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Mini Facelift in Los Angeles, CA

Mini Facelift at West Empire Aesthetics in Los Angeles

Aging is natural, but looking refreshed and confident shouldn’t be out of reach. If you’re experiencing early signs of facial aging—like mild sagging, loss of jawline definition, or fine lines—you may be a good candidate for a Mini Facelift. At West Empire Aesthetics, Dr. Mort Rizvi, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, specializes in facial rejuvenation procedures that enhance natural contours while maintaining a natural-looking appearance.

Our Mini Facelift procedure is designed for younger patients or those with moderate sagging who want noticeable results without the extensive downtime of a full facelift. Whether you’re from Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, or the surrounding area, our clinic provides a refined approach to facelift surgery that helps you look as vibrant as you feel.

Los Angeles Mini Facelift model with blonde hair

What is a Mini Facelift?

A Mini Facelift is a specialized form of facelift surgery that targets early signs of aging in the lower face and jawline. This facial plastic surgery procedure lifts and repositions underlying tissues to restore a more youthful appearance, creating smoother, firmer facial skin with minimal tension and natural movement.

Unlike a traditional facelift, which involves larger incisions and extensive repositioning of facial tissues, a Mini Facelift offers a less invasive alternative with smaller incisions placed discreetly around the ears. The mini facelift surgery focuses on improving skin laxity in the cheek area, along the jawline, and in some cases, the mid-face. It’s often performed under local anesthesia with sedation, though general anesthesia may be used if preferred.

This procedure can be done on its own or in combination with other cosmetic procedures like dermal fillers or non-surgical treatments for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

What is the Difference Between a Mini Facelift and a Traditional Facelift?

A Mini Facelift and a traditional facelift share the goal of restoring a more youthful appearance, but they differ in approach, extent, and recovery time.

  • A Mini Facelift is ideal for younger patients or those with moderate sagging in the lower face. It requires smaller incisions, focuses on the jawline and cheek area, and has a shorter recovery period.
  • A traditional facelift is best for more advanced facial aging, addressing excess skin, deep wrinkles, and skin laxity in the mid-face, jawline, and neck. It involves more extensive repositioning of facial anatomy and a longer recovery time.

If you’re looking for a subtle yet noticeable rejuvenated appearance, a Mini Facelift offers the perfect balance between surgical precision and minimal downtime.


Feature Mini Facelift Traditional Facelift
Best For Younger patients or those with mild to moderate sagging Patients with moderate to severe sagging and deep wrinkles
Target Areas Lower face, jawline, and slight mid-face lift Full face, jawline, and neck
Incision Size Smaller, hidden around the ears Larger, extending from the temples around the ears
Anesthesia Local anesthesia with sedation (general anesthesia optional) General anesthesia
Surgical Time 2-3 hours 3-5 hours
Recovery Time 1 week for most patients, full healing in a few weeks 2-3 weeks for most patients, full recovery in a few months
Longevity of Results 7-10 years 10-15 years
Scarring Minimal, hidden in natural creases More noticeable initially but fades over time
Downtime Minimal, most return to work in a few days Longer, with swelling and bruising lasting a few weeks
Effectiveness on Severe Sagging Less effective for advanced skin laxity or severe sagging Highly effective for severe skin laxity and sagging

Mini Facelift Benefits

Los Angeles Mini Facelift model with brown hair

Choosing a Mini Facelift in Los Angeles means enjoying the benefits of facial plastic surgery without the extensive recovery time of traditional facelift procedures.

  • Youthful Jawline & Cheeks – Lifts sagging facial tissues, reducing the appearance of jowls.
  • Natural-Looking Results – Smooths facial skin while maintaining natural contours and facial expressions.
  • Smaller Incisions, Minimal Scarring – Incisions are hidden around the ears and fade over time, making scars virtually invisible to the naked eye.
  • Quick Recovery Time – Most patients return to daily activities within the first week.
  • Less Discomfort – Requires minimal tension and causes mild discomfort, easily managed with pain medication.
  • Pairs Well with Other Cosmetic Procedures – Can be combined with non-surgical treatments like dermal fillers or Botox for optimal results.
  • Long-Lasting Results – The effects can last 7-10 years, helping slow the aging process and maintain a rejuvenated appearance.

Mini Facelift Candidates

Not everyone needs a full facelift to achieve facial rejuvenation. A Mini Facelift is best for many patients who want to refine their facial features without extensive downtime. You may be a good candidate if:

  • You’re experiencing early signs of aging, like moderate sagging in the lower face.
  • You have good skin quality and elasticity, which helps the mini facelift procedure heal well.
  • You want a more youthful appearance with natural-looking results.
  • You’re in good health, don’t smoke, and have a positive medical history for plastic surgery.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Rizvi will assess your facial anatomy and discuss whether a Mini Facelift or other facelift procedures are right for you.

Consultation and Preparation

Your journey begins with a detailed consultation at West Empire Aesthetics. During this visit, Dr. Rizvi will:

  • Evaluate your facial appearance and skin condition.
  • Review your medical history to ensure you’re a good candidate for a Mini Facelift.
  • Discuss your facelift surgery options, including whether additional cosmetic procedures may enhance your results.
  • Provide a customized treatment plan for the most natural-looking results.

To prepare for surgery, most patients should:

  • Avoid blood-thinning medications before the procedure.
  • Stop smoking for at least four weeks to promote proper healing.
  • Follow a pre-surgery skincare routine to enhance skin quality.

Your Mini Facelift Procedure

A Mini Facelift is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation, although general anesthesia can be used if necessary. The procedure takes about two to three hours, and patients return home the same day.

