Some women and men concerned about early signs of aging may benefit from a mini facelift at our Scottsdale, Arizona, practice. Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Todd Hobgood reserves the mini facelift for younger patients who need minimal changes to restore a more youthful, natural-looking appearance. Drawing on his more than 20 years of experience performing facelifts for a variety of patient needs and goals, Dr. Hobgood will evaluate your concerns and degree of facial aging before recommending a surgical approach.

During your personal consultation, Dr. Hobgood will guide you toward the facelift option that best aligns with your anatomy, cosmetic goals, and long-term expectations. His patients from throughout the Southwest and beyond visit him for mini facelifts and other types of specialized facial plastic surgery and facial rejuvenation in Scottsdale, and appreciate the exceptional care and customized results they receive.

Mini Facelift At A Glance

Price Range: Varies

Recovery Time: 3 to 6 Weeks

Average Procedure Time: 3 Hours

Post-op Follow-up: 1 Week, 1 Month

Recovery Location: Outpatient

What Is a Mini Facelift?

Sometimes called a short-scar facelift because it involves shorter incisions than its deep plane counterpart, the mini facelift improves the appearance of jowls and sagging skin in the lower face. Other benefits that make a mini facelift an attractive option include:

  • Twilight sedation rather than general anesthesia
  • Shorter recovery
  • More affordable

Our Facelift Expertise by the Numbers

What makes Dr. Todd Hobgood one of the foremost facelift specialists in the nation?

2,000+

Facelifts Performed

20+

Year of Facelift Experience

2

Prestigious Board Certifications

close up of brunette model's face

Who’s a Good Candidate for a Mini Facelift?

Essentially, the best mini facelift candidates are patients who exhibit premature jowling along the jawline but have a tight neck beneath the chin. Patients should have realistic expectations about the results of this less invasive approach. If you’re wondering if you need a mini facelift vs facelift, Dr. Hobgood will assess your facial anatomy and concerns before recommending the best approach.

A mini facelift isn’t an appropriate option if your concerns include age-related changes in the neck, such as “turkey neck,” excess skin, or neck bands. If this is the case, Dr. Hobgood may recommend a SMAS facelift paired with a neck lift.

If your aging symptoms are more pronounced, you may be better suited for a deep neck lift combined with a deep plane facelift.

With experience performing more than 1,700 facelift procedures, Dr. Todd Hobgood has the expertise needed to thoroughly assess your health and candidacy and recommend the best customized surgical approach for your needs and goals.

How Much Does a Mini Facelift Cost in Scottsdale?

The cost of a mini facelift in Scottsdale varies from patient to patient. The cost of your surgery depends on individual factors, including the extent of the procedure needed to produce your desired results and if you elect to combine it with other procedures. We explain more about these factors, and also touch on deep plane facelift cost, in a related blog post. During your consultation, we discuss what you can expect to pay based on your case.

Dr. Todd Hobgood

Dr. Hobgood combines his down-to-earth, personable demeanor with an artistic eye and technical expertise honed through thousands of surgeries, including more than 1,700 facelifts and over 5,000 rhinoplasties. He's recognized nationally for his leadership and has been honored by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for his ongoing commitment to quality.

Meet Dr. Hobgood
Dr. Hobgood

How Is a Mini Facelift Performed?

Dr. Hobgood designs a personalized surgical plan for your mini facelift after discussing your concerns and aesthetic goals and examining your facial anatomy and skin quality. As an expert facial plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience, Dr. Hobgood skillfully conceals incisions with precision in natural creases around the ears.

Even though this modified facelift version is less invasive, it still involves tightening and vertically repositioning the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), a fibrous layer of tissue and muscle that provides the skin’s structure. Dr. Hobgood performs mini facelift surgery at our Paradise Valley surgical center, accredited through the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). The average time in surgery for a mini facelift is 3 hours.

A description of a mini facelift, given by Dr. Hobgood

The Insider's Guide to Getting a Facelift Ebook

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.

