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A mini face lift tightens the lower face and jawline through shorter incisions around the ears than a full face lift, with less operating time and a quicker recovery. It suits people, often in their 40s or early 50s, with early jowls and mild loose skin but good skin quality. In the UK, the NHS says you can expect to pay anything from a few thousand pounds for a mini facelift to £10,000 for a face and neck lift, plus consultation and follow-up costs. At Soraca Med in Antalya, face lift surgery starts from €2,700, and a mini face lift is priced in a personal quote after a photo assessment. This guide explains who a mini face lift suits, how it compares with a full face lift, what recovery looks like and how long results last. Every treatment plan at Soraca Med is reviewed by our plastic surgeon, Dr. Gökhan Bacak.
Mini Face Lift at a Glance
| Item | Typical detail |
| Treats | Early jowls, mild jawline laxity, mild lower face sagging |
| Incisions | Around the front of the ear, shorter than a full face lift |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia |
| Operation time | Usually 1.5 to 2.5 hours |
| Time in Antalya | About 6 to 8 days |
| Back to work | Often 1 to 2 weeks |
| Bruising | Usually visible for 1 to 2 weeks |
| Final result | Several months |
| Price | Face lift from €2,700; mini face lift in a personal quote |
What Is a Mini Face Lift?
A full face lift lifts the skin and the deeper layer of the face (the SMAS) across the cheeks, jawline and often the neck. A mini face lift focuses on the lower face and jawline. Through a shorter incision in front of the ear, the surgeon tightens the deeper tissue and removes a small amount of excess skin. The result is a cleaner jawline and softer jowls, without the more extensive dissection of a full face lift.
The NHS describes a facelift as surgery that lifts and pulls back the skin on the face to make it look tighter and smoother, usually under general anesthetic, sometimes under local anesthetic with sedation.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Mini Face Lift?
- Early jowling and mild loss of jawline definition
- Good skin elasticity and little neck laxity
- Healthy non-smokers, or able to stop before and after surgery
- People who want a refreshed, natural look with shorter recovery
A mini face lift is usually not enough if you have marked neck laxity, deep folds, heavy jowls or significant sagging in the mid-face. In these cases a full face lift, a deep plane face lift or a combined face and neck lift is more effective. Read our face lift cost in Antalya guide.
Mini Face Lift vs Full Face Lift

| Mini face lift | Full face lift | Face and neck lift | |
| Area | Lower face and jawline | Cheeks, jawline and lower face | Face and neck |
| Incisions | Short, in front of the ear | In front of and behind the ear, into the hairline | Longer, around the ear and sometimes under the chin |
| Best for | Early ageing | Moderate ageing | Moderate to advanced ageing with neck laxity |
| Recovery | Usually 1 to 2 weeks | Usually 2 to 4 weeks | Usually 2 to 4 weeks |
| How long results last | Usually several years | Usually many years | Usually many years |
The NHS notes that full recovery after a facelift takes about two to four weeks. A mini face lift is usually at the shorter end.
Mini Face Lift Cost in Turkey: 2026 Price Guide
| Procedure | Soraca Med price |
| Face lift | From €2,700 |
| Neck lift | From €2,700 |
| Mini face lift | Personal quote |
| Face and neck lift | Personal quote |
| Eyelid surgery (often combined) | From €1,000 |
How Much Does a Mini Face Lift Cost Compared to the UK and US?
| Typical situation | |
| UK | The NHS says from a few thousand pounds for a mini facelift up to £10,000 for a face and neck lift, plus consultation and follow-up |
| US | Usually higher, with surgeon, anesthesia and facility fees often separate |
| Antalya, Soraca Med | Face lift from €2,700; mini face lift priced individually with package services |
What Affects the Cost of a Mini Face Lift?
- The extent of the lift and the technique
- Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia
- Combined procedures, such as eyelid surgery, a neck lift, fat transfer or chin liposuction
- Hospital stay and number of hotel nights
- Revision of a previous face lift
What Is Included in Mini Face Lift Packages in Turkey?
- Online assessment of your photos
- Consultation and planning with the surgeon
- Pre-operative tests
- Surgery and anesthesia
- Hospital stay if needed
- Medication, dressings and a face garment
- Stitch removal and check-ups in Antalya
- Hotel accommodation and VIP transfers
- Support after you return home
Mini Face Lift Recovery Time and Healing
| Time after surgery | What to expect |
| Days 1 to 3 | Swelling, bruising and tightness; head raised when resting |
| Days 5 to 7 | Many stitches removed; swelling reduces |
| Weeks 1 to 2 | Bruising fades; return to work for many people |
| Weeks 2 to 4 | Most swelling has settled; light exercise when allowed |
| Months 3 to 6 | Final, natural result |
The NHS says bruising is visible for at least two weeks after a facelift and that stitches are removed after about 7 to 14 days. It also notes that final results can be seen after 6 to 9 months for facelift surgery. Avoid heavy exercise, saunas, smoking and sun on the scars in the first weeks.
Mini Face Lift Before and After: What Results Can You Expect?

Expect a sharper jawline, softer jowls and a more rested lower face. A good mini face lift does not look pulled or windswept; friends usually notice that you look fresher rather than “operated”. The scars lie in natural creases in front of the ear and usually fade well over months.
How Long Does a Mini Face Lift Last?
A mini face lift usually lasts several years. Because less tissue is lifted than in a full face lift, the effect tends to last fewer years. Ageing continues after any face lift, but you will usually continue to look younger than you would have without surgery. Sun protection, not smoking and a stable weight help the result last.
Is a Mini Face Lift in Turkey Safe?
