A mini facelift, lower facelift and full facelift are surgical procedures designed to improve facial sagging, but they differ in the areas treated, extent of surgery and suitability for each patient.

A mini facelift is generally considered for early signs of jowling and loss of jawline definition. A lower facelift, also called a jowl lift, focuses on sagging in the lower face and jawline, and may improve some neck laxity depending on the technique. A full facelift generally addresses more extensive facial sagging, including the cheeks, jowls and lower face, and may be combined with a neck lift.

At Kensington Medical, we specialise exclusively in facial plastic surgery. Our GMC Specialist Register plastic surgeons provide personalised consultations in Harley Street, London, and Wimbledon, helping patients choose the most appropriate facelift technique for their facial anatomy, degree of skin laxity and goals.

Below, we compare the procedures, recovery, costs and potential results to help you understand your options.

Introducing the Mini Facelift, Facelift, and Lower Facelift

The main differences between a mini facelift, lower facelift and full facelift are the extent of surgery, the areas of the face treated and the degree of the correction needed. Although the techniques can overlap, each procedure is designed to address different levels of facial sagging.

The following comparison provides a guide. Our plastic surgeon will recommend the most suitable approach following a consultation where they assess your face and listen to your concerns.

	Mini	Lower Facelift/Jowl lift	Full facelift/ Deep plane
Main concern	Early jowling	Lower face and jawline sagging	More extensive facial sagging
Extent of procedure	More limited	Lower face focused	Broader facial tissue repositioning
Does it focus on neck	Usually limited	Possible, depending on technique	Neck can be part of the procedure
Recovery	Less recovery 1-2 weeks	Minimum 10 days -2 weeks+	2 weeks+
Price from	£9,000	£10,500	£18,500

Meet Our Specialist Facelift Surgeons

At Kensington Medical, we specialise exclusively in facial plastic surgery. Our consultant plastic surgeons, Mr Paul Tulley, Mr David Gateley and Mr Amir Sadri, are on the GMC Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery and offer personalised advice on facial rejuvenation.

Each surgeon assesses your facial anatomy, degree of skin laxity and individual goals to help determine whether a mini facelift, lower facelift or more extensive facelift procedure may be appropriate.

Mr Paul Tulley — Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Mr Paul Tulley has extensive experience in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, including facial rejuvenation procedures. He provides individual assessments and recommends surgical techniques suited to each patient's anatomy and goals.

Mr David Gateley — Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Medical Director

Mr David Gateley has over 30 years' experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery. His work includes facelift and facial rejuvenation procedures designed to improve jowling, skin laxity and facial contours.

Mr Amir Sadri — Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Mr Amir Sadri has experience in plastic, reconstructive and facial cosmetic surgery. He provides personalised consultations to help patients understand the surgical options available for addressing facial ageing.

Not Sure Which Facelift Is Right for You?

Choosing between a mini facelift, lower facelift and full facelift depends on your facial anatomy, degree of skin laxity and treatment goals.

Our patient team can help you arrange a consultation with a suitable surgeon to discuss your options, likely recovery, potential results and costs.

Book a Facelift Consultation

Understanding Your Facelift Options: Mini, Lower and Full Facelift

Mini Facelift

A mini facelift (also known as a mini lift or half facelift) is a less invasive option for younger patients with early signs of ageing. A mini facelift involves shorter incisions and can effectively rejuvenate the middle part of the face while minimising recovery time, making it a favourable choice for those seeking a subtle enhancement without drastic alteration. It tightens the areas around the neck and chin and improves other facial spots, like drooping along mouth corners.

The procedure is designed for younger patients who do not have loose skin that hangs along the jawline or neck. It is less invasive than a full facelift, which often involves removing and redraping skin. During a mini lift, after excess tissue is removed, the remaining skin is lifted and tightened to achieve a natural look.

Who is right for a Mini Facelift?

While the mini facelift is ideal for younger patients without loose skin, older patients looking for a less invasive procedure or those who want to avoid extensive surgery may also benefit from this type of facelift. The mini facelift involves shorter incisions and effectively rejuvenates the middle part of the face while minimising recovery time. Mini facelifts are recommended for patients in their 40s or 50s with mild to moderate signs of ageing, particularly those with mild to moderate skin laxity. Good skin elasticity is important for achieving optimal results from a mini facelift, as it helps ensure youthful, smooth, and firm facial contours after the procedure. The procedure can be used for people interested in rejuvenating their look without undergoing an extensive operation and more downtime.

Who is Not a Good Candidate for a Mini Facelift?

