woman touching her cheek

What Is a Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift is a surgical procedure designed for patients with mild to moderate sagging. It uses shorter incisions and focuses on the jawline and lower cheeks rather than the full face. This procedure may address:

  • Early jowling and jawline laxity
  • Mild sagging in the midface
  • Creases around the mouth and chin
  • Early loss of definition in the lower face

Why Choose Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa for Your Mini Facelift

Patients choose Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa for the combination of surgical artistry, advanced training, and personalized care. Dr. Kara Criswell and Dr. Bryan Criswell are board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in facial rejuvenation.

The practice also includes expert RN injectors and licensed estheticians, offering patients complete care before and after surgery. Their team is committed to delivering results that reflect elegance, natural beauty, and lasting confidence.

Banner media

The criswells are absolutely amazing surgeons! Very professional, they make you feel comfortable and welcome at all times. My surgery with them was quick and no complications arose. I was very thankful to have surgeons like them to experience my first surgery with. I would recommend both Kara and Brian to anyone for any type of plastic surgery. They are brilliant and I am so happy with my results.

D.J.

Benefits of a Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is appealing for patients who want meaningful improvement with less downtime than a full facelift. While results are more subtle, they can provide a refreshed, youthful look. Common benefits of a mini facelift in Charlotte, NC, at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa include:

  • Improved jawline and cheek definition
  • Smaller, discreet incisions
  • Shorter recovery compared to traditional facelifts
  • Natural, subtle rejuvenation
  • Boosted self-confidence in personal and professional settings
spikey looking building

Who Makes a Good Candidate?

A mini facelift is best suited for patients in their 40s to 50s, though younger candidates with early sagging may also benefit. Candidates should be in good health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about what this lighter procedure can achieve.

What Happens During the Procedure

Your surgeon begins with a personalized consultation to evaluate facial anatomy and goals. Once a surgical plan is finalized, the mini facelift is performed using carefully placed incisions around the ears. General steps include:

  1. Sedation or local anesthesia is administered.

  2. Short incisions are made along the natural creases near the ears.

  3. Underlying tissues and muscles are tightened for structure.

  4. Excess skin is gently removed.

  5. Incisions are closed with meticulous care to minimize scarring.

Background media

I had a breast reduction done by Dr. Bryan Criswell at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience. My recovery has gone very smoothly, and my results already look amazing.

Dr. Kara Criswell was both professional and caring. I went to her for a BBL and could not be happier with my results. I highly recommend Dr. Criswell and will most definitely be going back to her for future procedures!

My experience with Dr. Kara and her staff has been amazing. They all are so caring and helpful. After my breast reduction, she continued to call and check on me.  I am extremely satisfied with everything.

I love Dr. Criswell and his staff. 3-4 years after he did my neck lift and tummy tuck, I am still doing great. What a boost to my self-esteem! He is very honest and direct, and he ensured that everything went well.

Dr Criswell and the team were extremely kind and professional and went above and beyond for me during my liposuction. I am now 3 months post-op and get so many compliments about my midsection. I am very happy with the results. I highly recommend him!

Dr. Bryan Criswell performed my Lower Abdominal Lipo and Butt Augmentation and he gave me exactly what I wanted and more. His staff is absolutely amazing and the quality of the work is priceless. I absolutely love my results and I get a lot of compliments!

I had reconstructive surgery following my bi-lateral mastectomy after my breast cancer diagnosis. Dr Criswell has been my surgeon and ally and my cheerleader ever since! I am beyond pleased with the services of Criswell and Criswell.

Dr Criswell was phenomenal. I got a tummy tuck and am now almost four months post op and am so thrilled with my results.  I wore a bikini for the first time in 20+ years!! I would absolutely recommend them to anyone!

Dr. Kara Criswell is fantastic! She listens to your concerns and honestly tells you your surgical options and the possible outcomes. I just had a breast reduction that she performed and I am thrilled with the results!

This was absolutely the best experience I could have ever imagined for my Breast Augmentation with Dr. Criswell. The doctors and staff are wonderful and I am very pleased with the results.

I have been going to Criswell & Criswell for different services since 2022. The staff is so kind, so happy and easy to talk to and makes every experience great. I’ve also been happy with every service I’ve ever received!

My experience with Criswell & Criswell has been nothing short of amazing. From the first call (zoom) last year I knew that I had made the right decision. Dr Criswell and his staff are awesome.

I have only had a virtual appointment so far. Dr. Criswell was professional, knowledgeable and had a great bedside manner. I enjoyed meeting him!!

Dr. Kara Criswell is absolutely amazing and I highly recommend her to anyone who will listen! I really wanted a female surgeon and she has exceeded all of my expectations.

All was excellent! Dr Kara Criswell and her staff wonderfully collaborated to carry my medical intervention!

From the reception staff to the doctor, everyone was very kind and made me feel comfortable.

Dr. Criswell and his staff are top notch! Very kind and professional.

I had a virtual appointment with Dr Bryan Criswell yesterday. He is fabulous!!

Dr Criswell is always Amazing. They have beautiful offices and operating rooms. The staff is always exceptionally helpful and kind.

Incredible Experience & Beautiful, Natural Results Dr. Bryan Criswell and his entire team at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery were absolutely amazing from start to finish.

From consult to recovery, the care was incredible.

They made me feel cared for, not just treated.

They treated me like family from start to finish.

My results are amazing and I am so happy.

They made me feel comfortable and confident.

Incredible experience and beautiful,
natural results.

Everything turned out perfect and looks so natural.

The surgery itself went smoothly, and the aftercare was amazing.

Healing and Anticipated Results

Recovery from a mini facelift is typically quicker than a traditional facelift. Most patients can return to work within one week, though minor swelling and bruising may last a bit longer. Results include a sharper jawline, smoother cheeks, and natural-looking rejuvenation that can last up to a decade.

Types of Mini Facelifts

There are several approaches that may be considered based on anatomy and goals:

  • Lower Mini Facelift: Focuses on jawline definition and jowls.

  • Midface Mini Facelift: Elevates sagging cheeks and nasolabial folds.

  • Short-Scar Facelift: Uses smaller incisions for subtle correction with minimal scarring.

Alternatives and Related Procedures

Patients seeking additional rejuvenation may consider combining their mini facelift with other treatments, including:

  • Neck Lift: Improves sagging skin and muscle banding in the neck.

  • Eyelid Surgery: Corrects puffiness or sagging in the upper and lower eyelids.

  • Dermal Fillers: Restore midface volume and soften creases.

  • Skin Resurfacing: Improves skin tone, texture, and fine lines.

Background media

Frequently Asked Questions Mini Facelift

How long does a mini facelift last?

Results generally last 7 to 10 years, depending on skin quality, lifestyle, and aging. While not permanent, the procedure provides long-lasting improvement.

Will I have visible scars?

Incisions are short and placed in natural creases around the ears, making them discreet. With proper healing, scars become nearly invisible over time.

Is a mini facelift less risky than a traditional facelift?

Yes, the procedure is less invasive and generally carries reduced risks. However, all surgery has risks, including infection, bleeding, and anesthesia complications.

Can I combine a mini facelift with nonsurgical treatments?

Absolutely. Many patients add fillers, Botox, or skin resurfacing to enhance results and maintain a youthful appearance.

Am I too young for a mini facelift?

Candidates in their late 30s and early 40s may benefit if early sagging and laxity are present. A consultation ensures timing and suitability.

Book Your Private Consultation

If you’re ready to refresh your look with a mini facelift in Charlotte, schedule a personalized consultation with Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa. Their expertise ensures results that enhance your natural beauty while preserving authenticity.

Get Started with Us Today

Begin your transformation with confidence, care, and expertise.

Contact Us
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 704-424-5050.
Contact Us