Mini facelift in Londrina: rejuvenation for those who want results without extensive surgery
Not every patient who seeks me for facial rejuvenation requires a complete deep plane facelift. Many people between forty and fifty-five years old show early to moderate signs of ageing — a slight droop in the jawline, the onset of a double chin, loss of definition in the facial contour — which can be effectively treated with a less invasive approach: the mini facelift.
The mini facelift is a facial rejuvenation surgery that uses smaller incisions and a more limited dissection than the complete facelift. It specifically addresses the lower third of the face and the transition between the jawline and the neck, areas where the first signs of ageing typically manifest. The procedure is shorter, recovery is quicker, and the scars are even more discreet.
Over more than twenty years of practice and over eight thousand surgeries performed, I have developed a discerning eye to identify exactly which procedure will yield the best results for each patient. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Some patients will greatly benefit from the mini facelift, while others need the deep plane approach to achieve the desired outcome. My role is to assess your anatomy, understand your expectations, and honestly recommend the most suitable path.
Who is the mini facelift indicated for
The ideal candidate for the mini facelift is someone who shows early signs of ageing that do not yet warrant more extensive surgery. Generally, these are patients between forty and fifty-five years old with specific complaints:
Light to moderate sagging in the cheek and jawline areas
Onset of double chin formation, but without significant excess skin on the neck
Loss of definition in the facial contour, especially along the jawline
Nasolabial folds (smile lines) that are beginning to deepen
Onset of marionette lines, which extend from the corners of the mouth to the chin
It is important to emphasise: the mini facelift is not an inferior version of the complete facelift. It is a different procedure, with different indications. When well indicated, it delivers excellent results with less surgery time and a more comfortable recovery.
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How the mini facelift works
The mini facelift uses shorter incisions than the traditional facelift, usually positioned around the ear. The incision starts in the temporal region, within the hair, descends along the natural fold in front of the ear, and curves around the lobe. Unlike the complete deep plane facelift, which continues with a long incision behind the ear, in the mini facelift this posterior extension is minimal or even unnecessary.
Through these smaller incisions, I perform the dissection and repositioning of the SMAS — the superficial muscular-aponeurotic system that supports the facial tissues. In the mini facelift, the work on the SMAS is focused on the lower third and the transition with the neck. It is not necessary to release all the facial retention ligaments as in the deep plane, because the degree of sagging does not require this level of intervention.
The technique I use
My approach to the mini facelift combines the best of different techniques. I perform a plication or elevation of the SMAS in the lateral region of the face, pulling the tissues in a vertical vector — the same principle I use in the deep plane, just to a lesser extent. This ensures a natural result, without that stretched appearance that frightens so many people.
When necessary, I complement the procedure with a small submental incision (under the chin) to treat localised fat and perform a limited platysmaplasty. This combination allows me to define the mandibular contour and significantly improve the appearance of the initial double chin, even without performing a complete neck lift.
Duration and anaesthesia
The mini facelift lasts between two and three hours, significantly less than the five to six hours of the complete deep plane facelift. The surgery can be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on the patient's preferences and associated procedures. I discuss these options in detail during the consultation.
Mini facelift versus deep plane facelift: understanding the differences
One of the questions I receive most often is: "Doctor, what is the difference between the mini facelift and the complete facelift?" The answer involves understanding the extent of the problem and the depth of the solution required.
Extent of dissection
In the deep plane facelift, I release four facial retention ligaments — zygomatic, masseteric, mandibular, and cervical — and elevate the entire muscle-fat-skin structure as a unit. This dissection extends from the middle third of the face to the neck, allowing for complete rejuvenation.
In the mini facelift, the dissection is more limited. I mainly work in the lateral region of the face and the jawline, without the need to release all the ligaments. The SMAS is treated more locally, sufficient to correct the mild to moderate sagging present.
Neck treatment
This is perhaps the biggest practical difference. The deep plane facelift includes deep neck treatment: complete platysmaplasty, removal of subplatysmal fat, treatment of the digastric muscle, and, when necessary, the submandibular gland. In the mini facelift, cervical treatment is limited or absent. If the patient has significant sagging in the neck, prominent platysmal bands, or a significant double chin, the mini facelift will not be sufficient.
Duration of results
The deep plane facelift lasts from ten to fifteen years. The mini facelift has a shorter durability, usually between five and eight years, precisely because the intervention is less extensive. However, for younger patients with initial sagging, these five to eight years are more than sufficient — and when necessary, a second procedure can be performed in the future.