While a mini facelift can be an effective solution for addressing mild to moderate signs of ageing, there are certain individuals who may not be good candidates for this procedure. These include:

Those with severe sagging skin or deep wrinkles, as a mini facelift may not be sufficient to address these concerns.
Individuals with significant facial asymmetry or scarring, as a mini facelift may not be able to fully correct these issues.
Patients with unrealistic expectations, as a mini facelift has limitations in what it achieves.
Those with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or autoimmune diseases, which may increase the risk of complications during or after surgery. Individuals with a complex medical history may require additional assessment to ensure the procedure is safe and appropriate for them.
Smokers, as smoking can impede the healing process and increase the risk of complications.

Pros and Cons of Mini Facelift Surgery

The main benefit of a mini facelift is its low invasiveness. The procedure rarely takes over two hours, unless combined with another procedure. Generally patients go home the same day, and most resume routine activities within a week to 10 days. Most of the bruising and swelling will resolve in a few days. It can be concealed with makeup or a scarf.

But because a mini facelift is not as comprehensive as a full facelift, or deep plane facelift the results are not as long-lasting. As skin loses elasticity over time, multiple mini facelift procedures might be necessary to maintain results.

When Will You See Results of a Mini Facelift?

Patients will notice a difference once the swelling goes away completely in a few weeks. The final result takes up to six months. How long it lasts depends on several factors, including how fast you age, how well you take care of yourself, and genetics.

What is the Average Cost of a Mini Facelift in the UK?

The price of a mini facelift will vary depending on a number of factors such as whether you combine the procedure with another one. Prices start from £9,000.

Click here for more information about the mini facelift at Kensington Medical.

Full Facelift

A full facelift is a more extensive surgical procedure that aims to address concerns such as sagging skin, loose skin, and excess skin on the face and neck.

Please note there are several types of full facelifts, corresponding to different techniques. They include, inter alia, the SMAS facelift and deep plane facelift:

The SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) facelift specifically targets the superficial muscular layer of the face, known as the SMAS layer, to provide structural support and rejuvenation. The SMAS layer is lifted and tightened before the skin is repositioned separately. SMAS facelifts are ideal for patients with moderate skin laxity, primarily desiring to improve the jawline and neck. SMAS facelifts generally last 10 years. A SMAS facelift is usually most suited to patients in their 40s to 60s with moderate facial concerns.
The deep plane facelift is a complex procedure designed to deliver more comprehensive and longer lasting facial rejuvenation. Unlike traditional facelift procedures that primarily tighten the skin, the deep plane facelift works by repositioning the underlying muscles and tissues of the face and releasing some ligaments to create a less pulled more natural loook. This approach addresses significant skin laxity, deep folds, and loss of facial contours, resulting in a smoother, more youthful appearance. By lifting the underlying tissues and removing excess skin and fat, the deep plane facelift can create dramatic improvements in facial definition and skin quality. Although it is a more invasive procedure, many patients choose the deep plane facelift for its ability to provide a natural, refreshed look that endures over time.

For more information about the difference between a SMAS facelift and a Deep Plane facelift, please click here.

Who Are Good Candidates for a Full Facelift?

Full facelifts are ideal for patients who have more skin laxity or wrinkles in their face that can’t be corrected with a mini facelift. However, patients should be healthy enough to undergo the procedure. The average age of a full facelift patient is 40 to 60. However, patients in their 70s are not uncommon. Skin tone and quality can also affect the outcome of a full facelift, as even skin tone and texture contribute to more radiant and youthful results.

Who is Not a Good Candidate for a Full Facelift?

Certain patients may not be good candidates for this a full facelift. These include:

Those with only mild signs of ageing, as a full facelift may be too extensive for their needs.
Patients with significant facial asymmetry or scarring, as a full facelift may not be able to fully correct these issues.
Patients with unrealistic expectations, as a full facelift, as comprehensive as it is, does correct everything.
Those with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or autoimmune diseases, which may increase the risk of complications during or after surgery.
Smokers, as smoking can impede the healing process and increase the risk of complications. At Kensington Medical we recommend that patients stop smoking three months before a facelift procedure takes place.

The Full Facelift Recovery

The recovery period for a full facelift is typically three to four weeks. Patients may need some months for the skin to recover completely.

When Will You See Results of a Full Facelift?

Patients can expect full results from a facelift in six months to a year after the procedure. However, redness and swelling around the eyes and cheeks will diminish sooner, about a week after surgery.

The Average Cost of a Full Facelift in the UK

The cost of a facelift depends on the number of areas being treated.

Prices start from £10,500. Depending on any additional procedures you have with the full facelift, the price could increase. These may include a brow lift, neck lift, eyelid surgery, fat transfer, chin or double chin lift.

You can learn more about our full facelift procedure here

A deep plane facelift will cost around £18,000.