Fields marked * are required

Terms of Use*
By checking the box on the contact form, you agree to the Terms of Use listed here: Communications through our website or via email are not encrypted and are not necessarily secure. Use of the internet or email is for your convenience only, and by using them, you assume the risk of unauthorized use. By checking this box you hereby agree to hold Hobgood Facial Plastic Surgery: Todd Hobgood, MD, its doctors and affiliates, harmless from any hacking or any other unauthorized use of your personal information by outside parties.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
The Insider's Guide to Getting a Facelift Ebook
beautiful woman smiling

What Procedures Are Commonly Combined with a Mini Facelift?

People who notice signs of aging in their lower face can often benefit from combining a mini facelift with other cosmetic facial plastic surgery procedures or nonsurgical treatments for a One Touch Restore Facelift. Dr. Hobgood may recommend chin augmentation, cheek implants, facial fat transfer, or laser skin resurfacing.

Patients with concerns such as forehead lines or a sagging brow may benefit by combining a mini facelift with a brow lift.

Look through Dr. Hobgood’s online gallery of more than 125 before-and-after facelift photos for examples of the many combinations.

His glowing patient reviews, which include more than 380 5-star reviews on Google, will give you an idea of how happy his patients are with their results.

How Long Is Recovery After a Mini Facelift?

Recovery time after a mini facelift is similar to that for other facelift procedures. Most patients can return to work within 2 weeks of the surgery, but the complete recovery takes 3 to 6 weeks. There is less swelling after a mini facelift because it’s less invasive than a SMAS or deep plane facelift. Swelling typically resolves about a week or two earlier than more invasive facelifts.

Patients typically experience minimal discomfort following a mini facelift, managing the pain with over-the-counter or prescription medications.

Mini Facelift FAQ

Are mini facelifts worth it?
Mini facelifts are usually a worthwhile investment for individuals experiencing early signs of aging and seeking subtle improvements. The procedure earns a 93% “Worth It” rating on the popular aesthetics site RealSelf.
How long does a mini facelift last?
The results of a mini facelift typically last between 5 to 10 years depending on individual factors such as skin type, lifestyle, and genetics.
How do I prolong my results?
You can prolong your mini facelift results by following a good skincare regimen, maintaining healthy habits, and protecting your skin from sun exposure. We also recommend visiting our med spa for nonsurgical maintenance treatments such as dermal fillers, chemical peels, and microneedling. These services can help you retain your rejuvenated look longer.
How do I know if I need a mini facelift or a full facelift?
The choice between a full or mini facelift depends on the extent of your aging concerns and your aesthetic goals. A consultation with Dr. Hobgood is the best way to determine a suitable treatment option for your needs.
Will I have visible scars after a mini facelift?
No, mini facelift incisions are placed discreetly around the ears and along the hairline, where they are well hidden. As healing progresses, scars usually fade and become difficult to notice. Dr. Hobgood uses precise techniques to minimize scarring and ensure results look natural and not surgical.
What are the best facelift alternatives?
The best facelift alternatives are ususally nonsurgical treatments that improve mild to moderate signs of aging without surgery. Popular options include injectables (like BOTOX and dermal fillers), laser skin resurfacing, and skin-tightening treatments that stimulate collagen. While these options can refresh your appearance, they typically provide more subtle and temporary results compared to a mini or traditional facelift.
Can I drive myself home after a mini facelift?
No, you should not drive yourself home after mini facelift surgery because the procedure involves being placed under anesthesia, which can impair your ability to drive safely. Instead, arrange for someone to drive you home and assist you during the initial recovery period.
What is the difference between a mini facelift and a SMAS lift?
A mini facelift is a less invasive surgery that mainly targets mild sagging in the lower face with shorter incisions and a quicker recovery. A SMAS lift is a more extensive facelift that repositions the deeper SMAS layer (the muscle and connective tissue beneath the skin), offering more dramatic and longer-lasting results.

Ready To Talk With Dr. Hobgood?

Dr. Hobgood’s reputation as one of the best mini facelift specialists in Scottsdale attracts patients throughout the Southwest and the nation. You can discuss your facial rejuvenation options with him by requesting a consultation using the online form or by calling our practice at (480) 214-9955.

Request My Consultation

female model smiling

Reviewed for clinical accuracy by Dr. Todd C. Hobgood on June 30th, 2026.

Contact