How Much Does a Mini Facelift Cost?

A mini facelift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that aims to rejuvenate the lower third of the face, especially the cheeks, jawline, and neck. It is a less invasive and less expensive alternative to a full facelift, which addresses the entire face and requires more extensive incisions and recovery time. A mini facelift can help improve the appearance of sagging skin, jowls, marionette lines, and nasolabial folds, giving you a more youthful and refreshed look.

But how much does a mini facelift cost? And what factors affect the price of this procedure? In this article, we will answer these questions and provide you with some useful information to help you decide if a mini facelift is right for you.

What is the average cost of a mini facelift?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average cost of a mini facelift in 2020 was $5,174¹. This is significantly lower than the average cost of a full facelift, which was $8,123¹. However, this figure only represents the surgeon’s fee and does not include other expenses such as anesthesia, facility fees, medical tests, prescriptions, and postoperative care. When these are added up, the total cost of a mini facelift can range from $6,000 to $12,000².

What factors affect the cost of a mini facelift?

The cost of a mini facelift can vary depending on several factors, such as:

• The surgeon’s experience and reputation. A board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive training and experience in performing mini facelifts may charge more than a less qualified or less experienced surgeon. However, choosing a reputable surgeon can also ensure better results and lower risks of complications.
• The geographic location. The cost of living and the demand for cosmetic surgery in different regions can affect the price of a mini facelift. For example, a mini facelift may be more expensive in major metropolitan areas like New York or Los Angeles than in smaller cities or rural areas.
• The extent and complexity of the procedure. A mini facelift can be customized to address your specific concerns and goals. Depending on how much skin and tissue needs to be removed or repositioned, the procedure may take longer and require more skill and precision from the surgeon. This can affect the cost of the surgery as well as the anesthesia and facility fees.
• The type and quality of anesthesia. A mini facelift can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. The choice of anesthesia depends on your preference, health condition, and surgeon’s recommendation. Local anesthesia with sedation is usually cheaper than general anesthesia, but it may not be suitable for everyone. The quality and safety of the anesthesia also depend on the credentials and experience of the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist who administers it.
• The type and quality of the surgical facility. A mini facelift can be performed in a hospital, an accredited surgical center, or an office-based surgical suite. The cost of using these facilities can vary depending on their location, equipment, staff, and accreditation status. Accredited facilities have to meet certain standards of safety and quality that can ensure better outcomes and lower risks of infection or complications.
• The additional procedures or treatments. Some people may choose to combine a mini facelift with other cosmetic procedures or treatments to enhance their results or address other areas of concern. For example, you may opt for a brow lift, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, liposuction, fat transfer, dermal fillers, or Botox injections along with your mini facelift. These additional procedures or treatments will increase the overall cost of your surgery as well as the recovery time.

How can you finance your mini facelift?

A mini facelift is considered an elective cosmetic procedure that is not covered by health insurance. Therefore, you will have to pay for it out of your own pocket. However, there are some ways to finance your mini facelift if you cannot afford to pay for it upfront. Some of these options are:

• Saving up. The most straightforward way to pay for your mini facelift is to save up enough money before scheduling your surgery. You can set aside a certain amount of money every month or use your tax refund, bonus, or inheritance to fund your surgery. This way, you can avoid paying interest or fees that come with other financing options.
• Using a credit card. You can use your existing credit card or apply for a new one with a low interest rate or a promotional offer to pay for your mini facelift. However, you should be careful not to exceed your credit limit or miss your payments as this can negatively affect your credit score and incur additional charges. You should also compare the interest rate and fees of different credit cards and choose the one that suits your budget and repayment plan.
• Taking out a personal loan. You can apply for a personal loan from a bank, credit union, or online lender to pay for your mini facelift. A personal loan is an unsecured loan that does not require any collateral or cosigner. However, you will need to have a good credit score and a stable income to qualify for a personal loan with a favorable interest rate and repayment term. You should also shop around and compare the interest rate, fees, and terms of different personal loans and choose the one that meets your needs and expectations.
• Using a medical financing company. There are some companies that specialize in providing financing for medical procedures, such as CareCredit, Alphaeon Credit, or Prosper Healthcare Lending. These companies offer flexible payment plans and low or no interest rates for qualified patients. However, you will need to meet their eligibility criteria and agree to their terms and conditions before applying for their financing. You should also read the fine print and understand the risks and benefits of using their services.

Conclusion

A mini facelift is a less invasive and less expensive alternative to a full facelift that can help improve the appearance of the lower third of your face. The average cost of a mini facelift is $5,174, but it can vary depending on several factors, such as the surgeon’s experience, the geographic location, the extent of the procedure, the type of anesthesia, the type of facility, and the additional procedures or treatments. A mini facelift is not covered by health insurance, but there are some ways to finance it, such as saving up, using a credit card, taking out a personal loan, or using a medical financing company. Before deciding to undergo a mini facelift, you should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your condition, discuss your goals and expectations, explain the risks and benefits of the procedure, and provide you with an accurate estimate of the cost.

