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Mini Facelift New York City, NY

Refresh Early Signs of Aging

Introduction to Mini Facelift

Top New York plastic surgeon Dr. Darrick Antell is board-certified in plastic surgery and specializes in aesthetic cosmetic surgery. One of the procedures he commonly performs at his New York City practice is the mini facelift.

Mini facelifts can improve the most visible signs of aging and are particularly valuable for younger patients in their 40s and 50s. Mini facelifts are appropriate for people who show signs of aging in the mid-face and do not have significant excess skin around their jawline and neck. If you are considering a short-scar facelift, this section will provide a basic overview of the procedure.

Dr Antell in suit discussing strategy with patient in medical consulatation meeting - mini facelift in New York, NY

What is a Mini Facelift?

The mini facelift is also called the S-lift, baby boomer facelift, limited-incision facelift, or mini-lift. It is generally appropriate for people with mid-face aging who do not have significant excess skin around their jawline and neck. A mini facelift cannot stop the aging process. What it can do is “set back the clock,” improving the most visible signs of aging. A mini facelift can be done alone, or in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery procedures.

If a mini facelift sounds appealing, this information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure: when it can help, how it’s performed, and what results to expect.

Combining My Mini Facelift with Other Procedures

Several procedures can be performed in conjunction with a mini facelift, allowing patients to achieve comprehensive benefits, reduce facility and anesthesia costs, and recover from a single procedure. You will discuss the different options during your consultation at Dr. Antell’s New York City practice, including:

Liposuction permanently removes stubborn, localized fat from areas resistant to diet and exercise. This helps contour the face, neck, and body to refine your profile. Adding liposuction reduces unwanted fat under the chin and along the jawline to enhance your sculpted facial profile.

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Mini Facelift?

The mini facelift is particularly valuable for younger patients in their 40s and 50s, or as a secondary facelift. To determine their candidacy for the procedure, Dr. Antell checks to see if these individuals have the following traits:

  • Mild to moderate physical signs of aging, such as early jowling, slight loss of jawline definition, or mild sagging in the lower face and cheeks
  • Good skin elasticity that can respond well to tightening
  • Minimal neck laxity and muscle bands
  • Good overall health and do not smoke
  • Have reasonable expectations

What Are the Benefits of a Mini Facelift?

Dr. Antell has been performing the mini facelift for over two decades at his New York City practice, mastering the techniques with precision and accuracy. A mini facelift performed by Dr. Antell offers the following benefits:

  • More youthful, refreshed facial appearance
  • More defined jawline
  • Reduced jowls
  • Smooths wrinkles caused by sagging skin
  • Tightens skin for a bouncier, firmer appearance and texture
  • Quicker downtime than a traditional facelift
  • Smaller, better-hidden incisions (and scarring)
  • More cost-effective
  • Flexible anesthesia options
Dr Antell consulting with patient walking together in modern medical office hallway - in New York, NY

How to Begin Your Mini Facelift Journey

Mini facelifts are very personalized procedures. In your initial consultation in New York City, Dr. Antell will:

  • Evaluate your face, including the skin and underlying bone.
  • Discuss your goals for the surgery.
  • Check for medical conditions that could cause problems during or after surgery, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood-clotting problems, or a tendency to form excessive scars.
  • Craft a personalized treatment plan that optimizes your goals and individual needs.

 

Be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke or are taking any drugs or medications, especially aspirin or other drugs that affect healthy blood clotting. If you decide to have a mini facelift, your surgeon will explain the techniques and anesthesia he will use, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the risks and costs involved.

Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.

Preparing for Your Mini Facelift

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Following these instructions carefully will help your surgery go more smoothly. If you smoke, it’s especially important to stop at least 7 to 14 days before and after surgery; smoking inhibits blood flow to the skin and can interfere with the healing of your incision areas.

Whether your mini facelift is performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis, arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and help you for a day or two if needed.

Where Your Mini Facelift Will Be Performed

A mini facelift may be performed in a surgeon’s office-based facility, an outpatient surgery center, or a hospital. It’s usually done on an outpatient basis, although certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, may require additional monitoring after surgery.

Dr. Antell performs most of his cosmetic surgeries at his own state-of-the-art, accredited surgical facility in New York, allowing for superior care, service, and hands-on attention to perfection.

Types of Anesthesia for a Mini Facelift

Many mini facelifts are performed using local anesthesia alone. However, when appropriate, sedation, also known as twilight anesthesia, may be recommended to enhance your comfort. Dr. Antell will discuss whether sedation is indicated for your procedure during your consultation.

