For those ready to take a proactive approach to facial aging, a mini facelift with Dr. Thomas Mustoe or Dr. Sammy Sinno presents an ideal solution.

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Before & After Deep Plane Facelift by Dr. Mustoe Case 1074 Left Oblique View in Chicago, IL
Before & After
Case: 2 of 16

Facelift/Minilift Before and After Photos

8 months post-op
Before & After Deep Plane Facelift by Dr. Mustoe Case 1057 Left Oblique View in Chicago, IL
Before & After
Case: 3 of 16

Facelift/Minilift Before and After Photos

✨ Transformation Details ✨ 
Procedure Type: Deep plane Facelift, upper blepharoplasty, temporal brow lift. 
Procedure Time: 3.5 hours 
Anesthesia: IV Sedation and local anesthesia 
Recovery: 7-10 days 
Back to Work: 1-2 weeks 
Exercise: Avoid strenuous activity for 1 week 
Provider: Dr.... Read More
Before & After Deep Plane Facelift by Dr. Mustoe Case 1046 Right Side View in Chicago, IL
Before & After
Case: 4 of 16

Facelift/Minilift Before and After Photos

✨ Refreshed & Rejuvenated ✨
Deep plane facelift with perioral fat grafting, upper blepharoplasty, and lower eyelid fat grafting for a natural, youthful transformation. Subtle enhancements, powerful results. 💫👁️💉

✨ Transformation Details ✨
Procedure Type: Deep Plane Facelift, Upper Blepharoplasty, Perioral & Lower Eyelid Fa... Read More
Before & After Deep Plane Facelift by Dr. Mustoe Case 997 Left Side View in Chicago, IL
Before & After
Case: 5 of 16

Facelift/Minilift Before and After Photos

At the vibrant age of 71, this patient elected to undergo several procedures with Dr. Thomas Mustoe to preserve her natural beauty and active lifestyle, without an overly tight or pulled appearance. Her personalized facial rejuvenation included a deep plane facelift/minilift, neck lift, upper blepharoplasty, brow lift, and fat grafting around... Read More
Before & After Deep Plane Facelift by Dr. Mustoe Case 979 Front View in Chicago, IL
Before & After
Case: 6 of 16

Facelift/Minilift Before and After Photos

The 55-year-old female patient pictured above was driven by considerable changes of aging, particularly evident in the areas around the jowls and cheeks, thin lips, the early appearance of vertical lines around the mouth, and changes in her neck. This active runner and yoga enthusiast sought out the exceptional Facelift/Minilift by Dr. Mustoe... Read More
Before & After Deep Plane Facelift by Dr. Mustoe Case 973 Left Oblique View in Chicago, IL
Before & After
Case: 7 of 16

Facelift/Minilift Before and After Photos

At age 62, this patient sought to make her outward appearance better reflect her active and vibrant lifestyle. After having her primary facelift over a decade ago, she decided to pursue another procedure, opting for a secondary deep plane facelift, along with perioral fat grafting and ablative laser with spot dermabrasion around her mouth. Sh... Read More
Before & After Deep Plane Facelift by Dr. Mustoe Case 941 Right Oblique View in Chicago, IL
Before & After
Case: 8 of 16

Facelift/Minilift Before and After Photos

Meeting the subtle changes of aging with courage and resolve, this 43-year-old professional woman decided to opt for a deep plane Facelift/Minilift by Dr. Mustoe in Chicago. Her primary motivation was not to alter her appearance drastically but to look fresher and effortlessly turn back time by ten years, all while keeping any evidence of hav... Read More

Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

What Is a Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift is a less invasive alternative to a full facelift or mid facelift that addresses early signs of aging in the lower face, such as sagging around the cheeks, jawline, or neck. Because a mini facelift is more limited than a full facelift, the incisions are smaller and more discreet.

middle-aged female model
TLKM Plastic Surgery

Are You a Good Candidate for a Mini Facelift?

Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno recommend the mini facelift for individuals with early signs of aging in the lower face, such as sagging around the cheeks, jawline, or neck. It offers more significant and longer-lasting results than nonsurgical treatments, without the extensive recovery of a full facelift. It can also be an excellent option for patients who want to maintain or enhance the results of a previous facelift. For added rejuvenation, many patients choose to combine a mini facelift with BOTOX® Cosmetic or dermal fillers.

Ideal candidates for a mini facelift are:

  • Nonsmokers in good overall health
  • Concerned by mild to moderate sagging in the cheeks, jawline, or neck
  • Seeking a “refresh” without the recovery time of a traditional facelift
  • Interested in long-term improvement over temporary nonsurgical solutions
  • Realistic about their goals and expectations for surgery

During your consultation, Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno will evaluate your concerns and create a personalized plan to help you achieve a more vibrant, youthful appearance. If you also have lipstick lines above your upper lip, Dr. Mustoe may recommend combining your mini facelift with lip line rejuvenation to enhance your results.

Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno

Chicago's
Premier Plastic Surgeons

Dr. Thomas Mustoe and Dr. Sammy Sinno are board-certified plastic surgeons renowned in Chicago and beyond for their unparalleled expertise, refined surgical techniques, and exceptional patient outcomes. Together, they set the gold standard in plastic surgery treatment and care, delivering:

  • Safe, best-in-class protocols
  • Minimal scarring and bruising
  • Customized, natural-looking results
  • Faster, more comfortable recovery
  • Use of local anesthesia with sedation
  • State-of-the-art Facility

How Is a Mini Facelift Performed?

During a mini facelift, Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno carefully lifts and repositions the underlying muscle and fatty tissue in the cheeks while smoothing and tightening the skin along the jawline and neck. The result is a refreshed, natural-looking appearance that enhances your features without looking overdone—often lasting for several years.

Dr. Mustoe performs most mini facelifts and facial plastic surgery procedures such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) using local anesthesia with sedation vs. general anesthesia. This approach reduces the risk of blood clots, avoids postoperative “brain fog,” and leads to a faster, more comfortable recovery.

Your Mini Facelift Recovery

Mini facelift surgery typically involves a shorter and more manageable recovery than a traditional facelift, which requires 10 to 14 days of downtime. Thanks to Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno’s advanced techniques, most mini facelift patients experience minimal downtime and a smooth healing process.

Here’s what you can generally expect after a mini facelift:

1 week post-op

  • Most patients feel ready to return to work and resume daily activities.
  • Mild swelling and bruising are common but begin to subside.
  • Discomfort is usually well controlled with over-the-counter medications.

2 to 4 weeks post-op

  • Swelling continues to improve, and bruising fades.
  • Patients can resume more vigorous exercise, as cleared by Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno.
  • Results begin to look more refined and natural.

3 to 6 months post-op

  • Final results are gradually visible.
  • Incision lines continue to fade and become less noticeable.
  • The skin appears firmer and smoother, with long-lasting improvements to the lower face and neck.

Long-Term Results & Maintenance

While a mini facelift provides lasting rejuvenation, it does not stop the natural aging process. Over time, some skin laxity and wrinkling may return. When this happens, you may wish to consider:

  • A full facelift for more comprehensive correction
  • Touch-up procedures, such as dermal fillers or BOTOX
  • Nonsurgical skin tightening treatments

Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno work closely with you to create a long-term plan tailored to your evolving aesthetic goals.

How Much Does a Mini Facelift Cost in Chicago, IL?

The cost of a mini facelift depends on factors such as your surgeon’s experience level and the surgical technique used. Following your private consultation, Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno will share a detailed, personalized price quote that reflects your unique treatment plan. We also provide convenient financing options to help you budget for your dream look.

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Mini Facelift FAQ

How long does bruising last after a mini facelift?

Our surgeons’ techniques minimize bruising, which is largely resolved within a week and fully resolved in 10 days for most patients. We also offer a state-of-the-art laser treatment that dramatically improves bruising with one brief treatment performed during a postoperative visit.


What do mini facelift scars look like?

Mini facelift incisions are tiny and limited to a small area behind the ears. Most patients find that their scars stay obscured, regardless of how they wear their hair.


How long does a mini facelift last?

The typical mini facelift lasts 5 to 10 years, depending on the specifics of your procedure. Maintaining a good skin care routine and protecting your skin from the sun can prolong your results.


Should you choose a mini facelift or a full facelift?

Choosing between a mini and a full facelift depends on your unique concerns and goals. A mini facelift is ideal for those with mild to moderate sagging in the lower face and neck, while a traditional facelift typically targets the midface and neck and provides more comprehensive correction for advanced signs of aging. During your consultation, Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno will evaluate your needs and recommend the most effective approach for natural-looking, long-lasting results.


What are the risks of a mini facelift?

Like a traditional facelift, a mini facelift carries certain risks, including swelling, bruising, bleeding, hematoma, numbness, or scarring. However, these complications are extremely rare when you place your care in the hands of a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon. As renowned Chicago facelift surgeons, Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno use advanced techniques and innovative protocols to ensure your comfort and safety during and after surgery.

Take the Next Step

Take a proactive approach to aging by requesting a mini facelift consultation with Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno at our downtown Chicago practice. Or you can call us at (312) 788-2560 for assistance scheduling an appointment.

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