As we age, it’s natural for the skin and underlying facial tissues to lose elasticity and volume. This often leads to sagging skin, deeper creases, and loss of definition—particularly around the cheeks, jawline, and neck. If you’re considering a facial rejuvenation procedure, you’ve likely heard about mini facelifts and full facelifts — but how do you know which one is right for you?

Both are effective options to refresh your appearance, but they target different concerns and offer different levels of correction. Below, we break down the differences, benefits, and what can enhance your results for a truly transformative experience.

What Is a Full Facelift?

A full facelift (also known as a traditional facelift) is a comprehensive surgical procedure that addresses signs of moderate to advanced aging in the midface, lower face, and neck. It involves repositioning and tightening the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) — a deeper layer of tissue that provides structure and support to the face.

By lifting the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS), removing excess skin, and redefining the contours of the jawline and neck, a full facelift delivers long-lasting, natural-looking results that can take up to a decade off your appearance.

Consider a full facelift if:

• You have deep folds between your nose and mouth (nasolabial folds)

• Your cheeks have begun to sag, and the definition along your jawline has noticeably softened.

• The neck shows visible laxity or “turkey neck”

• You’re looking for a more dramatic and long-lasting improvement

Downtime: 2–3 weeks

Results last: 8–12 years

What Is a Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift is a less invasive version of the full procedure, designed for patients in the earlier stages of facial aging. It targets the lower to midface and jawline using shorter, less extensive incisions. While it doesn’t address the neck or deeper facial structures as extensively, it’s ideal for patients who want a subtle lift and faster recovery.

Ideal candidates for breast augmentation have breasts that are either saggy, flattened, elongated, asymmetrical or lacking adequate volume. That said, breast augmentation alone is not recommended for patients with severely drooping breasts. While implants are highly effective for restoring fullness, a breast lift is often required for sagging breasts to appear more lifted.

You may be a candidate for a mini facelift if:

• You’re in your 40s to early 50s

• You have mild to moderate skin laxity or early signs of sagging along the jawline

• You want to refresh your look without significant downtime

Downtime: 7–10 days

Results last: 5–7 years

Full Facelift vs. Mini Facelift: Key Differences

Area Treated:

• Mini Facelift: Lower face and jawline

• Full Facelift: Midface (from eyes down), lower face, jawline, and neck

Incision Placement: Full Facelift vs. Mini Facelift

• Full Facelift: Incisions typically begin at the temples, continue around the front of the ear, and extend behind the ear into the lower scalp. This allows access to deeper facial structures like the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) layer and provides enough room to address sagging skin along the jawline, cheeks, and neck. In some cases, a small incision under the chin may be made to enhance neck contouring.

• Mini Facelift: A mini facelift involves shorter incisions, usually made just in front of the ears and sometimes extending slightly behind them. This approach lifts the lower cheeks and jawline with less tissue manipulation and a faster recovery.

Invasiveness:

• Mini Facelift: Less invasive, limited lifting

• Full Facelift: Deeper repositioning of facial structures for more dramatic results

Downtime:

• Mini Facelift: 1 week

• Full Facelift: 2 to 3 weeks

Ideal Candidate:

• Mini Facelift: Mild aging, typically in the early 40s to 50s

• Full Facelift: Typically, in the 50s and up, for moderate to severe signs of aging

Longevity:

• Mini Facelift: 5 to 7 years

• Full Facelift: 8 to 12 years

Enhancing Your Facelift: Procedures That Can Be Combined for Even Better Results

Many patients choose to combine their facelift with additional procedures for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. At the South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery, your treatment plan can be fully customized to include:

• Neck Lift: Ideal for patients with visible banding or excess skin under the chin. A neck lift smooths and tightens this area, enhancing the definition of the jawline and completing the lower face transformation.
• Brow Lift: Addresses sagging or hooded brows and forehead wrinkles. When combined with a facelift, it creates an overall lifted and refreshed appearance — especially in the upper third of the face.
• Temporal Lift: Also known as a lateral brow lift, this subtle procedure raises the outer brow and helps open up the eyes for a more youthful and alert expression.
• Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery): Removes excess skin, puffiness, and under-eye bags that contribute to a tired look. Pairing eyelid surgery with a facelift ensures your upper face looks just as refreshed as your lower face.
• Lip Lift: Creates a more youthful, defined shape by shortening the space between the nose and upper lip. It’s a great complement to facelifts for enhancing balance and proportions.

Combining these procedures not only improves facial harmony but also maximizes downtime and enhances your overall results — all in one surgical plan.

How to Decide: Mini Facelift or Full Facelift?

Choosing the right option comes down to your current signs of aging, your desired outcome, and how much downtime you’re willing to take.

A mini facelift is ideal if you’re starting to notice mild sagging but aren’t ready for a full procedure. It’s a great “prejuvenation” step for people in their 40s and early 50s.

A full facelift is more appropriate if you have moderate to severe aging signs, especially around the midface and neck. It provides a more dramatic and longer-lasting transformation.

The best way to make your decision? A personalized consultation. Our team will evaluate your facial anatomy, goals, and expectations to create a plan tailored to you.

Why Patients Choose Us for Facial Rejuvenation

At the South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery, we combine advanced techniques, personalized planning, and aesthetic artistry to ensure that every patient looks refreshed—not overdone.

We Offer:

• Mini and full facelift procedures tailored to your goals
• Custom combination surgeries for full facial rejuvenation
• Modern surgical suites in the heart of Fort Lauderdale
• Flexible financing options to fit your budget
• Thousands of successful procedures and happy patients

Ready to Refresh Your Look?

Whether you’re looking to subtly turn back the clock or completely redefine your profile, our facelift specialists are here to guide you in every step of the way.

We are committed to helping our patients find the most convenient payment method for their treatment. If you need more guidance on how to pay for surgery, contact our office.