FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON VIRGINIA
Mini Facelift
Dr. V offers mini facelift procedures designed to subtly lift and refresh the lower face with less downtime and natural-looking results.
Mini Facelift
Dr. V offers mini facelift procedures designed to subtly lift and refresh the lower face with less downtime and natural-looking results.
FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON VIRGINIA
Everything You Need to Know About Mini Facelifts
A mini facelift is a less invasive procedure that targets early signs of aging in the lower face and jawline, offering a smoother, more youthful appearance with faster recovery and minimal scarring.
A Less Invasive Approach to Facial Rejuvenation
Mini facelifts at the Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts offer a more conservative option for patients seeking facial rejuvenation without the downtime of a full facelift. Often called weekend facelifts, these procedures involve smaller incisions and minimal tissue adjustment, focusing primarily on the jawline and lower face. Recovery is typically quicker, and scarring is limited due to the less invasive nature of the surgery.
Expert Results with Natural-Looking Improvements
While less extensive than a traditional facelift, a mini facelift can produce impressive, natural-looking improvements. This procedure is ideal for those with early signs of aging who want subtle tightening and contouring. Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen (Dr. V) brings decades of specialized experience to each case, delivering precision results for patients in Chantilly, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and throughout Northern Virginia.
Mini Facelift Before and After Gallery
See before and after results from real patients who trusted Dr. V with their mini facelifts.
What Do Mini Facelifts Address?
Mini facelifts are entirely designed to correct early signs of aging, particularly sagging and fine lines that develop in the soft tissue of the lower cheeks, lower jaw, and chin.
Sagging Skin
Mini facials re-tighten the lower face's underlying tissue. Most individuals begin experiencing skin laxity starting in their 30s when the underlying tissue starts losing elasticity and bounce. By retightening any lax muscles, mini facelifts provide firmer and younger-looking cheeks and jawlines.
Fine Lines
Mini facelifts reduce the depth and appearance of fine lines around the mouth and lower cheeks through re-tightening and minor tissue redraping. This creates a more elastic foundation for your skin with less visible lower-face wrinkles.
Loss of Jawline Definition
By tightening key underlying tissue around the lower jaw and chin line, mini facelifts re-create your face's naturally pronounced contours. A mini facelift can also remove excess fat in these areas, adding even more definition.
Early Jowling
Mini facelifts target the beginnings of jowls by lifting and repositioning sagging tissue along the lower cheeks and jaw. This restores a smoother transition between the jawline and neck.
Am I a Candidate?
Because it's an inherently quicker and less invasive surgery, mini facelifts are viable for a wide range of patients looking for subtler improvements to their face.
- The best age for a mini facelift starts in your late 30s to mid-50s when signs of aging begin.
- You have mild to moderate skin sagging or jowls.
- You've recently undergone significant weight loss.
- You don't present heavy neck "banding" or related horizontal lines on your forehead or browline.
- You're interested in lower-risk, less invasive cosmetic procedures with quicker recovery times.
Risks of a Mini Facelift
Mini facelifts are considered a low-risk surgery, with complications occurring in less than 2% of procedures.
There are several mini facelift side effects to be aware of, most subsiding within 3-5 days:
There are several mini facelift side effects to be aware of, most subsiding within 3-5 days:
- Mild to moderate pain/discomfort in the lower face.
- Temporary numbness and swelling.
- Minor bruising, especially around incision areas.
- Risk for permanent scarring.
Benefits of Mini Facelifts
Mini facelifts are designed to create transformative lifting and re-contouring but through a simpler, subtler procedure.
- Results that look natural to your face
- Considered an outpatient procedure
- Reduced, localized anesthesia needs
- Greatly minimize scarring using discreet incisions behind the ears, hairline, or existing skin folds
- Faster recovery compared to traditional facelifts
- More cost-friendly than other cosmetic procedures
- Well suited for those with active lifestyles, i.e. the "weekend facelift" nickname
Risks of a Mini Facelift
Mini facelifts are considered a low-risk surgery, with complications occurring in less than 2% of procedures.
