Facelift vs Mini Facelift
June 2, 2025
The popularity of facelift and mini facelift procedures has skyrocketed, with a 54% increase in procedures between 2020 and 2021. Many Las Vegas residents come to Stile Aesthetics to learn about these treatments. A full facelift can help you maintain a youthful appearance for 10-15 years. Mini facelifts offer similar benefits that last 5-10 years.
The procedures have significant differences in their cost and recovery periods. Mini facelifts, nicknamed “weekend lifts,” cost less than a facelift and require just 7-10 days to heal. A full facelift costs vary from surgeon to surgeon based on experience and skill level, and needs 2-3 weeks of recovery time. Dr. Stile’s clinic sees age as a crucial factor when recommending these procedures. Mini facelifts work best for patients in their late 30s to 50s, while full facelifts suit patients over 50 who show more advanced signs of aging.
Let’s dive deeper into these popular facial rejuvenation options. You’ll discover which procedure matches your needs based on your age, budget, and available recovery time.
What is the difference between a facelift and a mini facelift?
The choice between a facelift and mini facelift depends on your facial rejuvenation goals. Dr. Stile provides both procedures to help with aging concerns. These procedures are different in their treatment areas, surgical invasiveness, and incision methods.
What Areas Does a Mini Facelift vs Full Facelift Treat?
Mini facelifts target the lower face area. This approach works best for early aging signs like mild jowling and sagging skin. Dr. Stile has found that mini facelifts give the best results for the jawline. They soften nasolabial folds and give a subtle lift to the cheeks.
A full facelift offers more detailed coverage. This option tackles moderate to advanced aging in the mid-face, lower face, jowls, jawline, and neck areas. A full facelift can improve:
- Sagging cheeks and midface
- Lower face looseness
- Jowls and poorly defined jawline
- Neck sagging and bands
“Many of my patients ask about the difference between these procedures,” says Dr. Stile. “I tell them that a mini facelift is mostly a preventative treatment, whereas a full facelift is primarily corrective.”
Mini facelifts don’t address the upper or mid-face areas. They work great for younger patients with early aging signs or people who need a touch-up after previous facelifts.
How Invasive Is Each Facelift Procedure?
These procedures are substantially different in their invasiveness. Mini facelifts are nowhere near as invasive as full facelifts. Dr. Stile’s patients often see this as a major advantage.
Mini facelifts need less tissue removal and adjustment. Surgeons make smaller incisions that leave minimal scarring. The procedure takes just 60-90 minutes to complete.
Full facelifts involve more extensive work. Surgeons can work more on facial muscles, reposition facial volume, and remove extra skin. This surgery takes several hours under general anesthesia.
Full facelifts include deeper tissue work. Surgeons separate the skin from connective tissue and muscles. This helps reposition deeper facial tissues, remove jowls, and create a firmer skin foundation.
Mini facelifts usually need only local anesthesia with sedation. This makes them ideal for patients who want to avoid general anesthesia. Recovery time is shorter compared to full facelifts.
What Incision Techniques Are Used in Different Facelifts?
Each procedure uses unique incision techniques. Mini facelift surgeons make shorter incisions along the hairline above each ear or in natural ear creases.
“My technique involves limiting the incision to the inside of the ear on the front and wrapping around the ear lobe to hide in the crease behind the ear,” notes a surgeon cited in our research. “This means the sideburn and all the hair around the ear remains untouched and in the same position”.
Traditional facelifts need longer incisions. These start at the temples’ hairline, go around the ear, and end in the lower scalp. Some full facelifts might need an extra chin incision to improve the neck area.
Stile Aesthetics patients often think about incision placement carefully. Mini facelift incisions heal less noticeably because they’re shorter and hidden in natural creases.
Full facelift surgeons separate skin from deeper tissues after making incisions. They tighten the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layer and remove extra skin. This creates a more youthful look without over-tightening.
Both procedures leave well-hidden scars that fade with time when skilled surgeons like Dr. Stile perform them. The results look natural and improve your features while keeping your unique appearance.
What does a mini facelift procedure involve?
