Faceology

Mini Facelift

Conveniently Located to Service Newport Beach, Irvine, & Costa Mesa

Mini Facelift in Newport Beach

Restore Jawline Contours — with Less Downtime and Natural-Looking Results.

A mini facelift — also known as a short scar facelift — is a refined surgical technique designed to tighten and smooth the lower face for a youthful, refreshed look without the extensive downtime of a traditional facelift. At  FACEOLOGYMD® in Newport Beach, Dr. Raymond Lee specializes in natural, elegant results using minimally invasive facial surgery techniques.

This procedure focuses on improving jawline definition, reducing early jowling, and restoring firmness to the lower face — perfect for those who want to turn back the clock without major surgery or long recovery time.

What Is a Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift targets mild to moderate skin laxity in the lower face and jawline. It’s ideal for patients who want subtle but visible rejuvenation — smoothing wrinkles, lifting sagging skin, and redefining facial contours.

This limited-incision facelift is performed onsite under local anesthesia, minimizing downtime while maintaining precision and comfort. Compared to a full facelift or deep plane facelift, the mini version uses shorter incisions around the ears to gently lift underlying tissues (the SMAS layer) for a naturally youthful appearance.

Ideal Candidates for a Mini Facelift

You may be a great candidate for a mini facelift in Newport Beach if you:

  • Have mild to moderate skin laxity in the lower face
  • Notice sagging around the mouth or jawline
  • Are in good general health and a non-smoker
  • Want rejuvenation with minimal downtime

If you have significant loose skin or deep wrinkles, a full facelift or neck lift combination procedure may be more appropriate. During your consultation, Dr. Lee will discuss all options to ensure the best aesthetic outcome for your facial structure and goals.

Mini Facelift Recovery Time

Mini facelift recovery time is typically one week or less. Most patients return to normal activities within 5–7 days. Mild swelling or bruising is expected during the first few days and can be managed with cold compresses and proper post-operative care.

Because this is a short scar facelift, recovery is faster and more comfortable than a traditional facelift. Dr. Lee’s detailed aftercare instructions help ensure a smooth healing process and optimal results.

Why Choose FACEOLOGYMD for a Mini Facelift in Newport Beach

Dr. Raymond Lee is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon recognized for his precision and artistry in facial rejuvenation. At FACEOLOGYMD, all procedures are performed onsite in a fully accredited Newport Beach facility — ensuring comfort, safety, and consistent care from consultation through recovery.

Visit our consultation page to learn more about the process and explore our before-and-after gallery to see real patient transformations from individuals who have trusted Dr. Lee with their facial rejuvenation journey.

Benefits of a Mini Facelift

Patients from Newport Beach, Irvine, and Costa Mesa choose this procedure for its ability to deliver real, long-lasting results with minimal disruption to daily life. Benefits include:

  • Improved jawline and chin definition
  • Reduced sagging and early jowls
  • Shorter scars and faster healing
  • No general anesthesia required
  • Natural-looking, refreshed results

For patients with more advanced signs of aging, Dr. Lee may recommend The FACEology LIFT, a more comprehensive facelift that also rejuvenates the midface and neck.

The Mini Facelift Procedure

At FACEOLOGYMD, all mini facelift procedures are performed onsite in our accredited Newport Beach surgical suite. Once local anesthesia is administered, Dr. Lee creates small incisions around the ears. Through these incisions, he carefully lifts and repositions the underlying SMAS layer to smooth and tighten the lower face.

The incisions are then meticulously closed with fine sutures, leaving scars that are virtually invisible once healed. The procedure typically takes about one hour, and patients go home the same day.

FAQ

FAQs About the Mini Facelift in Newport Beach

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Am I a good candidate for a mini facelift?

Most men and women in their 40s to 60s are good candidates for a mini facelift if they want to address early signs of aging such as mild jowling or loss of jawline definition. During your consultation, Dr. Lee evaluates your facial anatomy, lifestyle, and goals to confirm whether a short scar facelift in Newport Beach is the best approach for you.

