Not everyone needs a full facelift. When the change is concentrated in the lower face and jawline and the neck is still holding, a mini lift addresses exactly that — shorter incisions, less recovery, and a result that looks like you, earlier.
These figures are typical ranges, not a promise. Anesthesia, operating time, recovery and how results settle vary with your anatomy, your health history and the plan you and Dr. Swenson agree on. Your individual details are confirmed at consultation.
The same principle as a full facelift — repositioning descended tissue rather than pulling skin — applied over a smaller area, through shorter incisions around the ear. Less dissection means less swelling, less bruising, and a faster return to normal.
A full lift addresses the face and neck with longer incisions and a longer recovery, and lasts accordingly. A mini lift is a smaller operation for a smaller problem — genuinely appropriate when the anatomy matches, and a disappointment when it's chosen to avoid the bigger procedure someone actually needs. Dr. Swenson will tell you which one you are.
Early jowling and a softening jawline, typically in the forties and fifties, in patients whose neck hasn't yet developed significant laxity. That last clause is the whole candidacy test: a mini lift doesn't reach the neck, and choosing one when the neck is the actual problem produces a half-corrected result.
Mini or full — how do I know?
Look at your neck, not your jaw. If the neck is still tight, a mini lift may be enough; if it isn't, a mini lift won't fix it.
How long does it last?
Less than a full facelift, because less is done.
Mini lift or FaceTite?
FaceTite tightens without removing skin; a mini lift removes and repositions. If there's real skin excess, FaceTite won't be enough.
When can I go back to work?
Most patients at about a week to ten days.
Can it be combined?
Yes — commonly with neck liposuction or eyelid surgery in the same session.
A surgical consultation with Dr. Swenson is $75. That's an hour of a surgeon's attention, not a sales appointment with a coordinator. To be straightforward with you: the fee does not apply toward the cost of a procedure. Some practices credit it — we don't, and we'd rather you know that now than find out at checkout. Vue does not bill insurance, so all procedures, including those done for functional reasons, are self-pay. You'll get an exact quote before you commit to anything.