Many people ask about the differences between a facelift and mini facelift. The mini facelift procedure at Stile Aesthetics in Las Vegas offers a less invasive option with beautiful results and faster recovery. Let me explain what happens during this procedure.
Where Are the Incisions Placed?
The placement of incisions plays a crucial role in any mini facelift. Our technique at Stile Aesthetics uses smaller, shorter incisions compared to a full facelift. The surgeon makes these incisions:
- Along the hairline above each ear
- In the natural creases surrounding the ears
- Sometimes extending slightly behind the ear
“My technique involves limiting the incision to the inside of the ear on the front and wrapping around the ear lobe to hide in the crease behind the ear,” notes one of our specialist colleagues. This careful placement leaves your sideburn and hair around the ear untouched, so you can wear your hair up without visible scars.
The mini facelift incision doesn’t extend into your upper forehead or temporal region, unlike a full facelift. This “short-scar” technique (sometimes called an “S-Lift” due to the small S-shaped incision) helps Dr. Stile address mild jowls and facial laxity with minimal tissue disruption.
How Long Does the Surgery Take?
The shorter surgery time makes mini facelifts at Stile Aesthetics particularly appealing. The procedure typically takes around two hours, depending on your specific needs.
Traditional facelifts can take up to four or five hours. The mini facelift (known as the HourLift in some clinics) ranges from one to one and a half hours. This shorter duration appeals to many Las Vegas patients.
Dr. Stile starts by making the incisions. He then tightens your face’s SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) muscle layer with special sutures. The muscle tightening keeps your skin firm for 5-10 years after the procedure.
Your mini facelift gets customized to fit your needs. Dr. Stile repositions muscle and fatty tissue in the lower face, trims excess skin, and lifts neck muscles. The jawline tissues get restructured for a more defined look.
Is Local Anesthesia Used for Mini Facelifts?
Local anesthesia works great for mini facelifts. At Stile Aesthetics, we perform these procedures using:
- Local anesthesia with sedation, or
- Local anesthesia alone
The process begins with a mild sedative and local anesthetic to numb your face. This approach reduces your risk of anesthesia-related issues like nausea and vomiting.
Dr. Stile’s experience means most patients don’t feel the numbing medicine. Many patients feel so comfortable they drift off to sleep during parts of the procedure.
This “awake” approach brings several benefits. You can walk out right after the procedure since general anesthesia isn’t needed. On top of that, it rarely requires pre-operative testing.
Our Las Vegas patients at Stile Aesthetics love this less invasive approach to facial rejuvenation. Small incisions, quick surgery times, and lighter anesthesia make the mini facelift a popular choice for early signs of aging without the long recovery of a full facelift.
What happens during a full facelift surgery?
A full facelift surgery offers more extensive results than a mini facelift. At Stile Aesthetics in Las Vegas, we perform this complete facial rejuvenation with precision and care. Our full facelift tackles advanced signs of aging for patients who want dramatic results. Let me walk you through what happens during this transformative surgery.
How Deep Does the Surgeon Go?
At Stile Aesthetics, I work with multiple layers of facial tissue. My original incisions start in the hairline at your temples, go around your ear, and finish in your lower scalp. These incisions help me separate the skin from the connective tissue and muscles carefully.
The tissue manipulation depth makes a full facelift different from a mini facelift. I focus on the SMAS layer (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System). This layer forms the foundations of your face. Its structure supports other tissues effectively. Moving this layer changes everything above it, such as fat and skin.
Some patients might need a deep plane facelift. This technique releases four specific ligaments that anchor connective tissue and muscle. This allows me to resuspend your face and create natural yet dramatic improvements. A deep plane facelift can be safer because the skin surface stays thicker, which reduces skin injury risks.
What Facial Areas Are Lifted?
Our full facelift at Stile Aesthetics targets multiple facial areas at once. We focused on:
- The mid-face region (cheeks and areas around the nose)
- The lower face (including the mouth area)
- The jawline (reducing jowls and creating definition)
- Deep creases that extend to the mouth’s corners
I work on the underlying tissues while lifting and tightening the skin. The surgery involves repositioning deeper facial tissues to eliminate jowls and create a firmer foundation for your skin.
