A mini facelift at Avante Plastic Surgery targets early jowling, mild skin laxity, and lower-face descent with a refined, minimal-downtime approach. Under the care of Dr. Ahmadi, our board-certified plastic surgeon, you receive a highly tailored treatment that helps refresh your contours while preserving your natural expressions.
About
Age-related changes in the lower face often begin with early jowling, weakened supporting ligaments, and descent of the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS). As these facial tissues lose tension, the jawline softens, the nasolabial region appears heavier, and the lower cheeks begin to shift downward, creating a tired or less defined appearance.
A mini facelift is a focused surgical technique that corrects these early structural changes with minimal disruption. Through short, discreet incisions placed around the ears, the SMAS layer is tightened and elevated to restore contour without the extensive dissection of a full facelift. This approach refines the jawline, smooths mild jowls, and repositions descended tissue while offering a quicker recovery than a full facelift. The mini facelift provides a precise, natural-looking solution for patients seeking early, subtle facial rejuvenation.
Benefits
A mini facelift offers a strategic, lower-impact way to refresh your contours as early signs of aging begin to appear. By targeting the SMAS layer with shorter incisions and focused lifting, it delivers noticeable refinement with less downtime. The advantages include:
- Smoother, more defined jawline
- Subtle correction of early jowling
- Shorter incisions hidden around the ears
- Less swelling and a faster recovery period
- Precise elevation of the SMAS without extensive dissection
- Natural-looking enhancement that preserves your expressions
- Ideal for early signs of aging rather than advanced laxity
Procedure
During your mini facelift, Dr. Ahmadi begins by mapping the vectors of tissue descent along your jawline, lower cheeks, and the retaining ligaments that have loosened. After you receive local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, he makes short incisions behind the ear’s natural fold. Through these openings, he frees the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) from the overlying skin just enough to allow controlled repositioning.
Dr. Ahmadi then lifts and secures the SMAS in a more youthful orientation, restoring support to the lower face. This deep tightening redistributes descended fat pads, sharpens the mandibular border, and reduces early jowling. Any redundant skin is trimmed with millimeter-level precision to prevent tension or distortion. Once closed, your incisions blend seamlessly with your natural contours, allowing for a smoother recovery and a more refined definition.
Candidates
A mini facelift is best suited for individuals experiencing early signs of lower-face aging who want meaningful improvement without the downtime associated with a full facelift. You may be an ideal candidate if:
- You have mild to moderate jowling along the jawline
- You notice the early descent of the lower cheek tissues
- You want a subtle, natural lift rather than a dramatic change
- You prefer smaller incisions and a shorter recovery period
- You maintain good skin elasticity to support predictable lifting
- You are in overall good health without uncontrolled medical conditions
- You do not smoke or are willing to stop before and after surgery
- You have realistic expectations about what a mini facelift can achieve
Recovery
In the first 48 to 72 hours, you can expect swelling, mild bruising along the jawline, and a tight sensation as the SMAS layer begins to settle. You must wear a light compression wrap for the first day, and most patients return to desk work within 5 to 7 days. Any discomfort is usually manageable with prescribed medication, and bruising typically fades over 7 to 10 days. Sleeping with your head elevated helps reduce swelling and promotes healing. During the next two weeks, you must follow detailed aftercare instructions, including gentle cleansing around the incisions, avoiding bending or heavy lifting, and limiting vigorous exercise until Dr. Ahmadi clears you, usually around the three-week mark. Sutures placed around the ear are removed within 5 to 7 days. As your tissues continue to stabilize, you must attend follow-up visits to ensure proper healing and confirm that everything is progressing as expected.
Results
You’ll begin noticing early improvements once the initial swelling subsides, typically within 10 to 14 days. Your lower face continues to refine over the next 6 to 12 weeks as the SMAS layer fully settles into its new position. A mini facelift offers long-lasting enhancement, with most patients enjoying their refreshed appearance for 7 to 10 years, depending on their genetics, skin quality, and lifestyle habits, such as sun protection and consistent skincare maintenance.
Why Clients Love Us
Dr. Ahmadi and His Staff Are the Best!
I’ve had three surgeries with him over the years. Excellent results, zero complications, and he’s on the more adorable side of plastic surgery. Highly recommend!!…
-N.M.
If You Want the Best, Go to Avante!
Dr. Ahmadi and his staff are incredible. Dr. Ahmadi’s work is beautiful!
-M.H.
Dr. Ahmadi and His Staff Are So Welcoming.
I was very nervous, but they took the time to answer all of my questions and put me at ease. They continued to take wonderful care of me during and after surgery…
-M.H.
Contact
If you’re ready to address early lower-face aging with a precise, minimally invasive approach, a mini facelift with Dr. Ahmadi, our board-certified plastic surgeon known for his meticulous SMAS work, may be the right next step. To schedule your consultation, call Avante Plastic Surgery at (281) 265-2639 or request an appointment through our website. We look forward to guiding you through a thoughtfully tailored facial rejuvenation experience.
