When it comes to facial rejuvenation, patients often hear terms like facelift, mini-facelift, and lower facelift—and understandably, it can get confusing. Each procedure addresses different concerns, levels of aging, and recovery times. At Dr. Scot Bradley Glasberg’s Manhattan practice, patients receive personalized guidance to choose the best approach for their needs. Here’s a breakdown of how these procedures differ.

The Traditional Facelift

A facelift (also known as a rhytidectomy) is the gold standard in surgical facial rejuvenation. It addresses moderate to significant signs of aging across the lower two-thirds of the face and sometimes the neck.

What it targets:

• Sagging skin along the jawline (jowls)
• Deep creases around the mouth and nose (nasolabial folds, marionette lines)
• Loose skin and muscle laxity in the cheeks and neck

How it works:
During a facelift, the deeper facial structures (SMAS layer) are lifted and tightened, not just the skin. This ensures a natural look rather than a “pulled” appearance. Excess skin is removed, and incisions are placed discreetly along the hairline and around the ears.

Best for: Patients with moderate to advanced signs of aging who want long-lasting, dramatic rejuvenation.

The Mini-Facelift

A mini-facelift is sometimes called a “weekend facelift” because it’s less invasive, with a shorter recovery time.

What it targets:

• Early jowling along the jawline
• Mild skin laxity
• Early sagging in the lower face

How it works:
Incisions are smaller, usually limited to around the ears. The procedure focuses on tightening tissue and removing minor excess skin. Because it’s less invasive, the results are more subtle and recovery is typically quicker than a full facelift.

Best for: Patients in their 40s or early 50s with mild to moderate aging who want to “refresh” their appearance without the downtime of a full facelift.

The Lower Facelift

A lower facelift specifically targets the jawline, chin, and neck. It’s ideal for patients who are most concerned about sagging and heaviness in the lower face.

What it targets:

• Pronounced jowls
• Sagging skin along the jawline
• Loose skin and banding in the neck

How it works:
Like a traditional facelift, the deeper tissues are repositioned, and excess skin is removed. The focus, however, is on the lower third of the face and neck, rather than the midface or cheeks.

Best for: Patients with prominent aging in the jawline and neck but who may not need a full facelift.

Which Option Is Right for You?

The choice between a facelift, mini-facelift, and lower facelift depends on your age, skin quality, goals, and how much downtime you can allow. At his Manhattan practice, Dr. Scot Bradley Glasberg takes a personalized approach—carefully evaluating your facial anatomy, listening to your concerns, and recommending the procedure that will deliver the most natural, balanced results.

✨ Considering facial rejuvenation? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Scot Glasberg, a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience delivering safe, natural-looking results in NYC. Please contact our office at (212) 717-8550 or use our online form, to schedule a consultation to discuss the options available for you.