When the mini facelift is not enough
I am always honest with my patients. If during the consultation I assess that the degree of sagging is moderate to severe, that the neck needs deep treatment, or that the patient's expectations require a more dramatic result, I will recommend the deep plane facelift. It makes no sense to perform a smaller procedure that will not deliver the desired result. I prefer the patient to know exactly what to expect before making their decision.
The advantages of the mini facelift
For the right patient, the mini facelift offers significant advantages that deserve to be highlighted:
Faster recovery
While the deep plane facelift requires about two weeks for the patient to be socially presentable, the mini facelift allows for a quicker return. Most of my mini facelift patients look acceptable to go out in public within seven to ten days. Swelling is less, bruising is more discreet, and postoperative discomfort is significantly reduced.
Shorter surgery
With a duration of two to three hours versus five to six for the complete facelift, the time under anaesthesia is considerably less. This translates to less stress on the body and a quicker, more comfortable anaesthetic recovery.
Smaller incisions and more discreet scars
The incisions of the mini facelift are shorter, which means smaller scars and less extent of dissection. As the scars are already practically invisible in the complete facelift, in the mini facelift they are even more imperceptible.
Lower risk of complications
Every surgery has risks, but less extensive procedures tend to have lower complication rates. The risk of haematoma, nerve injury, and healing problems is proportionally lower in the mini facelift. Still, I use the Auersvald hemostatic net when indicated, to ensure maximum safety.
More affordable cost
As the surgical time is shorter and the complexity of the operation is reduced, the investment in the mini facelift is lower than that of the complete deep plane facelift. For patients who are in the early stages of aging, this can represent an excellent cost-benefit ratio.
Possibility of future complementation
The mini facelift does not prevent the performance of a deep plane facelift in the future, if the natural progression of aging requires it. In fact, patients who had a mini facelift in their mid-forties may benefit from a complete facelift in their sixties, with exceptional cumulative results.
Procedures I combine with the mini facelift
The mini facelift addresses the lower third of the face, but aging affects the face as a whole. For a harmonious result, I often combine the mini facelift with other procedures performed at the same surgical time:
Blepharoplasty: rejuvenating the gaze
The blepharoplasty corrects excess skin on the upper eyelids and fat bags on the lower eyelids. As the eyelids are responsible for a large part of the impression of tiredness and aging, the combination of mini facelift with blepharoplasty delivers a very complete rejuvenating result for patients with mild facial sagging.
Facial fat grafting
The fat grafting is a powerful complement to the mini facelift. Autologous fat restores lost volume in the cheeks, temples, and folds, as well as bringing stem cells that regenerate the skin from the inside out. Even in a less extensive procedure, fat grafting greatly enhances the result.
Brow lift
Drooping eyebrows significantly contribute to the appearance of tiredness. The brow lift is a delicate procedure that complements the mini facelift very well, especially in patients who have a drop in the lateral portion of the eyebrows.
Lip lift
The lip lift shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip, which tends to elongate with aging. It is a subtle yet impactful complement that rejuvenates the perioral region.
Botulinum toxin in the postoperative period
About three to four weeks after the mini facelift, the application of botulinum toxin on the forehead, glabella, and crow's feet complements the result by treating the expression lines that the surgery does not address. Our clinic has a team of dermatologists who can perform this application for you.
The importance of individualised assessment
I need to be very clear about one fundamental point: the choice between mini facelift and deep plane facelift is not a matter of patient preference. It is a medical decision based on careful technical evaluation.
Throughout my career, I have seen many patients come to the office specifically requesting the mini facelift because they heard it is less invasive, quicker, cheaper. All this information is true. But if the degree of aging of that patient requires a more extensive procedure, performing a mini facelift would be doing less than necessary — and the result would fall short of expectations.
What I assess during the consultation
During the consultation, I thoroughly examine:
Degree of facial sagging: mild, moderate, or severe, in each third of the face
Condition of the neck: presence of platysmal bands, double chin, cervical sagging
Skin quality: elasticity, sun damage, thickness
Bone structure: position of the jaw, projection of the chin, zygoma
Facial volume: loss of fat in the cheeks, temples, perioral region
Patient expectations: what they expect from the result
Only after this complete assessment can I safely recommend whether the mini facelift will be sufficient or if the deep plane facelift would bring significantly better results. In many cases, the decision is clear. In others, there is an intermediate zone where both options may work, and I openly discuss the pros and cons of each with the patient.
