Mini Facelift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of New Bern, NC

Mini Facelift Dr. John Zannis Zannis Plastic Surgery

A mini facelift is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the lower third of the face, including the cheeks, jaw, and neck. As we age, the collagen and elastin in our skin start to decline, resulting in the development of sagging skin and muscle. This procedure aims to address these changes, rejuvenating your appearance without the full recovery time of a traditional facelift.

Dr. John Zannis is a board-certified plastic surgeon and the founder of Zannis Plastic Surgery. He has over 20 years of experience and has performed over 10,000 procedures to help each patient achieve their aesthetic goals. He has been ranked by Newsweek as one of the top surgeons in the country, specializing in breast, body contouring, and facial rejuvenation procedures.

To start your facial rejuvenation journey, we encourage you to call our office at (252) 633-1197.

About Mini Facelifts

The mini facelift procedure is a less extensive variation of the traditional facelift. A mini facelift primarily focuses on addressing the midface and lower face around the jawline and cheeks. (1) Over the last several years, more patients have been seeking less invasive facial rejuvenation procedures to revitalize their appearance. (2) With a mini facelift, Dr. Zannis can help each patient look as youthful as they feel.

Benefits

A mini facelift can provide significant benefits. A few of these include:

  • Shorter Recovery Times: A mini facelift potentially offers a quicker recovery period than traditional facelifts, allowing you to return to your daily routine sooner.
  • Natural-Looking Results: This procedure is designed to subtly enhance your appearance, ensuring results do not appear overly “done” or “worked on.”
  • Improved Facial Contours: A mini facelift can restore definition to the jawline, promoting a smoother neck and enhancing the natural contours of your face.
  • Flexible Treatment Options: Depending on your concerns, a mini facelift can be performed in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures for more comprehensive results.
  • Minimal Scarring: Dr. Zannis places incisions within the hairline and natural contours of the face to strategically ensure that any resultant scars are inconspicuous.
  • Enhanced Confidence: Restoring a more youthful-looking appearance to your face can improve your self-esteem and overall body confidence.
  • Lasting Results: With proper care, the results of your mini facelift can endure for several years, helping patients maintain their youthfulness.

Candidates

Individuals interested in our mini facelift typically consist of those showing earlier signs of aging. This procedure is highly effective when treating mild to moderate skin laxity or looseness, or when addressing jowling. This treatment is also recommended for those interested in addressing wrinkles near the mouth and chin.

All prospective patients should be in good overall health, without any underlying medical conditions that may impact their recovery or results. Each candidate should be nonsmoking or willing to quit using nicotine until they have fully recovered from their procedure. It is also important that realistic expectations are held regarding the outcomes of the procedure. Anyone experiencing early signs of aging may schedule a personal consultation. (3) Dr. Zannis will determine each potential patient’s candidacy following a thorough evaluation of their health and medical history.

Personal Consultation

As each individual has their own concerns, goals, and anatomy, attending a consultation with Dr. Zannis is crucial when planning your mini facelift procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Zannis will examine your medical history, take time to understand your desired results, and assess your facial structure. He will evaluate the condition of your skin, assessing its laxity to determine whether or not a mini facelift is right for your needs. Throughout the consultation, you will learn more about what a mini facelift encompasses and how it can help you achieve your ideal aesthetic. At the end of this consultation, Dr. Zannis will craft your tailored treatment plan and take the time to answer any questions you may have about mini-facelifts. This consultation is designed to be informative and collaborative, enabling you to make knowledgeable decisions about your procedure.

To receive your tailored treatment plan, please schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Zannis at his office in New Bern by calling our office at (252) 633-1197.

Preparation

In preparation for your mini facelift, you will receive a set of personalized preparation instructions, tailored to your unique treatment plan and lifestyle habits.

You will need to temporarily refrain from taking certain blood-thinning medications or herbal supplements. Consuming alcohol should be avoided several days before and after the procedure; also, nicotine use should be fully ceased several weeks in advance, until you have completely recovered. You will need to arrange transportation to and from the procedure and fill any prescriptions in advance. Time away from work and other social commitments should also be arranged.

