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Mini Facelift in Palo Alto: Also Serving San Jose and the Bay Area

Our mini facelift in San Jose by Dr. Hessler helps improves the jawline, sharpens the neckline, and refreshes the overall appearance of the face. The result is a more alert and youthful appearance.  

What is a mini facelift?

The mini facelift is less invasive than the traditional facelift, although it still improves wrinkles and loose skin. Shorter incisions are used during the procedure which aid in quicker healing. As a result, patients experience less swelling and bruising, and recovery time than the traditional facelift. The shorter incisions are also more easily hidden, allowing for pulled-back hairstyles. The mini facelift is performed mostly to tighten the lower half of the face (the jawline and jowls), and is not typically used to address sagging skin of the neck. In fact, with a mini facelift in Palo Alto, the facial skin is pulled only very slightly. The result is a very natural-looking appearance.

Woman resting face on her hands outside at the edge of a pool

Is A Mini Facelift Right for You?

Because of its subtle nature, the mini facelift is more appropriate for younger patients who have skin that still has some elasticity to it. Typically, mini facelift is sought by men and women in their 40s and 50s who have mild to moderate sagging skin who want to tighten and raise the lower half of their face.

These individuals might have:

  • Some jowling
  • Skin laxity along the jawline
  • Deep nasolabial folds
  • Wrinkles in the lower face

What Are The Benefits of A Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift offers several benefits for individuals seeking facial rejuvenation with less downtime and a more subtle improvement compared to traditional facelift surgery. Some key benefits of a mini facelift include:

  • Minimal Invasive Procedure: The mini facelift involves smaller incisions and less extensive surgery compared to a full facelift, resulting in reduced trauma to the tissues and typically shorter recovery time.
  • Focused Correction: It targets specific areas of concern, such as the lower face and jawline, addressing mild to moderate sagging skin and wrinkles.
  • Natural-Looking Results: The mini facelift provides natural-looking results by lifting and tightening the facial tissues without creating a "pulled" or overly tight appearance.
  • Less Downtime: Recovery after a mini facelift is generally quicker than with a traditional facelift, allowing patients to return to their normal activities sooner.
  • Local Anesthesia Option: Some mini facelift procedures can be performed under local anesthesia, reducing the risks associated with general anesthesia.
  • Cost-Effective: Mini facelift surgery is often more cost-effective than a full facelift, making it a more accessible option for individuals seeking facial rejuvenation on a budget.
  • Customizable: The mini facelift can be customized to address each patient's unique concerns and desired outcomes, allowing for personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs.


Overall, getting a mini facelift in San Jose by Dr. Hessler offers a conservative approach to facial rejuvenation, providing subtle yet noticeable improvements with less downtime and risk compared to traditional facelift surgery. However, it's essential for patients to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if they are suitable candidates and to discuss their specific goals and expectations for the procedure.

Mini facelift and other facial procedures

The mini facelift is a good option for younger patients who want to look rejuvenated — not a dramatic makeover. The surgery addresses only the lower face. If you’re also concerned about droopy eyelids or forehead lines, Dr. Hessler may recommend that you combine your mini facelift with upper-face procedures such as a forehead lift or eyelid surgery.

Or, if your concern is sunken eyes or deflated-looking cheeks, youthful facial volume can be restored by carefully chosen dermal fillers or fat grafting. No matter what your areas of concern may be, Dr. Hessler will design a personalized treatment plan just for you to get the most beautiful results possible.

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Mini facelift surgery details

Depending on the surgical approach used and if any other procedures are being performed along with the mini facelift, this surgery can be performed in just a few hours, under local anesthesia with variable degrees of sedation. This means that mini facelift patients are awake, but do not experience any sensation or pain during the procedure. As a result, the risk of adverse reactions to general anesthesia is avoided, and patients recover much faster. 

With a traditional facelift, the scar starts in the temporal hair, extends in front of the ear, goes around the earlobe in the crease behind the ear, and then goes into the lower scalp. With a mini facelift, the scar stops at the earlobe. To enhance and maintain your mini facelift results, Dr. Hessler might recommend periodic cosmetic injectables or laser skin resurfacing. She will create a comprehensive, customized treatment plan that will help you look like your best self. 

What is the recovery after a mini facelift?

Recovery from a mini facelift in the Bay Area is faster and easier than with a traditional facelift. Most patients are able to return to light activities and work within one week and strenuous activities and exercise within two weeks. During recovery time, patients will experience some swelling and bruising. Any discomfort can be managed with appropriate pain medications prescribed by Dr. Hessler.

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Why choose Dr. Hessler for a mini facelift?

If you’re interested in a mini facelift in Palo Alto, San Jose, or the Bay Area, Hessler Plastic Surgery is the perfect place for you. Dr. Hessler is known for delivering facial enhancement results that look natural and bring out her patients’ existing beauty. The mini facelift procedure is one of Dr. Hessler’s top surgeries, and is also one of her areas of focus. Dr. Hessler is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with over a decade in practice, and she currently holds a position as Chair of the Women on the Facial Plastic Surgery committee at the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Under her guidance at Hessler Plastic Surgery, you will experience a team of highly trained registered nurses and staff who make it their goal to take excellent care of you, from your first consultation to your last follow-up. To learn more about the mini facelift or schedule a consultation, please contact us.

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Mini Facelift FAQs:

How is a mini facelift different from a traditional facelift?

A mini facelift involves shorter incisions and is primarily focused on addressing the lower face and neck. It is generally less extensive than a traditional facelift, resulting in a shorter recovery time.

Is a mini facelift painful?

Discomfort is typically minimal and can be managed with pain medication prescribed by the surgeon. Swelling and bruising are common but temporary.

How long do the results of a mini facelift last?

While results are long-lasting, they are not permanent. The aging process continues, but a mini facelift can provide a rejuvenated appearance for several years.

Can a mini facelift be combined with other procedures?

Yes, a mini facelift can be combined with other procedures such as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) or non-surgical treatments like dermal fillers for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

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