  1. Small incisions are placed discreetly around the ears.
  2. Underlying tissues and facial skin are lifted and repositioned for a more youthful appearance.
  3. Excess skin is removed, and the incisions are carefully closed for minimal scarring.

Mini Facelift Results

Most patients notice an immediate improvement in their facial contours right after surgery. However, initial swelling and bruising can mask the final outcome. Over the first few weeks, as the swelling subsides, your face will settle into its more youthful appearance. By 4-6 weeks post-surgery, most of the swelling is gone, and you can fully appreciate your refreshed, natural-looking results.

A Mini Facelift offers long-lasting improvement, with results typically lasting 7-10 years. While this procedure does not stop the aging process, it resets the clock, meaning you will always look younger than if you had not undergone surgery. Longevity depends on factors like skin quality, genetics, lifestyle, and sun exposure. Some patients choose to refresh their results with non-surgical treatments over time.

Mini Facelift Recovery

Immediately After Surgery

  • You will experience mild discomfort, tightness, and some swelling around the cheek area and jawline. These effects are manageable with pain medication prescribed by Dr. Rizvi.
  • Most patients can go home the same day and rest comfortably.
  • A compression dressing may be applied to reduce swelling and promote healing.

The First Week

  • Swelling and bruising peak within the first 48 hours but gradually decrease over the week.
  • You may have minimal tension in the lower face, but this improves quickly.
  • Most patients return to light activities within 5-7 days.

The Following Months

  • By week 3-4, facial tissues have mostly settled, and you should see the full effect of your Mini Facelift.
  • Scars continue to fade and become barely visible to the naked eye over the next few months.
  • Any residual swelling is minor and will completely resolve within 3-6 months.

Long-Term Recovery (One Year & Beyond)

  • The improvements made during your Mini Facelift surgery will continue to settle naturally into your facial anatomy over the first year.
  • The final result is a more youthful appearance, with natural contours restored to the jawline and cheek area.

Mini Facelift Aftercare – Maintaining Your Results

To extend the longevity of your Mini Facelift and keep your skin looking youthful, follow these aftercare tips:

1. Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable

  • Sun exposure accelerates skin aging and can break down collagen. Always wear sunscreen (SPF 30+), even on cloudy days.
  • Consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat for extra protection.

2. Invest in a Medical-Grade Skincare Routine

  • Use hydrating serums, collagen-boosting ingredients, and moisturizers to keep your skin supple.
  • Retinoids and antioxidants help maintain skin quality and slow the aging process.

3. Consider Non-Surgical Treatments for Maintenance

  • Treatments like dermal fillers, Botox, and laser resurfacing can extend the effects of your facelift by maintaining skin firmness and volume.
  • Collagen-inducing therapies like microneedling and RF treatments improve skin laxity over time.

4. Follow a Healthy Lifestyle

  • Stay hydrated and eat a nutrient-rich diet with plenty of antioxidants to support skin regeneration.
  • Avoid smoking, as it can accelerate aging and negatively impact your facelift results.

By following these post-surgical care and long-term maintenance steps, you can enjoy optimal results from your Mini Facelift for years to come.

Why Choose Dr. Rizvi?

Choosing the right surgeon is key to achieving optimal results. Dr. Rizvi is a board-certified expert in facelift procedures, offering the most advanced techniques in Los Angeles facial plastic surgery. His bedside manner, surgical precision, and dedication to natural-looking results make him a top choice for those seeking a Mini Facelift in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Deep Plane Facelift model with blonde hair

Schedule Your Mini Facelift Consultation in Los Angeles Today

Looking for the best Mini Facelift in Los Angeles? Dr. Rizvi and the team at West Empire Aesthetics are here to help.

Mini FaceliftFrequently Asked Questions

Yes, Dr. Rizvi specializes in achieving natural-looking results that enhance, rather than change, your facial features.

The Mini Facelift cost varies; schedule a consultation for an estimate.

Yes! Many patients combine a Mini Facelift with other cosmetic procedures to enhance their results. Common pairings include dermal fillers for volume restoration, Botox for wrinkle prevention, and laser skin resurfacing to improve skin texture. Some patients also opt for eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) or a neck lift for a comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

If non-surgical treatments like fillers, skin tightening, or thread lifts are no longer giving you the results you want, a Mini Facelift offers a longer-lasting and more effective solution for facial sagging. While non-surgical treatments can improve skin laxity, they do not reposition underlying tissues like a Mini Facelift surgery does.

A Mini Facelift focuses on lifting the lower face and jawline, while a Mid Facelift targets the cheek area and mid-face. If you have sagging in the lower face but your cheeks still have good volume, a Mini Facelift offers the best results. However, if you have hollow cheeks or significant mid-face sagging, you may benefit from a Mid Facelift or fat transfer.

Absolutely! Dr. Rizvi’s approach ensures that your facial anatomy is preserved, so you won’t experience a "pulled" or unnatural look. The goal of Mini Facelift surgery is to create natural-looking results by lifting underlying tissues with minimal tension, allowing for normal facial movement and expression.

Most patients say they look 5-10 years younger after a Mini Facelift. The procedure restores youthful contours in the jawline and lower face, creating a refreshed, well-rested look. Combined with proper skincare and non-surgical treatments, the results can last up to a decade.

Schedule your Los Angeles plastic surgery and med spa consultation with West Empire Aesthetics.

Your best results and experience are waiting for you at West Empire Aesthetics. Begin your journey to exquisite results by scheduling a consultation with one of our highly experienced aesthetics specialists today.

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