Fat plays a crucial role in the process. I might sculpt or redistribute fat from your face, jowls, and neck. Las Vegas patients see how this fat repositioning restores youthful facial contours without looking overly tight.
The newly uplifted contours support the carefully redraped skin. Excess skin removal smooths out wrinkles and creases. Your face gets a more youthful shape as a result.
Is a Neck Lift Included in a Full Facelift?
Yes! A neck lift comes with every full facelift at Stile Aesthetics. Most patients don’t realize that a traditional facelift has a neck lift component.
“Many patients are surprised to learn at their plastic surgery consultation that a full facelift actually includes a neck lift,” says Dr. Wilke, one of my colleagues. “Part of this confusion is due to misconceptions about what a traditional facelift addresses during surgery”.
The neck lift component targets:
- Sagging jowls
- Loose neck skin
- Fat accumulation under the chin
The full facelift incisions give me access to the neck area. I tighten the neck muscles and remove excess skin to define your profile better.
People worried about a “turkey neck” or undefined neckline usually notice issues with their lower face too. These connected concerns need a combined approach for balanced, harmonious results.
Our full facelift surgery at Stile Aesthetics in Las Vegas takes several hours. We use general anesthesia most often, though local anesthesia with sedation might work in some cases. Your specific needs determine the best anesthesia option.
Who is a good candidate for a mini facelift in Las Vegas?
Curious about “facelift vs mini facelift” options? Dr. Stile specializes in finding the right candidates for mini facelifts in Las Vegas. A full facelift isn’t always needed to look younger. Dr. Stile recommends mini facelifts to patients who want less downtime but need facial rejuvenation.
What is the best age for a mini facelift?
Your age helps determine if you’re right for a mini facelift. Dr. Stile sees ideal candidates between 30 and 50 years old. Most people boost their appearance with a mini facelift between 30 and 40, as aging signs begin to show.
“The best age for a mini facelift depends on individual aging patterns and skin elasticity,” explains Dr. Stile. My younger Las Vegas patients often choose this procedure in their late 30s, while others wait until their mid-40s.
Medical experts find mini facelifts especially valuable for patients in their mid-30s and beyond. This happens because aging varies based on:
- Genetics
- Sun exposure
- Lifestyle habits
Mini facelifts work best when you show some aging signs but don’t have severe sagging that requires a full facelift.
How important is skin elasticity and what early signs of aging qualify you?
Skin quality makes a huge difference in mini facelift success. The best candidates have good skin elasticity, which allows the procedure to work better. During your consultation at Stile Aesthetics, we check if your skin bounces back after gentle pulling.
These early aging signs qualify you for a mini facelift at our Las Vegas clinic:
- Mild jowling around the jawline
- Slight skin laxity in the lower face
- Early development of nasolabial folds (smile lines)
- Minor sagging in the cheeks
“Determining if you’re a good candidate starts with evaluating the quality of your facial skin and its underlying structure,” says Dr. Stile. You need some skin laxity where sagging begins but maintains good natural elasticity.
Your facial structure guides the success—the procedure works best with a well-defined bone structure.
Why consider a mini facelift as a preventive treatment?
Mini facelifts at Stile Aesthetics excel as a preventive approach. Unlike full facelifts that fix advanced aging, mini facelifts stop early aging signs quickly.
Young skin heals faster after surgery. It contains and produces more collagen than older skin. The gentle lift of a mini facelift triggers new collagen production, helping your skin stay youthful longer.
“By addressing early signs of aging, this procedure helps ensure your enduring beauty remains through the years,” notes Dr. Stile. Las Vegas patients often choose mini facelifts to avoid more invasive treatments later.
Mini facelifts shield against obvious aging signs by addressing minor sagging before it becomes pronounced. At Stile Aesthetics, we tell patients that early treatment creates more natural-looking, lasting results.
The best candidates for a mini facelift in Las Vegas show early aging signs while maintaining good skin elasticity. Your individual aging process matters more than your age. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Stile today to learn if you’re an ideal candidate.
How long is the recovery time for each facelift type?
