Neck Lift or Liposuction
For sagging jowls, excess fat or loose skin under the chin, treatment of the neck or targeted liposuction may be necessary to create the desired contour.
Facial Rejuvenation • Marietta, Georgia
Mini Facelift in the Atlanta Metro Area
Refresh early signs of facial aging with a limited-incision approach designed for smaller scars, less downtime and natural-looking improvement through the lower face and jawline.
A Less Invasive Option
Facial rejuvenation with less downtime
For the right patient, a mini facelift can soften early lower-face aging without the downtime, cost or longer incisions associated with a full facelift.
Many women and men are troubled by the sagging, tired appearance that their faces take on with age. Although a full facelift can address multiple signs of facial aging, some patients do not want the downtime, cost or incisions associated with a more extensive procedure.
At Plastic Surgery Center of the South in Marietta, patients have a less invasive option for restoring a more youthful appearance with a mini facelift. People visit our practice from Atlanta, Roswell, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs and surrounding Georgia communities.
Your Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Corey Harkins
Dr. Corey Harkins evaluates facial anatomy, skin laxity, aging pattern and individual goals to determine whether a mini facelift, full facelift or another facial rejuvenation option is best suited to the patient.
His approach is focused on natural-looking results and selecting the degree of correction that matches each patient’s needs rather than using the same technique for everyone.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Facial Rejuvenation Experience
Individualized Surgical Planning
About the Mini Facelift
Smaller incisions. Focused correction.
Often referred to as an S-lift, MACS lift, short scar facelift, limited incision facelift, weekend facelift, lunch time lift or band-aid lift, the mini facelift offers significant, lasting results with smaller incisions and less downtime than a traditional facelift.
The incision may be in the shape of an S, beginning near the hairline in front of the ear and ending just behind the earlobe. In other variations, the incision ends at the earlobe rather than extending behind the ear as it does in a traditional full facelift.
Incision patterns vary depending on anatomy and the specific short-scar technique selected.
Smaller incisions
Limited incision patterns compared with a traditional full facelift.
Local anesthesia
Typically possible at this practice for appropriately selected patients.
Lower face focus
Designed primarily for early sagging, laxity and jawline changes.
Shorter recovery
Reduced bruising and swelling can mean less time away from routine activities.
Are You a Candidate?
Who may benefit from a mini facelift?
You are in generally good health.
You are bothered by a mild to moderate amount of sagging or laxity, especially along the lower face and jawline.
You wish to spend only a minimal amount of time recuperating at home.
You are a nonsmoker.
Mini Facelift
Focused correction for earlier aging
A mini facelift can typically be performed using local anesthesia. Through the smaller incision, underlying tissue is lifted to a more youthful position and the skin is tightened, smoothing smile lines and wrinkles in the lower face and creating a firmer-looking jawline.
Full Facelift
More extensive correction when needed
Individuals with more pronounced or extensive facial aging may need a full facelift to achieve the improvement they want. A consultation with Dr. Harkins helps determine how much correction is appropriate.
Other Facial Rejuvenation Options
When another treatment may be a better fit
Recovery & Results
A shorter recovery for the right patient
The more limited nature of a mini facelift means reduced bruising and swelling, which can reduce discomfort and recovery time.
While recovery from a traditional facelift may take several weeks, recovery from a mini facelift may take only a few days. One benefit of this approach is that patients who choose a mini facelift can wear their hair up without the visible scarring that sometimes comes with facelift surgery.
Although a mini facelift can take years off your appearance, the results are not as dramatic as those achieved with a full facelift. The mini facelift is designed to correct earlier signs of aging. It cannot stop the aging process, and longevity depends on factors including lifestyle, age and heredity.
A few days
Potential recovery period for some mini facelift patients
Several years
Results may remain visible before revision is considered
Mini Facelift FAQs
Common questions about scars, longevity and alternatives
What will my scars look like?
Although every type of surgery produces scars, those of the mini facelift are quite discreet thanks to their placement around the ears. In general, incisions fade significantly to flat, pale marks that aren’t noticeable. To further reduce your risk of unnecessary scarring, keep your incisions well protected from sunlight as they heal.
How long will my results last?
Although mini facelift patients can expect to enjoy their new faces for quite some time, the results are not as long-lasting as those of a traditional facelift because a traditional facelift adjusts deeper layers of tissue. You can expect to see a tighter, more improved look for several years before you may wish to undergo revisionary surgery.
Are there non-surgical alternatives?
Yes. Although non-surgical treatments can’t produce results that are as extensive as a facelift or mini facelift, injectable treatments including fillers, BOTOX® Cosmetic and fat transfer are popular options. Skin rejuvenation services can also temporarily boost facial volume, reduce wrinkles and improve complexion for a younger look.
Explore Your Options
Find out whether a mini facelift fits your goals
Dr. Harkins can evaluate your facial anatomy and degree of skin laxity, explain the differences between mini and full facelift surgery, and recommend the approach best suited to your needs.
Individual results and recovery experiences vary. A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is required to determine candidacy, treatment recommendations, risks and expected recovery.