Restore youthful definition with a mini facelift in Gulf Shores tailored just for you. This refined procedure addresses early signs of aging—like sagging along the jawline and lower face—without the downtime of a full facelift. Performed by Carrie L. Morris, MD, FACS, it’s sculpted rejuvenation guided by mastery, precision, and your unique aesthetic goals.
Reverse early signs of aging with minimal downtime
A mini facelift is a less invasive version of a traditional facelift that targets the early signs of aging in the lower face and jawline. It focuses on lifting and tightening mild to moderate skin laxity, smoothing jowls, and restoring youthful contours with smaller incisions and a quicker recovery. At Southern Coastal Aesthetics, Dr. Morris uses advanced techniques to sculpt natural, lasting results without looking overdone. A mini facelift is ideal if you’re seeking noticeable facial rejuvenation with minimal downtime.
Actual Patient
A Mini Facelift Treats:
- Sagging skin along the jawline
- Mild to moderate jowling
- Loss of lower face definition
- Early signs of facial aging
- Skin laxity around the cheeks and mouth
- Tired or heavy appearance in the lower face
- Desire for facial rejuvenation with minimal downtime
Mini facelift vs. full facelift
Mini facelift
A mini facelift addresses early signs of facial aging, primarily in the lower third of the face. It involves shorter incisions, typically placed around the ears, and focuses on repositioning and tightening the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) without extensive dissection. This allows for the correction of mild skin laxity, jowling, and early descent of soft tissues with minimal scarring and reduced downtime compared to a full facelift.
Full facelift
A full facelift is a comprehensive procedure that addresses moderate to advanced aging of the midface, lower face, and neck. It involves longer incisions from the hairline around the ears and often into the hair behind the ear. This approach allows for deeper lifting and repositioning of the SMAS layer, removal of redundant skin, and contouring of deeper facial structures for more significant rejuvenation. It also involves considerably more downtime.
How a mini facelift is done
A mini facelift is performed under local anesthesia with oral or IV sedation, depending on your needs. Dr. Morris begins by making short, curved incisions along the front of the ear and around the earlobe, sometimes extending slightly behind the ear. Through these limited incisions, she gains access to the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), a fibromuscular layer that supports facial structure. The SMAS is elevated and repositioned using precise techniques to lift and redefine the lower face, particularly the jawline area.
Once the underlying structures are secured, Dr. Morris redrapes the skin without tension to maintain natural movement and appearance. Minimal excess skin is excised, and the incisions are closed with fine, multilayered sutures for optimal healing and minimal scarring. The procedure takes 1.5 to 2 hours, with significantly reduced downtime than a full facelift.
Benefits of a mini facelift:
- Shorter incisions with minimal visible scarring
- Reduced surgical time and anesthesia requirements
- Faster recovery and less downtime
- Lower risk of complications compared to a full facelift
- Effective lift for early jowling and mild skin laxity
- Natural-looking results without overtightening
- Ideal for patients in their early 40s to early 60s
Am I a good candidate for a mini facelift?
You may be a great candidate for a mini facelift if you’re starting to notice sagging along your jawline, mild jowling, or a loss of definition in your lower face but don’t yet need a full facelift. Most patients who benefit from a mini facelift are in their 40s to early 60s, have good skin elasticity, and are generally healthy. During your consultation, Dr. Morris will evaluate your anatomy, lifestyle, and goals to determine if this procedure is the right fit for you.
Mini facelift FAQs
What is the recovery like after a mini facelift?
Recovery after a mini facelift is generally much quicker than with a full facelift. Most patients experience mild swelling, bruising, and tightness for a few days to a week. You’ll likely be able to return to work and most daily activities within 7 to 10 days, although strenuous exercise should be avoided for about 2 to 3 weeks. Dr. Morris uses meticulous, multilayer closure techniques to minimize scarring, and she’ll provide aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
How long do the results of a mini facelift last?
Results from a mini facelift typically last 5 to 10 years, depending on your skin quality, lifestyle, and how well you care for your skin. While it doesn’t stop aging, it can set the clock back and give you a refreshed appearance that ages naturally over time. Protecting your skin from the sun, following a medical-grade skincare regimen, and avoiding smoking or significant weight fluctuations can help prolong your results.
Will a mini facelift look natural?
Yes—when performed by a skilled facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Morris, a mini facelift delivers subtle, natural-looking results. The goal isn’t to make you look like someone else; it’s to restore what time has softened without any signs of pulling or overcorrection. Dr. Morris uses advanced SMAS-tightening techniques to lift from deeper layers rather than relying solely on skin tension. This means your results will look like a more refreshed version of yourself, not “done.”
Is a mini facelift worth it?
For many patients, yes—a mini facelift is a worthwhile investment in long-term facial rejuvenation. It offers natural, noticeable results with less downtime, fewer risks, and smaller incisions than a full facelift. If you’re not quite ready for more extensive surgery but want to stay ahead of aging, it’s a powerful, proactive solution to remain effortlessly youthful.
Schedule a Mini Facelift in Gulf Shores Today!
Dr. Carrie L. Morris is a triple board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon with nearly two decades of experience in facial aesthetics. Her approach blends surgical mastery with a sculptor’s eye, offering refined techniques like the mini facelift to restore natural contours without changing who you are. At Southern Coastal Aesthetics, every treatment is personalized—because showing up for yourself should feel empowering. If you’re ready to explore a mini facelift in Gulf Shores, AL, schedule your consultation with Dr. Morris today.
