London or Wimbledon clinic please fill in the contact us form or give us a phone call.
Medically reviewed by Mr David Gateley MA, FRCS, FRCS (Plast), GMC number 2939470 on 2 January, 2025.