Honesty above all
If I assess that the mini facelift will not deliver the result you desire, I will say this clearly. I will not perform a smaller procedure just because it is quicker or cheaper if the result will not satisfy you. Likewise, I will not recommend a complete deep plane facelift for someone who would clearly benefit from a mini facelift. My commitment is to your best result, not to my convenience.
The consultation and preparations for the mini lifting
The consultation for the mini lifting follows the same standard of excellence that I apply to all my surgeries. I dedicate time to get to know you, understand your history, examine your anatomy, and explain in detail what I can offer.
Pre-operative tests
I request the following tests before the surgery:
Complete blood count
PAT with INR + APTT
Creatinine and urea
Fasting blood glucose
Total proteins and fractions
Urine analysis
Electrocardiogram
Cardiological evaluation with surgical risk
Medications to be discontinued
Fifteen days before and fifteen days after the surgery, you should discontinue:
Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin, AAS, Bufferin)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
High doses of Vitamin E
Ginkgo biloba and other herbal remedies
High doses of Omega 3
Arnica
Smoking should be stopped for the same period. Nicotine compromises blood circulation in the skin and significantly increases the risk of complications, even in less extensive procedures like the mini lifting.
The day of the surgery: step by step
The mini facial lifting is an outpatient surgery in most cases. You arrive in the morning, have the surgery, and go home the same day, accompanied by a responsible adult.
Pre-operative marking
Before entering the surgical centre, I make markings on your face with a surgical pen. I identify the incision lines, dissection areas, and traction vectors. This step is crucial to ensure symmetry and precision during the procedure.
Anaesthesia
Depending on the planning, the surgery can be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia. When we associate other procedures such as blepharoplasty or fat grafting, general anaesthesia is usually the most comfortable option for both the patient and me.
The incisions
I make the incisions in the planned positions: within the hair in the temporal region, in the natural fold in front of the ear, and around the earlobe. The incisions follow the natural lines of the face, becoming practically invisible after healing.
Dissection and repositioning of the SMAS
Through the incisions, I carefully dissect the skin from the underlying SMAS. Then, I perform the plication or elevation of the SMAS in a vertical vector, repositioning the tissues that have descended over time. This is the most important step of the surgery — it is what ensures the durability and naturalness of the result.
Submental treatment (when necessary)
If there is localized fat under the chin or the beginning of platysmal bands, I make a small submental incision to treat these structures. Liposuction of the submental fat and limited platysmaplasty can be performed to better define the cervicofacial contour.
Closure
The skin is redraped over the new position of the deep tissues, without excessive tension. I only remove the excess skin and suture in multiple layers with fine threads. I apply a light compressive dressing that will be kept for the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours.
Post-operative care for the mini lifting: what to expect
One of the great advantages of the mini lifting is the quicker and more comfortable recovery compared to the full lifting. Still, it is surgery, and your body needs time to recover properly.
First 24 to 48 hours
You will go home with a light compressive dressing. There will be moderate swelling and possibly some discreet bruising. Pain is generally mild, controlled with common analgesics. Keep your head elevated and apply cold compresses as directed. Avoid sudden movements with your neck.
First week
Swelling peaks between the second and third day, then begins to decrease progressively. Some patients may have discreet bruises (purple spots) that resolve in seven to ten days. The stitches are removed between the seventh and tenth day. Most patients already feel comfortable going out with discreet residual swelling.
Second week
You will be presentable for social commitments. Makeup can be used carefully over the scars. Residual swelling is minimal and practically imperceptible to those who do not know you had surgery.
First month
Progressive return to all activities. Avoid intense exercise in the first three weeks, direct sun exposure on the scars, and any trauma to the operated area. Sleep on your back.
Two to six months
The result will progressively refine. The scars mature, deeper residual swelling resolves, and the tissues settle into their final position. This is the period when the final result of the mini lifting emerges in all its fullness.
Risks and care of the mini facial lifting
Like any surgical procedure, the mini facial lifting has risks that I need to discuss openly with you. Although less extensive than the full lifting, it is a real surgery that requires respect and proper care.
Hematoma
The accumulation of blood under the skin is the most common complication of any type of lifting. In the mini lifting, the risk is lower than in the full lifting because the dissected area is smaller. When indicated, I use the Auersvald hemostatic net to further minimise this possibility.
Nerve injury
Facial nerves run close to the operated area. An injury can cause temporary weakness or altered sensitivity. In the vast majority of cases, this resolves spontaneously within weeks to months. Permanent injuries are extremely rare when the technique is performed by an experienced surgeon.