What to Expect on the Day of Mini Facelift Surgery

The procedure for a short-scar facelift includes repositioning all areas of the face that show signs of aging, but the incision is approximately one-half the length of a traditional facelift incision and eliminates most incisions behind the ears. Some people believe recovery and bruising after this type of operation are minor compared to a traditional facelift. However, the literature has not proven this.

Every surgeon approaches the procedure in their own way. Some complete one side of the face at a time, and others move back and forth between the sides. The exact placement of incisions and the sequence of events depends on your facial structure and your surgeon’s technique.

In general, the surgeon separates the skin from the underlying fat and muscle. The surgeon may trim or suction fat from around the neck and chin to improve the contour. The surgeon then tightens the underlying muscle and membrane, pulls the skin back, and removes the excess. Stitches secure the layers of tissue and close the incisions; metal clips may be used on the scalp.

Following surgery, a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin behind your ear to drain any blood that might collect there. The surgeon may also wrap your head loosely in bandages to minimize bruising and swelling.

Dr Antell in navy suit and tie having serious discussion in office setting - in New York, NY

After Your Mini Facelift

There usually isn’t significant discomfort after surgery; if there is, your surgeon can reduce it with prescribed pain medication. (Severe or persistent pain or a sudden swelling of your face should be reported to your surgeon immediately.) Some skin numbness is quite normal; it will disappear within a few weeks or months.

Your doctor may tell you to keep your head elevated and as still as possible for a couple of days after surgery to help reduce swelling. If you’ve had a drainage tube inserted, it will be removed one or two days after surgery. Bandages, when used, are usually removed after one to five days. Don’t be surprised at the pale, bruised, and puffy face you see – it is part of the healing process. Most of your stitches will be removed after about one week. Your scalp may take longer to heal, and the stitches or metal clips in your hairline could be left in for a few more days.

Mini Facelift Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Mini Facelift Care

You should be up and about in a day or two, but plan on taking it easy for the first week after surgery. Be especially gentle with your face and hair, since your skin will be both tender and numb, and may not respond normally at first.

Dr. Antell will provide you with more specific guidelines for gradually resuming your normal activities. They’re likely to include these suggestions: Avoid strenuous activity, including sex and heavy housework, for at least 10 to 14 days (walking and mild stretching are fine); avoid alcohol, steam baths, and saunas for several months. Above all, get plenty of rest and allow your body to spend its energy on healing. Most patients are back at work about 10 to 14 days after surgery. If you need it, makeup can mask most bruising that remains.

How Much Does a Mini Facelift Cost in New York City, NY?

The cost of a mini facelift in New York City looks different for each patient. Several factors influence the cost, including the extent of the procedure, whether you combine additional procedures, the anesthesia costs, and the surgeon’s expertise.

We’ll provide a full breakdown of your procedure during your consultation. We offer financing plans if you’d like to pay for the procedure in installments.

Why Choose Dr. Antell?

Dr. Antell approaches face, breast, and body enhancements with the philosophy that “plastic surgery should whisper, not scream.” His advanced surgical techniques, along with his innate artistry, have led to a reputation for consistently achieving superior outcomes that are subtle, beautiful, and exceptionally natural in appearance.

Dr. Antell has a reputation for excellence in plastic surgery, as he has been named a “Top Plastic Surgeon” by Harper’s Bazaar, Town and Country, Vogue, New York Magazine, as well as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor many times throughout the years. He will also be recognized among Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026. Recognized worldwide for his exceptional surgical outcomes, particularly with the mini facelift, he is regarded by his peers as being one of the most accomplished plastic surgeons in the nation.

NYC Plastic Surgeon

Darrick E. Antell

MD, FACS

Mini Facelift FAQ’S

  • “I recommend him with complete confidence”

    It is rare to find a physician who combines exceptional surgical talent with genuine kindness and integrity, but Dr. Antel does exactly that. I recommend him with complete confidence to anyone

    Giovanni S.

  • “I am extremely grateful”

    I am extremely grateful for the care I have received over the years and would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Antell and his wonderful team—Rosa, Nancy, and Tiffany—to anyone.

    Anonymous

  • “I’m so pleased and grateful”

    I recently underwent a breast augmentation procedure with Dr. Antell at his New York City office. I’m so pleased and grateful for a seamless experience and successful result.

    Theresa D.

  • “Had a fantastic experience”

    Had a fantastic experience with Dr. Antell and his entire team in NYC, Manhattan. From start to finish, they made what could have been a stressful process feel smooth, comfortable, and well-managed.

    Ben R.

  • “Highly recommend”

    Him and his team has always made me feel comfortable through any process/procedure(shoutout to Nancy and Rosa!). Highly recommend.

    Eric L.

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