Lower Facelift

A lower facelift is an alternative to a full facelift that does not change the neck. This procedure tightens up the lower half of the face, including the jawline, creating a younger look for patients with sagging skin in this area. During the surgery, the surgeon may remove excess skin to achieve a smoother, more youthful contour in the lower face.

Normally performed under a general anaesthesia, the procedure takes around three hours to complete, and patients can expect to stay in the hospital overnight. Results can be seen immediately following the surgery and it typically lasts five to seven years.

Who Are Good Candidates for a Lower Facelift?

Lower facelift surgery can be ideal for patients who have moderate skin laxity in the lower face and low, or no skin laxity in the neck. Most candidates for a lower facelift are between 40 and 70. However, patients under 40 may still benefit from the procedures if they're experiencing premature ageing. For the best results, individuals seeking surgery should be non-smokers, in good general health, and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure.

Who is Not a Good Candidate for a Lower Facelift?

Certain individuals who may not be good candidates for a lower facelift. They include patients with:

Only mild signs of ageing, as a lower facelift may be too extensive for their needs.
Significant skin laxity in the neck, as a lower facefift will result in a lack of balance between the lower face, which will be tight, and the neck, which will remain loose.
Significant facial asymmetry or scarring, as a lower facelift may not be able to fully correct these issues.
Unrealistic expectations, as a lower facelift is a surgical procedure that carries limitations.
Certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or autoimmune diseases, which may increase the risk of complications during or after surgery.
Smokers, as smoking can impede the healing process and increase the risk of complications. We advise that a patient stop smoking 3 months before lower facelift surgery.

Pros and Cons of Lower Facelift Surgery

The main benefits of a lower facelift are:

Targeted action: a lower facelift can lift sagging skin around the mouth, upper lip, nose, cheeks, and chin without affecting the jawline or neck.
Faster results, a lower downtime and a lower price point.

However, while results and downtime are faster, this procedure is not as comprehensive as a full facelift.

Recovery Time of a Lower Facelift

The lower facelift requires less recovery time than the full facelift. Most patients can expect to return to normal activities after about 10 days to two weeks. It is possible that some swelling and bruising will persist for up to a month after surgery.

How Long Before You See the Results of a Lower Facelift?

Patients should expect to wait at least three months before seeing the full results of a lower facelift. However, you can expect immediate changes in the appearance of your skin when the swelling and bruising go away in a week to ten days.

What About Scarring With Facelift Procedures?

The type of facelift procedure you choose determines the level of scarring involved. The mini facelift offers minor scarring, but the effects are not as long-lasting. A full facelift will involve some scars. However, at Kensington Medical our expert plastic surgeons hide them in the skin's natural folds and creases. The lower facelift also offers minimal scarring, and like the other procedures, the incisions are carefully hidden from the naked eye.

To find out about facelift scarring see our comprehsive page.

Are There Any Risks With Facelift Surgery?

Any surgery that involves anaesthesia comes with the risk of complications like nausea, vomiting, and infection. The most common side effect of facial rejuvenation is swelling, which can occur in the jawline, eyes, face, and neck. You may also experience bruising or bleeding. You'll need to avoid placing pressure on the skin in the treated areas for at least two weeks after surgery.

Enhancing Facelift Results: Combining with Other Procedures

While a facelift can be an effective solution for addressing concerns such as sagging skin, loose skin, and excess skin, combining it with other procedures can enhance the results and provide a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Some common procedures that can be combined at Kensington Medical with a facelift include:

Eyelid surgery: This procedure can help address concerns such as droopy eyelids, puffiness, and dark circles under the eyes.
Brow lift: This procedure can help address concerns such as a sagging brow, forehead lines, and frown lines.
Facial cosmetic surgery: This can include procedures such as facial implants, facial fat transfer, and facial scar revision.
Neck lift: This procedure can help address concerns such as a sagging neck, loose skin, and excess skin on the neck.
Skin rejuvenation treatments: These can include procedures such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing.

By combining a facelift with other procedures, patients can achieve a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation and enhance the overall results of their surgery. However, it’s essential to consult with a qualified FRCS plastic surgeon to determine the best procedure for you.

Find out if you are suitable for a Mini Facelift, a Lower Facelift or a Facelift

Contact Kensington Medical to find what facelift is best for you or to book a consultation with one of our cosmetic surgeons to discuss what facelift is right for you. They will be happy to discuss the different techniques used for facelifts and the associated costs and guide you to the best option for you.

Review our GMC Specialist Registered facelift surgeons here.

Medically Reviewed

Our experts monitor facial plastic surgery and facial treatments information and update it when it is available.

This page was medically reviewed by Mr David Gateley MA, FRCS, FRCS (Plast), Medical Director, GMC number 2939470 on 23 October 2026

Mini Facelift vs Lower Facelift vs Full Facelift: What's the Difference?