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Who is not a candidate for a mini facelift?

Patients who smoke, have certain uncontrolled medical conditions, or possess extensive skin laxity may not be ideal candidates. In such cases, Dr. Lee may recommend a deep plane facelift or neck lift for more comprehensive results. All candidacy details are reviewed during your private consultation.

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Mini facelift vs. thread lift: what’s the difference?

While both treatments aim to lift and tighten the face, a mini facelift and a thread lift are fundamentally different in technique, longevity, and results.

Mini Facelift:

  • Surgical procedure performed by a facial plastic surgeon
  • Lifts and repositions underlying facial structures (SMAS layer)
  • Removes excess skin for a smoother, tighter appearance
  • Long-lasting results — often 7–10 years
  • Downtime: 5–7 days
  • Performed under local anesthesia

Thread Lift:

  • Non-surgical treatment using dissolvable threads to pull the skin
  • Creates a temporary lift without removing skin or adjusting deep tissues
  • Results typically last 12–18 months
  • Minimal downtime (1–2 days)
  • May not be effective for moderate to severe skin laxity

If you're looking for subtle, short-term improvement with no surgery, a thread lift may be an option. But if you want longer-lasting, more noticeable facial rejuvenation — especially around the jawline and lower face — a mini facelift provides far more reliable and natural-looking results.

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How much does a mini facelift cost in Newport Beach?

The cost of a mini facelift varies depending on individual anatomy, surgical complexity, and whether it’s combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures. During your consultation, Dr. Lee will provide an accurate estimate and discuss available financing options. Detailed pricing is always shared prior to scheduling your surgery.

Ready to Refresh Your Look? Schedule Your Consultation at FACEOLOGYMD

If you’re considering a mini facelift in Newport Beach, Irvine, or Costa Mesa, schedule an appointment and Dr. Lee will guide you through your options with personalized recommendations tailored to your goals. Contact us at FACEOLOGYMD today to schedule your mini facelift consultation and take the first step toward a younger, refreshed appearance.

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FACEOLOGYMD®

Decades of Expertise in Facial Aesthetics

Dr. Raymond Lee, Founder and Medical Director of FACEOLOGYMD®, brings over decades of experience in facial aesthetics to provide natural, personalized care. Specializing in facial rejuvenation under local anesthesia, Dr. Lee has performed over 5,000 procedures and is known for his signature deep plane FACEology® LIFT, offering natural results with minimal sedation and easy recovery. FACEOLOGYMD® has been voted the #1 Cosmetic Surgeon in Orange County and provides a range of surgical and non-surgical options to enhance your natural beauty. Experience beauty the most natural way with Dr. Lee’s expertise.

portrait of doctor raymond lee at faceology md

Meet the Team

portrait of vanessar bittner at faceology md

Vanessa Bittner

Practice Director

As the engine behind Faceology MD, Vanessa brings years of both administrative & clinical experience with a passion for leadership to her role as Practice Director. With a background as a Certified Surgical Technologist, she knows the ins and outs of the aesthetic world and leads with both heart and strategy...Read More

portrait of tabitha wilson at faceology md

Tabitha Wilson

Patient Care Coordinator

With a background as a certified makeup artist and a true passion for beauty, Tabitha brings a warm, stylish, and caring touch to every patient experience at Faceology MD. She’s the one helping you feel comfortable, confident, and a little bit glam from the moment you walk through the door...Read More

portrait of Cathy Castaneda at faceology md

Cathy Castaneda

Lead Medical Assistant

Cathy is the heart of the clinical team at Faceology MD. As Lead Medical Assistant, she supports patients every step of the way—from pre-op prep to post-op recovery—with calm confidence and a whole lot of compassion. Her favorite moments are seeing patients' emotional reactions after surgery, especially those happy tears...Read More

portrait of ashley canicosa at faceology md

Ashley Canicosa

Medical Assistant

Bio Coming Soon.