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Mini-Facelift San Diego

Subtle, Natural-Looking Facial Rejuvenation

If you’re starting to notice early signs of aging, like mild sagging along the jawline or softening around the mouth, but aren’t ready for a full facelift, a mini facelift can be a great option.

This procedure is designed to refresh the lower face, restore definition, and help you look more like yourself, just more rested and youthful.

At True Beauty San Diego Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine, Dr. Brian Reagan specializes in natural-looking facial rejuvenation, focusing on results that enhance your features without looking tight or overdone.

What Is a Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift is a less invasive version of a traditional facelift that targets early to moderate aging in the lower face. It focuses on:

  • Mild sagging along the jawline
  • Early jowling
  • Lines around the mouth

Because it uses smaller incisions and a more limited lift, recovery is typically faster—while still delivering meaningful improvement.

Why Patients Choose a Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is often chosen by patients who:

  • Aren’t ready for a full facelift
  • Want to maintain a youthful look proactively
  • Prefer subtle, “under-the-radar” results

It’s less about transformation, and more about refinement at the right time.

QUICK SUMMARY

MINI FACELIFT

Purpose:

Minimize loose skin and signs of aging in the lower face

Procedure Length:

Less than 2 hours

Anesthesia:

Local anesthesia or IV sedation

In/Outpatient:

Outpatient

Recovery Time

Back to work 1-2 weeks; strenuous activity 6 weeks

Final Appearance:

4-6 weeks

Duration of Results:

Approx. 5-10 years

Average Cost

$3,500-$8,000

*Individual patient results may vary. Examples presented are not to be interpreted as a promise or guarantee.

Why Choose Dr. Reagan?

A mini facelift is all about precision and restraint. Doing too much can look unnatural, doing too little won’t make enough of a difference.

Dr. Reagan takes a balanced approach, carefully repositioning tissue to restore definition while keeping your natural facial expressions intact. Patients choose Dr. Reagan because of his:

  • Board certification and advanced surgical training
  • Background at top programs like UT Southwestern and Cornell
  • Recognition as a San Diego Magazine Top Doctor
  • Focus on subtle, natural, long-lasting results

His goal is simple: you should look refreshed, not like you’ve had surgery.

Mini facelift goes by many names, including the S-Lift, MACS lift, short scar facelift, limited incision facelift, and short incision facelift. 

Plastic Surgeon Dr. Brian Reagan in La Jolla and San Diego

Brian Reagan, MD, FACS

Dr. Brian Reagan is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of True Beauty San Diego Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine. Dr. Reagan is renowned for his surgical skills and commitment to patient satisfaction. Dr. Reagan has been featured on local media outlets, including ABC 10, and recognized as one of the “Best Plastic Surgeons in San Diego” by San Diego Magazine, and “Best Plastic Surgeons in La Jolla” by La Jolla Light Newspaper.

Request a Consultation

Am I a Candidate? 

A mini facelift is best suited for patients with early signs of aging, not advanced skin laxity. You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Have mild sagging along the jawline
  • Are starting to notice early jowls
  • Want improvement without a full facelift
  • Have good skin elasticity

For patients with more significant aging, Dr. Reagan may recommend a full or deep plane facelift for better long-term results.

Benefits of Mini Facelift

  • Subtle, natural-looking improvement
  • More defined jawline
  • Reduction in early jowling
  • Smaller incisions and less downtime
  • Long-lasting results (typically 5–10 years)

It’s a great option for patients who want noticeable improvement without a major change.

 
 
 
 
 
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The Procedure

A mini facelift is typically performed as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. During surgery, Dr. Reagan:

  • Makes small, well-hidden incisions around the ears
  • Lifts and repositions underlying tissue
  • Removes a small amount of excess skin
  • Refines the jawline for a smoother contour

The technique is tailored to your anatomy and goals to ensure a natural result. 

Recovery 

Recovery is generally quicker than a traditional facelift:

  • 1–2 weeks before returning to work
  • Swelling and tightness early on
  • Gradual return to normal activity
  • Continued improvement over several weeks

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable the recovery is.

Mini Facelift Results 

You’ll notice improvement early, with continued refinement as swelling resolves.

  • Initial results: within a few weeks
  • Final results: around 4–6 weeks
  • Longevity: approximately 5–10 years

The result is a refreshed, more youthful appearance that still looks like you.

Mini vs Full Facelift: What’s the Difference?

  • Mini facelift → early aging, subtle improvement
  • Full/deep plane facelift → more advanced aging, more comprehensive correction

Choosing the right option depends on your anatomy, goals, and timing.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re starting to notice early aging but aren’t ready for a full facelift, a mini facelift may be the right fit.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Reagan at True Beauty San Diego Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine by calling (858) 454-7546 or emailing us.