Recovery time plays a vital role in choosing between “facelift vs mini facelift” options. Patients at Stile Aesthetics in Las Vegas often want to learn about the time they need away from work after surgery. The answer varies based on your chosen procedure and how your body heals.
How Long Does a Mini Facelift Take to Heal?
Mini facelift patients heal faster than those who get a full facelift. Most patients at Stile Aesthetics experience mild bruising, soreness, and swelling that lasts one to two weeks. People usually take time off work during their original recovery phase to rest comfortably.
“Most of my mini facelift patients can return to work after about a week,” says Dr. Stile. “Some use makeup to cover any remaining bruising.”
The two-week mark brings these changes:
- Most obvious swelling has disappeared
- Strange sensations like tingling are gone
- Dark bruising has faded
- Small incisions are mostly healed
Many patients resume their daily routines at this point. Dr. Stile suggests staying away from high-impact activities that might hurt your face. You should feel completely normal and ready to showcase your results within three to four weeks after your mini facelift.
Your final results will develop over time. The complete effect usually takes shape between six months to one year after surgery.
What Is the Full Facelift Recovery Timeline?
Full facelift recovery needs more time. Dr. Stile explains to his Las Vegas patients that healing happens in several stages.
First 24 Hours: You need someone to take care of you as anesthesia and pain medication will affect you. Dr. Stile suggests getting extra help with children and having soft foods ready.
First Week: You’ll see noticeable swelling and bruising. Dr. Stile removes sutures at the end of this first week, and you can start wearing makeup again.
Week Two: Your incisions will look somewhat red, but most swelling and bruising starts fading substantially. You might feel ready to go back to work or social events since these changes aren’t obvious to others.
Weeks Three to Four: Your facial contour shows real improvements as leftover swelling goes down.
Most full facelift patients can get back to their normal activities within 2-4 weeks. The majority of swelling goes away by the three-month mark. Your complete recovery might take between six to twelve months as facial contours continue to improve.
What Are Dr. Stile’s Tips for Faster Healing After Surgery?
Dr. Stile in Las Vegas recommends these strategies to speed up your recovery whatever facelift type you pick:
Lift your head – Keep it elevated even during sleep for at least two weeks. This simple step reduces swelling substantially.
Apply cold compresses – Use these during the first 48 hours after surgery to reduce swelling and bruising.
Focus on nutrition – Choose foods rich in vitamins and minerals that help healing. Dr. Stile recommends fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while avoiding salt.
Rest well – Your body heals mostly during sleep. Try to get at least seven hours each night plus naps when needed.
Care for incisions – Dr. Stile gives specific instructions to keep incisions clean for preventing infection and optimal healing.
Skip smoking and alcohol – These hurt your cardiovascular system’s ability to send healing nutrients to recovering tissues.
Keep follow-up appointments – These visits let Dr. Stile check your healing progress and handle any concerns quickly.
These recommendations from Dr. Stile help ensure a smoother recovery after either a mini facelift or full facelift procedure.
How much does a mini facelift cost vs a full facelift in Las Vegas?
Price often becomes a deciding factor at the time patients compare “facelift vs mini facelift” procedures. Our team at Stile Aesthetics in Las Vegas provides clear pricing information to help you make an informed choice about your facial rejuvenation experience.
How much does a mini facelift cost in Las Vegas?
Mini facelift costs in Las Vegas vary from surgeon to surgeon based on skill level and experience. This procedure at Stile Aesthetics provides excellent value to patients who need moderate facial improvements. Your specific needs will determine the final price.
The mini facelift prices at other Las Vegas clinics vary from surgeon to surgeon, based on skill level and experience.
Your final mini facelift price at our Las Vegas practice depends on several factors:
- The exact technique Dr. Stile uses
- Your facial anatomy
- Your choice to combine it with other procedures
What’s included in a full facelift Las Vegas cost?
Full facelifts cost more than mini facelifts. Las Vegas patients can expect to pay from $20,000 up to $50,000 for complex cases based on the surgeon you choose. Standard facelift starting pricing varies at some Las Vegas clinics based on the surgeon’s experience and skill level.. Additional procedures like eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can bring the cost up.
