A Subtle Shift, A Major Difference

If you're beginning to notice jowls, sagging skin, or deepening lines in the lower half of your face but aren't ready for full facelift surgery, a mini facelift at Farrior Facial Plastic Surgery in Tampa, FL, could be the ideal solution. Led by double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Edward Farrior, our practice focuses exclusively on facial procedures, delivering natural-looking, nuanced results that restore confidence and redefine aging.

With decades of experience, a former presidency at the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), and a national reputation for teaching the latest facelift techniques, Dr. Farrior brings unmatched precision to every facial rejuvenation procedure.

The Smart Lift

What is a Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift—sometimes called a mini rhytidectomy or short-scar facelift—is a less invasive surgical procedure that targets early signs of aging in the lower face. This plastic surgery procedure is ideal for patients with mild to moderate sagging skin, jowling, or nasolabial folds who want to achieve a refreshed appearance without undergoing traditional facelift surgery.

During the mini facelift Tampa patients will have small incisions placed discreetly around the ears. Through these, Dr. Farrior lifts and repositions the underlying soft tissues, removes excess skin, and redefines the contours of the jawline. While the area of treatment is more limited than a standard facelift, the results are still dramatic and long-lasting.

Tampa patients often choose mini facelift surgery when looking for facial rejuvenation techniques that require less downtime and fewer risks than a full facelift while still delivering substantial anti-aging benefits.

Less Drama, Just as Defined

Mini Facelift vs. Traditional Facelift: What’s the Difference?

A mini facelift is often compared to a traditional facelift, but they differ in scope, intensity, and recovery. A traditional facelift—or full facelift surgery—addresses the full lower face, midface, and neck. It typically involves longer incisions, deeper dissection, and a longer healing period. It's ideal for patients with significant skin loss, laxity, and aging across multiple facial zones.

By contrast, our Tampa mini facelift procedure is designed to treat earlier signs of aging. It focuses on the lower region of the face—the jawline, chin, and cheeks—by tightening the SMAS layer (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) and removing minor excess skin. Recovery is typically faster, with less swelling and bruising in the early postoperative period.

While a traditional facelift may be better suited for more advanced signs of aging, the mini facelift offers an effective procedure for maintaining facial definition and delaying the need for more aggressive surgery.

Dr. Edward Farrior

A Sharp Look

Mini Facelift Benefits

Choosing a mini facelift in Tampa provides patients with a refreshed, more youthful appearance, without the extended downtime of a standard facelift. Benefits of the mini facelift include:

Smoother jawline and reduction of jowls
Improvement in marionette lines and nasolabial folds
Tightened skin and underlying soft tissues
Shorter scars hidden along natural creases
Faster recovery time compared to traditional facelift surgery
Results that enhance, not alter, your natural facial structure
Option to combine with other facial procedures such as eyelid surgery, neck lift, or dermal fillers

For patients seeking facial rejuvenation without the full scale of cosmetic surgery, a mini facelift offers meaningful improvements and long-lasting results.

Your Face, Your Terms

Who is a Candidate for a Mini Facelift?

Mini facelift candidates are typically in their 40s to early 60s, in good overall health, and experiencing mild to moderate sagging skin or volume loss in the lower face. These patients often want to address the early signs of aging—like a softening jawline, drooping skin around the cheeks, or unwanted changes in facial balance—without committing to a full facelift./p>

Dr. Farrior evaluates each patient's skin quality, facial anatomy, lifestyle choices, and medical history to ensure the procedure is appropriate. Those with significant neck banding or deeper aging may benefit more from full facelift surgery or a combined facelift and neck lift approach.

Tampa mini facelift model with brown hair

A Face Forward Process

Consultation and Preparation

Your private consultation is the first step toward achieving your desired outcome. During this meeting, Dr. Farrior will evaluate your facial structure, review your goals, and determine whether a mini facelift is the right cosmetic procedure for your concerns.

He may take clinical photographs and propose additional procedures, like laser skin resurfacing or upper blepharoplasty, that enhance your results. You’ll receive detailed pre-operative instructions, including stopping blood-thinning medications and limiting sun exposure prior to surgery.

The consultation fee is applied toward your surgery, and if additional meetings are needed, they’re included at no extra charge. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Small Incisions. Smarter Surgery.

The Mini Facelift Procedure

Mini facelift surgery is performed in our accredited surgical facility in Tampa, FL. Depending on the patient and complexity of the facelift procedure, either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia is used to ensure comfort.