There are several mini facelift side effects to be aware of, most subsiding within 3-5 days:
There are several mini facelift side effects to be aware of, most subsiding within 3-5 days:
- Mild to moderate pain/discomfort in the lower face.
- Temporary numbness and swelling.
- Minor bruising, especially around incision areas.
- Risk for permanent scarring.
Benefits of Mini Facelifts
Mini facelifts are designed to create transformative lifting and re-contouring but through a simpler, subtler procedure.
- Results that look natural to your face
- Considered an outpatient procedure
- Reduced, localized anesthesia needs
- Greatly minimize scarring using discreet incisions behind the ears, hairline, or existing skin folds
- Faster recovery compared to traditional facelifts
- More cost-friendly than other cosmetic procedures
- Well suited for those with active lifestyles, i.e. the "weekend facelift" nickname
Risks of a Mini Facelift
Mini facelifts are considered a low-risk surgery, with complications occurring in less than 2% of procedures.
There are several mini facelift side effects to be aware of, most subsiding within 3-5 days:
There are several mini facelift side effects to be aware of, most subsiding within 3-5 days:
- Mild to moderate pain/discomfort in the lower face.
- Temporary numbness and swelling.
- Minor bruising, especially around incision areas.
- Risk for permanent scarring.
Benefits of Mini Facelifts
Mini facelifts are designed to create transformative lifting and re-contouring but through a simpler, subtler procedure.
- Results that look natural to your face
- Considered an outpatient procedure
- Reduced, localized anesthesia needs
- Greatly minimize scarring using discreet incisions behind the ears, hairline, or existing skin folds
- Faster recovery compared to traditional facelifts
- More cost-friendly than other cosmetic procedures
- Well suited for those with active lifestyles, i.e. the "weekend facelift" nickname
Our Approach to Mini Facelifts
Understand the mini facelift experience step by step so you feel confident and prepared.
Mini Facelift Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. V will assess key things like your facial anatomy and structure, discuss your aesthetic goals, review your health history and past surgeries, and then create a personalized treatment plan.
Pre-Surgery Prep
In preparation for your procedure, Dr. V may request certain blood tests to ensure your optimal health for surgery. She will provide detailed instructions to help you best prepare for your mini facelift, including skincare recommendations, stopping certain medications, and lifestyle adjustments. You'll also receive 3D renderings of your before-and-after results, discuss incision locations, anesthesia and sedation.
Day of Surgery
Mini facelifts involve discrete incisions made by Dr. V around the ears and hidden by the hairline. From these small incisions, excess tissue is removed, and the remaining key tissue is tightened to target jaw, chin, and lower cheek restructuring. Most procedures are completed within 2-3 hours.
Follow-up Appointment
A follow-up appointment ensures proper healing and addresses any concerns. Dr. V will remove any sutures if necessary, plus monitor progress and advise on maintaining your refreshed look.
After Surgery
Healing and Results
Initial Stages
Most patients experience mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness for 1–2 weeks following a mini facelift. In her Northern Virginia office, Dr. V provides detailed aftercare instructions to help manage discomfort, reduce swelling, and support proper healing of the incisions
Full Recovery
The vast majority of mini facelift patients fully heal within 2 weeks (4 weeks in full facelift), and return to normal activities within 7 days of surgery.
Why Trust the Virginia Institute
Dr. V is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who operated on thousands Northern Virginia women and men. Dr. V's cosmetic surgery expertise includes otolaryngology and surgeries of the head and neck. Mini facelifts require a surgeon to be able to create the most impactful improvements but with smaller and more precise techniques - exactly like Dr. V's methodology. Her entire medical staff practices compassion-first care, with a strong code of ethics, delivering true safety and comfort for every patient.
Combination Treatments
Explore complimentary treatments to enhance your mini facelift results:
Dermal Fillers
Injectable dermal fillers restore volume and smooth wrinkles in areas like cheeks and lips, offering a non-surgical option for a younger face in minutes.
BOTOX®
Botox reduces fine lines by relaxing facial muscles, particularly around the eyes, forehead, and mouth.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser treatments improve skin tone, texture, and elasticity by stimulating collagen production and reducing discoloration or fine lines.