Unsightly scars
Although the scars from the mini lifting are positioned in hidden areas, the quality of healing depends on individual factors. Patients with a tendency to keloids or hypertrophic scars should inform the surgeon in advance. Post-operative care for the scars is essential for an ideal aesthetic result.
Asymmetry
Every face has natural asymmetries. The surgery aims to improve appearance while respecting these individual characteristics, but slight asymmetries may persist or arise after the procedure. In most cases, they are imperceptible and do not require correction.
Insufficient result
If the mini lifting was indicated for a patient with sagging beyond what the procedure can correct, the result may fall short of expectations. This is exactly why I insist on thorough evaluation and honesty during the consultation. I prefer to recommend the correct procedure from the start rather than correct dissatisfaction later.
My experience and training
I graduated from the State University of Londrina and had the privilege of being a student of Professor Ivo Pitanguy, the greatest name in Brazilian plastic surgery and one of the most respected in the world. With him, I learned not only surgical techniques but a philosophy of respect for the patient and an incessant pursuit of excellence.
Over more than twenty years of practice, I have performed over eight thousand plastic surgeries. I am a full member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). I regularly participate in national and international congresses, keeping myself updated with the advances in the specialty.
My experience with facial surgeries is extensive: from the deep plane lifting most complex to the structured rhinoplasty, including blepharoplasty, mentoplasty, and otoplasty. This accumulated experience allows me to have a global view of facial aging and recommend the best approach for each patient — whether it is the mini lifting, the deep plane, or a combination of procedures.
Why trust me
I do not promise miracles. I promise honesty, refined technique, and complete dedication to your result. If during the consultation I perceive that the mini lifting is sufficient for what you need, I will make this recommendation with confidence. If I assess that the deep plane would bring significantly better results, I will say this with the same transparency. My commitment is to your best result, always.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mini Facelift
What is the difference between the mini facelift and the deep plane facelift?
The mini facelift uses smaller incisions and more limited dissection, focusing on the lower third of the face. It is indicated for mild to moderate sagging in younger patients. The deep plane facelift is more extensive, releasing the facial retention ligaments and treating the face and neck deeply. The deep plane is indicated for moderate to severe sagging and lasts from ten to fifteen years, while the mini facelift lasts from five to eight years.
What is the ideal age to have a mini facelift?
There is no fixed age. The mini facelift is most often indicated between forty and fifty-five years, when the signs of aging are early to moderate. However, what determines the indication is the degree of sagging and the patient's anatomy, not chronological age. I evaluate each case individually during the consultation.
Does the result of the mini facelift look natural?
Yes. I use a vertical traction vector, the same principle as the deep plane, which avoids that stretched appearance of older techniques. The mini facelift repositions the tissues to a youthful position without creating excessive tension on the skin. You will look rested and rejuvenated, not operated.
How long does recovery from the mini facelift take?
Recovery is significantly faster than that of a full facelift. Most patients are presentable in seven to ten days. The main swelling resolves in the first week, and the result refines over two to six months. Intense physical exercise should be avoided in the first three weeks.
Can I have a mini facelift if I have already had fillers or botulinum toxin?
Yes, in most cases. Fillers with hyaluronic acid and previous applications of botulinum toxin do not contraindicate the mini facelift. In fact, many patients who come to me for the mini facelift have already tried these alternatives and realised they do not resolve sagging. I recommend waiting for the complete absorption of recent fillers before the procedure.
Does the mini facelift treat the neck?
The mini facelift offers limited treatment of the neck. It can improve the transition between the jawline and neck and treat initial double chin with submental liposuction. However, if you have significant cervical sagging, prominent platysmal bands, or significant excess skin on the neck, the deep plane facelift with complete cervical treatment will be the most suitable option.
Does the mini facelift leave visible scars?
The scars from the mini facelift are even more discreet than those from the full facelift, as the incisions are shorter. They are positioned within the hair in the temporal region, in the natural fold in front of the ear, and around the earlobe. After complete healing, they are practically imperceptible.
Can I have a deep plane facelift in the future if I have a mini facelift now?
Yes, absolutely. The mini facelift does not compromise the possibility of having a deep plane facelift in the future. In fact, this can be a smart strategy: having the mini facelift in the early stages of aging and, years later, when natural progression requires it, having the deep plane. The results complement each other.
What procedures can I combine with the mini facelift?
The investment in the mini facelift is lower than that of the complete deep plane facelift, as the surgical time is shorter and the complexity is reduced. The exact amount depends on the associated procedures and the individual assessment. I discuss all investment details during the in-person consultation, with complete transparency.
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