When to Consider a Mini Facelift vs. a Traditional One
Submitted by Dr. Joyesh Raj on Tue 04/15/2025 - 00:01

Want a tighter jawline without major downtime? A mini facelift could be your fast track to a fresher face.
At Raj Plastic Surgery in Westlake, OH, serving the Cleveland area, we know how important it is to feel great about your appearance. If you’re noticing the signs of aging creeping in and want to recapture a younger look, our internationally recognized, board-certified cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Joyesh Raj, is here with solutions.
Because our patients may desire a facelift for different reasons and at different times in their lives, he offers mini and traditional facelifts tailored to individual needs. Here’s how to know if a mini lift could suit you.
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift is best for mild sagging around your jawline or lower face. It focuses mainly on tightening the lower part of your face, particularly smoothing out mild jowls, and giving you a fresher, more youthful look without a full facelift.
A mini facelift requires two small incisions that Dr. Raj expertly conceals around the ears. He lifts sagging jowls to rejuvenate the lower face and jaw.
You can expect less swelling and bruising than a full facelift, with a faster return to regular activities.
It could be a great option if you have mild to moderate sagging and want a noticeable but subtle lift without the downtime of a bigger surgery. The results are noticeable but natural. You’ll still look like yourself—just more refreshed.
Traditional Facelift
When signs of aging are more noticeable, especially in your cheeks, midface, jawline, and neck, a traditional facelift might be your best bet. Incisions are longer than with a mini facelift. Dr. Raj hides the incisions in the hairline and around the natural ear contours to minimize visible scarring.
He repositions displaced or sagging fat deposits, trims sagging skin, and tightens underlying facial muscles. Dr. Raj generally performs a neck lift, too, creating a harmonious appearance that can roll back the clock on your middle and lower face by a decade.
Although a traditional facelift is a bigger surgery with a longer healing time, it provides more dramatic results. It’s often the go-to option for people with deeper wrinkles, more advanced sagging, and volume loss.
When to Choose a Mini Facelift
A mini facelift can be a great choice if you notice early signs of aging (especially jowling) and want a natural refresh without a long recovery. Many patients who prefer a less invasive procedure with a shorter healing time find a mini facelift the perfect option.
Book Your Facelift Consultation in Westlake, OH
If you’re considering a mini or a traditional facelift, contact Raj Plastic Surgery at 440-808-8030 in Westlake, OH, to schedule your consultation with Cleveland’s leading facelift surgeon.