A mini face lift is generally a safe operation in experienced hands. The NHS lists risks specific to facelifts, such as nerve injury and loss of sensation or movement in the face, asymmetry, hair loss around scars, thick visible scars and healing problems, as well as general risks like bleeding, blood clots and infection. A careful examination, realistic planning and following aftercare instructions reduce these risks.
Combining a Mini Face Lift
Many people combine a mini face lift with:
- Upper or lower eyelid surgery for the eyes
- Chin liposuction for fat under the chin
- Fat transfer to restore lost volume in the cheeks
- Skin treatments such as CO2 laser resurfacing for texture
How Long Should You Stay in Turkey?
Plan about six to eight days, so stitches can be removed and your surgeon can check healing before your flight.
How Facial Ageing Happens
Understanding why the face changes helps explain what a mini face lift can and cannot do:
| Change | What causes it | Best treatment |
| Jowls and a softer jawline | Loosening of the deeper support layer (SMAS) and skin | Mini or full face lift |
| Loose neck skin and bands | Loosening of the neck muscle and skin | Neck lift |
| Hollow cheeks and under-eye area | Loss of facial fat volume | Fat transfer or fillers |
| Fine lines and rough texture | Sun damage and collagen loss | Laser resurfacing or skin treatments |
| Heavy upper lids and bags | Excess eyelid skin and fat | Eyelid surgery |
A mini face lift treats the first problem very well. The others often need additional treatments, which is why many face plans combine more than one procedure.
Mini Face Lift Techniques
| Technique | How it works | Notes |
| Short-scar SMAS lift | The deeper layer is tightened through a short incision, then excess skin is removed | Common mini face lift approach |
| MACS lift | Suspension sutures lift the deeper tissue vertically | Short scar, focused on the jawline |
| Skin-only lift | Only the skin is tightened | Shorter lasting; rarely used alone today |
| Thread lift (non-surgical) | Absorbable threads lift tissue temporarily | Not a face lift; effect lasts months |
Mini Face Lift vs Thread Lift vs Fillers
| Mini face lift | Thread lift | Fillers | |
| Lifts tissue | Yes, surgically | Temporarily | No, adds volume |
| Removes loose skin | Yes | No | No |
| Duration | Several years | Months | Months to about a year or more |
| Downtime | About 1 to 2 weeks | A few days | Minimal |
| Best for | Early jowls with mild skin laxity | Very mild laxity | Volume loss |
Preparing for a Mini Face Lift
- Stop smoking at least four weeks before and after surgery, as smoking greatly increases the risk of skin healing problems after face lifts
- Stop blood-thinning supplements, such as fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo and garlic tablets, as your surgeon advises
- Tell your surgeon about high blood pressure, which increases the risk of bleeding after face lifts
- Bring button-up tops so you do not pull clothes over your face
- Plan to rest with your head raised for the first nights
Your Stay in Antalya Day by Day
| Day | What usually happens |
| Day 1 | Arrival and transfer to your hotel |
| Day 2 | Consultation, photos, marking and tests |
| Day 3 | Surgery; overnight stay if planned |
| Days 4 to 5 | Dressing change, rest and short walks |
| Days 6 to 7 | Stitch removal or check-up |
| Day 8 | Final check and flight home when cleared |
Looking After Your Result
- Use high-factor sunscreen every day and avoid sunbeds
- Keep a stable weight, as weight changes affect facial skin
- Do not smoke
- Combine with a good skin care routine and, if you wish, skin treatments to keep texture fresh
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
- Am I a good candidate for a mini face lift, or would a full face or neck lift suit me better?
- Which technique will you use, and will the deeper layer be tightened?
- Where exactly will the scars be?
- What results can I realistically expect, and for how long?
- Should anything be combined, such as eyelid surgery or fat transfer?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a mini face lift cost in Turkey?
At Soraca Med in Antalya, face lift surgery starts from €2,700, and a mini face lift is priced in a personal quote after a photo assessment.
How much is a mini facelift in the UK?
The NHS says to expect anything from a few thousand pounds for a mini facelift, plus consultation and follow-up costs.
Who is a good candidate for a mini face lift?
People with early jowls and mild jawline laxity, good skin quality and little neck laxity, often in their 40s or early 50s.
How long is mini face lift recovery?
Many people return to work after one to two weeks. Bruising usually fades over about two weeks.
How long does a mini face lift last?
Usually several years, although ageing continues and the effect tends to last fewer years than a full face lift.
Are there visible scars?
Scars lie in front of the ear in natural creases and usually fade well over several months.
Can a mini face lift tighten the neck?
Only slightly. Marked neck laxity usually needs a neck lift or a face and neck lift.
How long should I stay in Antalya?
About six to eight days, so stitches can be removed before your flight.
What is the difference between a mini face lift and a thread lift?
A mini face lift is surgery that tightens the deeper tissue and removes loose skin, lasting several years. A thread lift is non-surgical and temporary.
Can I have a mini face lift under local anesthesia?
Often yes, with sedation. Your surgeon and anesthetist decide based on your health and the plan.
What is the best age for a mini face lift?
Many patients are in their 40s or early 50s, but skin quality and the degree of laxity matter more than age.
Will people notice I had a mini face lift?
A well-done mini face lift usually looks like you are rested and refreshed, rather than operated.
Sources and Medical Information
This guide is general patient information. The medical details are based on published patient guidance, including:
It does not replace a consultation: your surgeon decides what is safe for you, and their personal instructions always take priority. Prices are Soraca Med starting prices and are confirmed in your written quote. Last updated: October 2026.