Dr. Stile’s full facelift package includes:
- Surgeon’s fees
- Operating room costs
- Anesthesia (usually general)
- Pre-operative testing
- Post-operative garments
- Follow-up appointments
Deep plane facelifts cost more than other techniques because they deliver more dramatic results.
What financing options and payment plans are available?
We believe everyone should have access to looking their best at Stile Aesthetics. Our financing options make this possible:
CareCredit works like a healthcare credit card for medical procedures. Many patients benefit from promotional 0% interest periods. Online applications receive immediate responses.
PatientFi has become popular among Las Vegas clinics. You can check available offers without impacting your credit score.
Cherry helps make mini facelifts available to more people through flexible payment plans with 0% APR options for qualified patients.
Patients also use these payment methods:
- Personal loans from banks (credit scores of 670+ needed)
- Medical credit cards (interest rates might be high)
Dr. Stile requires a $3,000 surgical deposit to book your preferred surgery date. The remaining balance is due two weeks before your procedure.
What are the risks and complications of each procedure?
A clear understanding of potential risks helps you make smart choices between “facelift vs mini facelift” procedures. Patient safety remains our top priority at Stile Aesthetics in Las Vegas. Let me explain what you should expect and how to stay safe during these treatments.
What Mini Facelift Complications Should You Know About?
Mini facelifts carry fewer risks than full facelifts. All the same, I ensure my patients at Stile Aesthetics understand possible complications. Some mini facelift risks include:
- Minor bleeding or bruising
- Temporary numbness in parts of your face
- Small collections of blood under the skin (hematoma)
- Slight infection risk at incision sites
I tell my Las Vegas patients that “most mini facelift complications are mild and temporary.” These problems typically resolve within a few weeks. Temporary facial nerve weakness might occur but usually corrects itself.
How Can You Avoid Full Facelift Risks?
Full facelifts require deeper work, which increases risks. Even with careful techniques, patients might experience:
- Facial nerve injury affecting movement or feeling
- Collections of blood under skin requiring drainage
- Skin loss in rare cases if blood supply is low
- Prolonged swelling or skin color changes
My team at Stile Aesthetics in Las Vegas reduces these risks by reviewing your health history thoroughly. Smoking increases your risk of skin damage and poor healing. Blood thinners, aspirin, or certain supplements taken before surgery can lead to bleeding complications.
What Are the Best Ways to Reduce Facelift Scars?
Scars concern many patients. Several effective methods help minimize their appearance:
Clean incisions exactly as instructed. This prevents infections that could worsen scarring.
Protect yourself from the sun. UV rays can darken scars significantly. My team at Stile Aesthetics recommends SPF 30 or higher and wide-brimmed hats.
Silicone-based products keep your scars supple and protected. Many Las Vegas patients see excellent results with these treatments.
Your body heals better with proper hydration and nutrition during recovery. Good nutrition accelerates healing and improves scar appearance.
Stubborn scars might need special attention. Laser therapy smooths and lightens scars, while steroid injections can flatten raised ones.
A skilled surgeon’s expertise makes a significant difference in scar appearance. My team at Stile Aesthetics carefully places incisions along natural skin folds for better concealment.
How do results and longevity compare between the two?
Patients often ask me, “Dr. Stile, which lasts longer – a mini facelift or full facelift?” The answer makes a big difference to anyone comparing facelift options at Stile Aesthetics in Las Vegas. Let me explain what you can expect from each procedure.
How long does a mini facelift last?
A mini facelift typically lasts 5-10 years, and this depends on your genetic makeup and lifestyle choices. My patients at Stile Aesthetics should know their mini facelift results won’t match the longevity of a full facelift. The reason lies in the smaller treatment area and less extensive changes.
Mini facelifts reverse aging by about three years, while full facelifts can turn back time by a decade. The untreated areas continue to age at their normal pace since we adjust less tissue during a mini facelift.
Your mini facelift’s longevity depends on several factors:
- Skin quality and elasticity
- Your age during surgery
- Smoking habits and sun exposure
- Your commitment to aftercare instructions
Most patients notice changes in their lower face about six years after their mini procedure. The good news is you won’t need another surgery for at least 5 years.