Dr. Farrior begins by placing small incisions discreetly around the ears. Through these openings, the skin is gently lifted, and the underlying soft tissues are repositioned to a more youthful contour. A minimal amount of excess skin is removed, and the incisions are meticulously closed to reduce visible scarring.

This surgical procedure typically takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Many patients combine mini facelift surgery with eyelid surgery, neck lift, or other facial procedures for a more comprehensive transformation.

The Subtle Reset

Mini Facelift Results

Most patients begin to notice early improvements as swelling subsides in the first couple of weeks. The jaw line looks more defined, the cheeks appear firmer, and overall skin tightness improves. Full results continue to develop over two to three months as residual swelling fades and tissues settle.

The results of a mini facelift are long-lasting—typically 7 to 10 years—though your skin will continue to age naturally. Patients who maintain a healthy lifestyle and follow skincare recommendations often enjoy their refreshed appearance for over a decade.

Healing Timeline

Mini Facelift Recovery

Mini facelift recovery is typically much shorter than that of a traditional facelift. Most patients return to light activity within 7–10 days, depending on the extent of the surgery and any additional procedures performed.

Bruising and swelling may occur, especially in the lower face and neck, but generally peak in the early postoperative period and improve quickly with rest, ice, and head elevation. Discomfort is manageable with prescribed medications.

Stitches are usually removed after 5–7 days, and most patients feel comfortable attending social events within two weeks. Full recovery may take several months, but downtime is minimal compared to other plastic surgery procedures.

Keep It Looking Fresh

Mini Facelift Aftercare

Proper aftercare is essential for optimal healing and maintaining results. Patients should avoid strenuous activity and sun exposure in the weeks following surgery. Sleeping with the head elevated helps reduce swelling, and incisions should be kept clean and moisturized as directed.

To preserve your refreshed appearance, we recommend medical-grade skincare, sunscreen use, and optional maintenance treatments like neuromodulators or laser therapy. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, as both can accelerate skin aging and impact healing.

Dr. Farrior will provide a tailored aftercare plan, and our team will remain in contact throughout your recovery to monitor your progress.

Mini Facelift Cost in Tampa

Mini facelift cost in Tampa generally ranges from $6,500 to $9,500, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it is combined with other facial procedures. This estimate includes surgeon fees, facility fees, and anesthesia.

During your consultation, you’ll receive a detailed quote based on your surgical plan. We’re transparent about pricing and can offer financing options to make this cosmetic surgery more accessible.

Why Choose Farrior Facial Plastic Surgery?

Dr. Edward Farrior is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished facelift surgeons in Florida and the Southeast. With over 25 years of experience in facial procedures alone, his approach to mini facelift surgery emphasizes precision, safety, and artistry.

He is a trusted educator in facial plastic surgery, having trained countless surgeons in facelift techniques and innovations. His practice is built around long-term patient relationships, exceptional outcomes, and thoughtful, patient-first care.

At Farrior Facial Plastic Surgery, we offer a full spectrum of facial rejuvenation services in a warm, discreet setting designed for your comfort and privacy. When it comes to plastic surgery in Tampa, Dr. Farrior is the name patients trust for natural, lasting results.

Tampa mini facelift model with curly hair

Schedule Your Mini Facelift Consultation in Tampa, FL

Ready to take the next step toward a more youthful, confident version of yourself? Contact Farrior Facial Plastic Surgery in Tampa, FL, to schedule your private consultation today.

We’ll answer your questions, walk you through your options, and design a treatment plan that reflects your goals and anatomy.

Call 813-875-3223 or visit us at 2908 W Azeele St, Tampa, FL.

MINI FACELIFT FAQs

Will my Mini Facelift look natural?

Yes. Dr. Farrior’s technique is designed to create a lifted, refreshed appearance without looking tight or overdone.

How long is Mini Facelift recovery?

Most patients resume work and light activity within 7–10 days, though minor swelling and numbness may persist for several weeks.

What are the risks associated with a Mini Facelift?

As with any surgical procedure, risks include bleeding, infection, nerve injury, and scarring. Serious complications like facial nerve injury are extremely rare.

How long do Mini Facelift results last?

Most patients enjoy their results for 7 to 10 years, especially when combined with good skincare and maintenance treatments.

Schedule a Consultation

Dr. Farrior is so much more than a doctor – he’s an artist. Dr. Farrior has the right medical knowledge and the artistic vision needed to create harmony among his patients’ facial features. He truly listens to his patients and is always open to their concerns.

2908 W Azeele St, Tampa, FL 33609

813-875-3223

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Mini Faceliftin Tampa, FL