MINI FACELIFT
For ages 35–45 with early jowls and nasolabial folds. Real surgical correction — not a thread lift. Recovery 5–7 days social.
Ages 35–45
Early Anti-Aging Sweet Spot
5–8 Years
Durable Correction
Faberge Vector
SMAS Trajectory
A mini facelift is a short-scar SMAS plication for early facial aging in the 35–45 age range. Real surgical correction (not a thread lift). At Etonne: ~40 minutes under sleep sedation, hidden pre-auricular incision, 5–7 day social recovery, durable correction lasting 5–8 years.
A mini facelift is a short-scar SMAS plication procedure that addresses the earliest signs of facial aging — beginning jowls, deepening nasolabial folds, and slight midface descent — without the longer incisions and longer recovery of a full facelift. It is the surgical step between non-surgical treatments (filler, thread lift) and a full SMAS or deep plane facelift.
At Etonne, the mini facelift is performed using a short pre-auricular incision, limited skin elevation, and SMAS plication along the Faberge vector trajectory. The procedure is structurally distinct from a thread lift — real surgical SMAS repositioning that produces durable correction lasting 5–8 years.
DECISION GUIDE
| Feature | Mini Facelift | Thread Lift |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Real surgical SMAS plication | Dissolvable threads via cannula |
| Tissue addressed | SMAS layer (deep) | Skin & superficial fat |
| Duration of effect | 5–8 years | 6–18 months |
| Recovery | 5–7 days social | 1–3 days social |
| 5-year total cost | [TBD] one-time | $5,000–12,500 (3–5 sessions) |
For a deeper analysis, see Thread Lift vs. Mini Facelift comparison.
CANDIDACY
You are likely a good candidate for a mini facelift if you:
For patients between mini facelift and full deep plane categories, we sometimes recommend the ponytail lift (Faberge vector). See Ponytail Lift.
PRICING
| Procedure | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Facelift (Faberge vector) | [TBD] | ~40 min, sleep sedation |
| Add-on: Lower Blepharoplasty | [TBD] | Common bundle |
| Add-on: Fat Grafting | [TBD] | Volume restoration |
Same surgical fee for everyone, regardless of nationality. See Cost Guide 2026.
FAQ
Typically 5–8 years. Skin quality, weight stability, and sun exposure affect longevity. Often chosen as the first stage of a long-term anti-aging plan.
The pre-auricular incision is hidden along the natural curve in front of the ear. After full healing (6–12 months), most patients report the scar is difficult to detect even on close inspection.
No. Mini facelift is real surgery — short-scar SMAS plication under sedation in an operating room. Thread lift uses dissolvable sutures via cannula and addresses only the superficial layer.
Mini facelift focuses on the lower third of the face (jowls, nasolabial folds) via pre-auricular incision. Ponytail lift focuses on the upper face via temple incision. The procedures are complementary.
SCHEDULE
Free WhatsApp consultation. Surgeon-led. Response within 24 hours.
WhatsApp Etonne Now