Mini Facelift vs. Full Facelift in Miami: Which Lift Gives You the Edge?
Looking for a tighter jawline or neck but not sure how big a lift you need? Miami surgeons offer two main options:
- Mini facelift – quick, short-scar refresh
- Full facelift – deep-plane overhaul of face and neck
Below is a bite-size comparison of results, downtime, and 2025 pricing so you can book consults like a pro.
1. Mini Facelift — The “Weekend Lift”
- Incisions: tiny S-shape around the ear
- What it fixes: mild jowls, early laxity, lower-face wrinkles
- Downtime: 7–14 days (make-up friendly by week 2)
- Longevity: ~4 years
Great if you’re in your 40s–50s and simply want a crisp jawline without looking “done.”
2. Full Facelift — The Big Reset
- Incisions: hairline → around ear → sometimes under chin
- What it fixes: cheeks, jawline, neck bands, platysma laxity
- Downtime: 3–4 weeks, bruising fades by week 4
- Longevity: 8–12 years (or more with healthy skin care)
Ideal for 50-plus patients or anyone with pronounced neck sagging.
3. Miami Price Snapshot (2025)
| Mini | Full | |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeon Fee | $5.5 k–$7.5 k | $12 k–$18 k |
| OR + Anesthesia | $1 k–$2 k | $2.5 k–$4 k |
| Total Range | $6.5 k–$10 k | $15 k–$25 k |
Source: Aesthetic Match 12-City dataset + RealSelf 2025 Miami reports.
4. Downtime & Scar Cheat-Sheet
| Downtime | Scar length | Numbness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | 1–2 wks | Ear crease only | Mild, 1-month fade |
| Full | 3–4 wks | Hairline + ear | Moderate, 2-3 mo fade |
5. Are You a Mini or Full Candidate? Quick Test
| Goal | Pick |
|---|---|
| Subtle lower-face tweak, no neck work | Mini |
| Visible lift through cheeks + neck | Full |
| Need to be event-ready in < 3 weeks | Mini |
| Want results to last a decade | Full |
6. Recovery in Miami’s Humidity
- Swap ice packs for cool-mist fans—they cut swelling without soaking bandages.
- Schedule walks before 9 a.m.; midday heat spikes bruising.
- Use a silk pillowcase; it slides, reducing tug on healing incisions.
Related internal reads:
7. Trusted External Resources
- AAFPRS 2024 Trends Report
- ASPS Facelift Procedure Facts
- RealSelf Mini Facelift Reviews
Takeaway
A mini facelift is a quick refresh; a full facelift is a long-term reset. Price, downtime, and goals decide the winner. Ready to compare surgeon quotes? Visit our Miami Facelift Hub and book a consult today.
