Mini Facelift
The Mini Facelift, also known as Mini-Lifting, is a refined facial rejuvenation procedure designed to restore youthful contours and improve skin firmness with smaller incisions and faster recovery compared to a traditional facelift.
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What Is a Mini Facelift?
The Mini Facelift in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is a surgical procedure aimed at rejuvenating either the upper or lower portions of the face.
Depending on the patient’s needs, the treatment can address:
The upper face — improving the forehead, eyelids, and cheeks
The lower face — tightening the jawline, correcting jowls, and improving neck definition
In both approaches, the Mini Facelift restores youthful balance and harmony without the extended downtime of a full facelift.
When indicated, Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) can be safely combined with this procedure to achieve a more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Difference Between a Facelift and a Mini Facelift
Both procedures share the same objective: to rejuvenate and lift the face.
The difference lies in the extent of the surgical correction.
While a full Facelift treats the entire face and neck, the Mini Facelift focuses on smaller, localized areas — such as the jawline, neck, or midface — making it ideal for patients with mild to moderate sagging rather than advanced aging.
This approach allows for shorter surgery time, less swelling, and faster recovery, while still achieving visibly firmer and smoother results.
How the Mini Facelift Is Performed
The Mini Facelift is performed through discreet incisions placed around the ears — both in front and behind them — to access the underlying facial tissues.
Once the target area is carefully lifted, the surgeon:
Repositions and secures the muscular and connective layers (SMAS)
Removes excess skin and subcutaneous tissue
Closes the incisions meticulously for a natural finish
In some cases, small liposuction is performed under the chin to refine the jawline and enhance definition.
This advanced technique allows for precise correction of sagging areas while preserving natural facial expression and harmony.
Will My Face Look Overly “Pulled”?
Modern facelift techniques are focused on achieving natural, elegant results.
Experienced surgeons take great care to reposition deep structures rather than simply stretching the skin.
As a result, the Mini Facelift rejuvenates without the artificial “pulled” appearance once associated with older facelift methods.
Type of Anesthesia
The Mini Facelift can be performed under:
Local anesthesia with sedation, or
General anesthesia, depending on the patient’s health status and the anesthesiologist’s recommendation after preoperative evaluation.
Both options ensure comfort and safety throughout the procedure.
Surgery Duration and Hospital Stay
The Mini Facelift typically lasts about 45 minutes less than a complete facelift, with a hospital stay of 12 to 24 hours for observation and recovery.
Postoperative Care and Recovery
In the immediate postoperative period:
Some patients may have a small drain placed behind the scalp, removed within 24 hours.
A bandage is usually kept around the head for 48 hours.
The nurse will perform the first head wash and hygiene during this time.
Most patients can return to normal daily activities within 15 to 20 days after surgery.
Swelling, Bruising, and Healing
Swelling is typically more noticeable during the first five days following surgery and gradually decreases after the tenth day.
Residual swelling may persist for a few weeks but is subtle and usually noticeable only to the patient or close acquaintances.
Bruising (purple marks) can occur with varying intensity but becomes practically invisible after 10 to 15 days.
Pain and Discomfort
Pain after a Mini Facelift in Dubai or Abu Dhabi is uncommon.
When present, it is mild and can be easily managed with common pain relievers prescribed by the surgeon.
Sutures and Removal
Some sutures used are internal and absorbable, while others are removed manually between 5 and 15 days after surgery, depending on the area and healing progression.
Preoperative Preparation
Before undergoing a Mini Facelift, patients receive detailed medical evaluation and laboratory tests to ensure safety.
The surgeon provides personalized guidance on:
Preoperative fasting and care
Medication adjustments
Lifestyle recommendations (avoiding smoking and alcohol)
Proper preparation contributes significantly to a smoother recovery and optimal results.
Results and Longevity
The Mini Facelift delivers subtle yet meaningful rejuvenation — enhancing facial definition, tightening the skin, and restoring youthful balance.
Results are long-lasting, and because the procedure addresses deep facial structures, the face continues to age gracefully over time.
Schedule Appointment
To find out if the Mini Facelift in Dubai or Abu Dhabi is the ideal solution for your rejuvenation goals, schedule a consultation with Dr. Paulo Michels.
Discover how precision, artistry, and modern technique can restore your natural beauty with elegance and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mini facelift and how does it differs from a full facelift in Abu Dhabi?
A mini facelift is a surgical procedure designed to lift mild sagging in the lower face and jawline using smaller incisions near the ears. Surgeons focus on repositioning superficial tissues and removing small amounts of loose skin. A full facelift works on both the lower and mid face and often includes the neck, with longer incisions and deeper tissue repositioning. A mini facelift involves less extensive surgery and less time in the operating room compared to a full facelift.
Will a mini facelift significantly reduce sagging skin and jowls in Dubai?
A mini facelift reduces mild sagging skin and early jowls by tightening the lower face near the jawline. Surgeons lift the superficial muscle layer and remove small amounts of loose skin around the ears. Clinical studies and surgical guidelines show that this method works best for early aging changes and limited skin laxity. Patients in Dubai with heavier jowls or loose neck skin usually see partial improvement only, since a mini facelift does not lift deeper facial tissues or the neck.
What is the cost range for a mini facelift in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Mini facelift prices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi vary by clinic, surgeon experience, and facility. Most clinics report costs starting around AED 10,000 to AED 12,000 and can go up to AED 35,000 depending on technique and added services. Some premium clinics list a range up to AED 50,000 for fully tailored care.
What is the typical downtime for a mini facelift for Dubai and Abu Dhabi patients?
Downtime after a mini facelift is generally shorter than a full facelift. Most patients have swelling and mild bruising that improves enough for everyday activities about 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. Full recovery, with all swelling mostly gone and results becoming clearer, may take several weeks.
Can people with early signs of aging get a mini facelift instead of waiting for a full facelift in Dubai?
Yes, people showing early signs of aging like mild sagging along the jawline and slight skin laxity often choose a mini facelift. It works best for those who have good skin elasticity and want improvement without the more extensive surgery that a full facelift requires. Dr Paulo Michels advises this option for younger patients or those whose primary concerns are limited to the lower face.
Schedule Appointment
+971 50 106 7981
Elyzee Hospital
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
MOHAP License DU63U7WY-040124