What maintenance treatments help extend facelift results?
My recommendations at Stile Aesthetics include several ways to maximize your results. Botox and fillers help combat new wrinkles that develop after surgery. These treatments require minimal recovery time.
Laser skin resurfacing proves effective too. This treatment enhances skin tightness and reduces fine lines that might appear after your facelift. Regular skin treatments like gentle exfoliation or hydrating facials help maintain skin health.
Your daily habits play a crucial role. Sunscreen protection becomes essential for your face. A good skincare routine should include retinol and proper hydration. Stable weight helps prevent stretching that could compromise your results.
What can mini facelift before and after photos show you?
Dr. Stile’s before and after photos demonstrate real results you can achieve. These images highlight improvements in specific areas:
- Reduced appearance of jowls
- More defined jawline
- Tightened marionette lines (from mouth to chin)
The before and after galleries on DrStile.com showcase results from multiple angles. You’ll see clear improvements in jawline definition and cheek elevation. These images give you a complete picture of potential enhancements to your profile.
Conclusion
Your age, goals, and budget play the biggest role in choosing between facelift and mini facelift options at Stile Aesthetics. Dr. Stile’s experience shows both procedures deliver amazing results for the right candidates, but they differ by a lot in several key areas.
Mini facelifts suit younger patients between 30-50 years old who show early signs of aging. These procedures are more affordable and need just 1-2 weeks to recover. The results usually last 5-10 years before you might need a touch-up.
Full facelifts best serve older patients with more advanced aging signs. These detailed procedures can last 10-15 years, though they cost more and need 2-4 weeks of downtime. On top of that, they include neck lift components to give you complete rejuvenation.
Dr. Stile’s team helps patients evaluate these factors during consultations. Your skin’s elasticity, facial structure, and personal goals shape our recommendations. Without doubt, both procedures come with some risks, though mini facelifts tend to have fewer potential complications.
Note that proper aftercare extends your results no matter which option you pick. Sun protection, healthy lifestyle choices, and maintenance treatments like fillers or laser resurfacing help you look younger longer. Dr. Stile creates detailed aftercare instructions that match your specific needs.
Expert guidance helps you find the right facial rejuvenation approach. Book your consultation with Dr. Stile at our Las Vegas clinic today. We’ll help you select the facelift procedure that gives you natural-looking, youthful results with recovery time that matches your lifestyle.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to talk more about whether a facelift is right for you. Please fill out the form on this page to request an in-person consultation, and one of our knowledgeable medical staff members at Stile Aesthetics will reach out to you promptly. You can also call our office directly at (702) 551-6603.
Stile Aesthetics serves Las Vegas, NV & Surrounding Areas.
*Individual results may vary
FAQs
Q1. What is the main difference between a full facelift and a mini facelift?
A full facelift is more comprehensive, addressing moderate to advanced aging in the mid-face, lower face, jowls, jawline, and often the neck. A mini facelift focuses mainly on the lower part of the face, targeting early signs of aging like mild jowling and sagging skin.
Q2. How long does the recovery take for each procedure?
Mini facelift recovery typically takes 1-2 weeks, with most patients returning to work after about a week. Full facelift recovery is longer, with most patients resuming normal activities within 2-4 weeks, though complete recovery may take 6-12 months.
Q3. What is the average cost difference between a mini facelift and a full facelift in Las Vegas? In Las Vegas, a mini facelift costs vary, while a full facelift can range from $20,000 to $50,000+, depending on the complexity of the case and additional procedures included.
Q4. Who is an ideal candidate for a mini facelift?
Ideal candidates for mini facelifts are typically between 30 and 50 years old, have good skin elasticity, and show early signs of aging such as mild jowling, slight skin laxity in the lower face, and minor sagging in the cheeks.
Q5. How long do the results of each procedure typically last?
A mini facelift typically lasts 5-10 years, while a full facelift can last 10-15 years. The longevity of results depends on factors like genetics, lifestyle choices, and proper aftercare.