Procedure

On the day of your procedure, we ask that you arrive with clean skin that is free from any makeup residue or skincare products. The exact details and duration of your mini facelift will vary depending on the extent of correction, but these will be discussed with you during your consultation, so you know what to expect ahead of time.

Your procedure will begin with the administration of anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure. Once you are relaxed, Dr. Zannis will place incisions either around the ears or hidden within the hairline to ensure low visibility. He will reposition and tighten the underlying facial tissues and muscles, restoring a more youthful-looking appearance. Excess or lax skin will be excised and redraped to restore a smoother appearance, significantly reducing the appearance of fine lines, creases, and wrinkles. The procedure focuses on rejuvenating the lower half of the face and jaw to create a sharper, more defined contour. Once he has achieved your desired look, Dr. Zannis will carefully close the incisions and allow you to rest under the careful watch of the Zannis Plastic Surgery team until you are ready to go home.

Recovery

Mini facelifts are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you will return home that same day to continue recovering. During this time, it is common to experience swelling or bruising during the initial healing period. These effects are transient, and any discomfort may be managed using medications under the guidance of the Zannis Plastic Surgery team. Light activities can be resumed within several days, with most patients being able to return to their careers within one to two weeks. Direct sunlight, as well as high-impact or physical activities, should be avoided for several more weeks, or until cleared by Dr. Zannis. He may also ask you to attend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and guide you throughout your recovery. Any further instructions will be provided and discussed with you during your consultation.

Results

Mini Facelift Dr. John Zannis Zannis Plastic Surgery

As you continue to recover, the full results of your mini facelift will become more apparent. You can experience a revitalized and more youthful appearance as your skin is tightened, enhancing the definition and contours of your face and neck. The appearance of wrinkles, creases, loose skin, and jowls will be diminished, and your lower face will appear more lifted. When paired with healthy lifestyle habits and proper maintenance, the results of a mini-facelift are designed to last for years, allowing your youthful energy to reflect through your appearance.

Cost of Mini Facelifts in New Bern, North Carolina

The cost of your mini facelift can vary, as each treatment is personalized to address your specific concerns, needs, and anatomy. After evaluating the condition of your skin, Dr. Zannis will provide a comprehensive cost estimate to you. We additionally offer several financing options to help you achieve each of your goals. We are currently partnered with Prosper Healthcare Lending and CareCredit.

To discover the cost of your mini facelift, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Zannis, or call our office at (252) 633-1197 with any questions you may have.

FAQ

What is the difference between a full facelift and a mini facelift?

A mini facelift focuses primarily on the lower face, requiring smaller incisions and less recovery time, whereas a full facelift addresses the entire face and can involve more extensive surgical techniques.

Can a mini facelift be combined with other procedures?

Yes, many patients opt to combine their mini facelift with other cosmetic procedures, including eyelid surgery or forehead lifts, to achieve comprehensive rejuvenation.

How long will the results of my mini facelift last?

Results from a mini facelift can last anywhere from five to ten years, depending on individual factors such as aging, skincare regimen, and overall health.

Will there be any visible scarring after my procedure?

Scarring is minimized, as incisions are placed strategically around the ears and hairline. Any scarring typically fades over time, becoming less visible until barely noticeable.

Can a patient be too young or too old for a mini facelift?

There is no specific age for a mini facelift. When determining each patient’s candidacy, we focus on the presence of sagging skin or jowls, rather than their age.

References

  1. Bellity P, Bellity J. Facial Rejuvenation Enhancing Cheek Lift. Archives of Plastic Surgery. 2017;44(6):559-563. doi:https://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2016.01858
  2. Barrett DM, Casanueva FJ, Wang TD. Evolution of the rhytidectomy. World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. 2016;2(1):38-44. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wjorl.2015.12.001
  3. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2024 Plastic Surgery Statistics. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Published June 2025. Accessed July 11, 2025. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf