A mini facelift may be an alternative to a Lifestyle Lift or QuickLift if your main concern is early jowls or a less defined jawline. Lifestyle Lift was the name of a cosmetic surgery chain that promoted facial rejuvenation with a short recovery. QuickLift is a specific facelift technique that uses sutures to tighten tissue beneath the skin.
When discussing facial rejuvenation options with you, Dr. Todd Hobgood evaluates whether a limited lift can address the changes you want or whether a more comprehensive approach would better suit your goals.
What Can a Mini Facelift Address?
A mini facelift, sometimes called a short-scar facelift or SMAS plication lift, uses shorter incisions than a deep plane facelift. Dr. Hobgood uses this approach to soften early jowls and restore definition along the jawline.
- Who may be a good candidate? A mini facelift may suit you if you’re beginning to notice jowls and the skin beneath your chin is still relatively firm.
- Where are the incisions? Dr. Hobgood places the incisions in natural creases in front of the ears, with a shorter extension behind the ears. Through these incisions, he tightens and repositions the supporting tissue beneath the skin.
- How much recovery time should you plan for? Most of Dr. Hobgood’s mini facelift patients can return to work within about 2 weeks. Recovery generally takes 3 to 6 weeks.
When Might You Need a More Extensive Lift?
If your main concerns include loose skin beneath the chin or visible neck bands, Dr. Hobgood may recommend a facelift combined with a neck lift. He may consider a deep plane facelift with a neck lift when sagging is more pronounced in both areas.
One Touch Restore Facelift for Multiple Concerns
The One Touch Restore Facelift may be an option if you want to address changes in several areas at once. Dr. Hobgood typically builds the plan around a deep plane facelift, often paired with a neck lift. He may also recommend a procedure such as facial fat transfer if you’d like to restore fullness in areas that have lost volume.
Facelift FAQs
Can a mini facelift be part of a One Touch Restore Facelift?
In select cases, yes, Dr. Hobgood may combine a mini facelift with another procedure, such as facial fat transfer or laser skin resurfacing, as part of a One Touch Restore plan. He typically builds the plan around a deep plane facelift, often paired with a neck lift. The choice depends on which areas you want to address and how much lifting they need.
How much downtime should I plan for after a One Touch Restore Facelift?
Most patients need about 2 to 3 weeks of social downtime after a One Touch Restore Facelift, depending on which procedures Dr. Hobgood performs. He’ll give you separate guidance on when to return to work and resume exercise based on your surgical plan. You can learn more about facelift recovery in our related blog post.
Discuss Your Facelift Options in Scottsdale
If you’re considering a facelift in the Scottsdale or Phoenix area, request a consultation with Dr. Hobgood using the online form or call (480) 214-9955. Bring your questions about the changes you’d like to see and the time you can set aside for recovery so you can discuss a plan that fits your goals.
A Must-Have for Facelift Patients
"The Insider's Guide to Getting a Facelift" is the definitive e-book that distinguishes facts from myths and describes the journey of a facelift patient with engaging content and easy-to-understand illustrations.
Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Todd Hobgood is one of the leading facelift experts in the U.S., and he's drawn on years of experience to create this Insider's Guide.
Dr. Hobgood's Insider's Guide describes:
- Why modern facelift techniques create results that look natural
- Who is a good candidate for a facelift
- What the difference is between a full and a mini facelift
- When you can expect to see friends socially after a facelift
Submit the form below to receive our free eGuide as part of a short series of emails on Facelift.
This post was originally published in February 2012 and updated in November 2026.
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