FAQs

• What are the benefits of a mini facelift?
  • A mini facelift can provide several benefits, such as:
    • It can lift and tighten the skin and muscles of the cheeks, jawline, and neck.
    • It can reduce the appearance of jowls, marionette lines, nasolabial folds, and double chin.
    • It can restore a more youthful and refreshed look to the lower third of the face.
    • It can enhance your self-confidence and self-esteem.
    • It can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
    • It requires smaller incisions and less scarring than a full facelift.
    • It has a shorter recovery time and lower risk of complications than a full facelift.
• What are the drawbacks of a mini facelift?
  • A mini facelift also has some drawbacks, such as:
    • It does not address the upper third of the face, such as the forehead, eyebrows, eyelids, or nose.
    • It may not be suitable for people with severe skin laxity or sagging in the lower face or neck.
    • It may not provide as dramatic or long-lasting results as a full facelift.
    • It may need to be repeated or combined with other procedures or treatments to maintain or enhance the results.
    • It is still an invasive procedure that involves surgery, anesthesia, incisions, stitches, swelling, bruising, pain, infection, bleeding, hematoma, nerve damage, numbness, scarring, asymmetry, dissatisfaction with the outcome, or need for revision surgery.
• How long does a mini facelift last?
  • The longevity of a mini facelift depends on several factors, such as your age, skin quality, lifestyle habits, sun exposure, genetics, and maintenance treatments. In general, a mini facelift can last from 5 to 10 years³. However, it cannot stop the natural aging process or prevent further changes in your facial appearance. To prolong the results of your mini facelift, you should follow your surgeon’s postoperative instructions, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption⁴, protect your skin from sun damage⁵, use anti-aging skincare products⁶, and consider having touch-up procedures or treatments as needed.
• How do I choose a surgeon for my mini facelift?
  • Choosing a surgeon for your mini facelift is one of the most important decisions you will make regarding your procedure. You should look for a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive training and experience in performing mini facelifts and other facial cosmetic surgeries. You should also check their credentials⁷, before-and-after photos⁸, reviews⁹, ratings¹⁰, testimonials¹¹, and referrals from previous patients
  • You should also consult with your potential surgeon during a consultation session, where you can ask them questions about their qualifications, experience, technique, approach, results, risks, complications, recovery, cost, and financing options. You should feel comfortable and confident with your surgeon and their staff and have realistic expectations about your mini facelift outcome.
• How do I prepare for my mini facelift?
  • Before your mini facelift, you will need to undergo some medical tests and evaluations to ensure that you are healthy and fit for surgery. You will also need to follow your surgeon’s preoperative instructions, which may include:
    • Stopping smoking and drinking alcohol at least two weeks before surgery.
    • Avoiding aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, herbal supplements, and other medications that can increase bleeding or interfere with anesthesia.
    • Arranging for someone to drive you to and from the surgery and stay with you for the first night or two after surgery.
    • Filling your prescriptions for painkillers, antibiotics, and other medications that you will need after surgery.
    • Preparing a comfortable and clean recovery area at home with pillows, ice packs, bandages, gauze, and other supplies.
    • Washing your hair and face with a mild soap the night before and the morning of surgery.
    • Not eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before surgery.
• What can I expect during and after my mini facelift?
  • During your mini facelift, you will be given anesthesia to numb your pain and make you comfortable. Your surgeon will make small incisions along your hairline, in front of your ears, and behind your ears. They will then lift and tighten the skin and muscles of your lower face and neck and remove any excess skin or fat. They will then close the incisions with sutures or staples and apply bandages or dressings to protect the wounds. The procedure usually takes one to two hours to complete.
  • After your mini facelift, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored for any signs of complications. You may feel some pain, discomfort, swelling, bruising, numbness, or tightness in your face and neck. Your surgeon will prescribe you some medications to relieve these symptoms and prevent infection or inflammation. You will also be given some instructions on how to care for your incisions, bandages, drains, and stitches. You will be able to go home the same day or the next day after surgery, depending on your condition and your surgeon’s advice.
  • You will need to rest and recover for about one to two weeks after your mini facelift. You should avoid any strenuous activities, heavy lifting, bending, or twisting that can put pressure on your face or neck. You should also avoid sun exposure, smoking, alcohol, makeup, hair products, or anything that can irritate your skin or interfere with your healing. You should keep your head elevated and use ice packs to reduce swelling and bruising. You should follow a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids to promote healing and hydration. You should also keep in touch with your surgeon and attend your follow-up appointments to check your progress and remove your stitches or drains.
  • You can expect to see the results of your mini facelift in about two to four weeks after surgery, when most of the swelling and bruising have subsided. You will notice that your lower face and neck look smoother, firmer, and more defined. You will also feel more confident and satisfied with your appearance. However, you should keep in mind that the results of your mini facelift are not permanent and may change over time due to aging, gravity, weight fluctuations, or environmental factors. To maintain or enhance your results, you may need to have additional procedures or treatments in the future.