Refresh and Rejuvenate With Less Downtime
As we age, the skin naturally begins to lose its elasticity, and muscle tone can be lost. When this occurs around the lower and middle part of the face, the creation of what we know as “jowls” can occur. Want to get rid of the droop in your face? One way to correct this is with a mini facelift, which has become a popular alternative to the more invasive full facelift procedure. In Manhattan, New York, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Rizk has performed countless mini facelifts that produce beautiful results.
What Is a Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift1 can improve the appearance of the lines that extend from the nose to the mouth (sometimes known as nasolabial laxity), as well as the sagging cheeks that can appear with age. In most cases, it involves a smaller incision around the ear that does not extend behind the ear or into the posterior hairline. The mini facelift also involves lifting the deep-dropping muscles of the face which is important for a natural unpulled appearance. When performed as a standalone procedure, a mini facelift can sometimes be done endoscopically or through the lower eyelid.
Many people opt for a mini facelift because it is less invasive than a regular or deep plane facelift, along with having fewer risks and less downtime. However, the results of a mini facelift are not as dramatic as a full facelift2, which is something to consider before deciding which facial procedure is right for you.
Results: Mini Facelift Before and After
Despite not benefitting from the ‘dramatic’ results of a full facelift, the mini facelift can provide a subtle yet natural and reinvigorated look, reflecting your vibrant and youthful inner self.
*Results may vary.
See More Real ResultsA Quick Guide to Mini Facelift New York
Are You a Candidate?
Patients in New York City who opt for mini facelifts are often either younger or older than those who undergo full facelifts. People in their 40s, or even 30s, may choose to have a mini facelift to correct jowls, lines or sagging cheeks, while those in their 70s or 80s benefit from a significant improvement with a shorter operative time and more rapid recovery than a traditional facelift.
Candidates for mini facelift New York will also need to be in good health, and have realistic expectations for the results of their procedure.
Recovery and Benefits
Sometimes referred to as the “weekend facelift”3, the main benefit of the mini facelift, aside from pleasing aesthetic results, is its quicker procedure time, alongside a much shorter downtime. In most cases, patients may expect a healing period of just a few days, minimal pain, and no exercise or strenuous activity for 2 weeks.
Some patients may also opt to combine their mini facelift with other aesthetic procedures, such as eyelid rejuvenation or rhinoplasty.
Possible Risks and Side Effects
Dr. Rizk provides comprehensive instructions both before and after surgery to minimize any possible side effects, which can include:
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Infection
- Scarring
Dr. Rizk has extensive experience performing facial procedures, and tailors his surgeries to each patient, as well as informing of the potential risks and side effects of surgery during consultation.
Choose Dr. Rizk | Best Mini Facelift New York Is Raving About
An internationally-renowned facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Rizk is meticulous when it comes to evaluating a patient’s needs and recommending the best procedures for them to help meet their health and aesthetic goals.
Dr. Rizk’s mini facelift technique includes the use of an endoscopic high definition visualization system, which allows for smaller incisions, enhanced recovery time4, and precise results – meaning his NYC patients benefit from appealing results with minimal downtime.
Dr. Rizk in the Media
Dr. Rizk was voted by his peers as a Top Doctor in 2025 – For the 21th consecutive year!
Connolly Best Doctor
Dr. Rizk featured in Town & Country Magazine as one of the masters of the subtle lift and tweak that will turn back time
Voted by peers to New York Magazine's 2013 Top Doctors
New Advances in Facelifting Techniques by Dr. Sam Rizk
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a facelift and a mini facelift?
The main differences between a traditional facelift and a mini facelift are the parts of the face that are tightened and rejuvenated, as well as the extent of surgical incisions required.
The full facelift typically focuses on the bottom two-thirds of the face and neck, while the mini facelift generally only focuses on the bottom third of the face. However, with the help of a skilled surgeon like Dr. Rizk, both options address the concerns of aging, and both produce dramatic, natural-looking and youthful results.
How much does a mini facelift cost NYC?
No two procedures are ever identical, as every surgery is tailored to each patient’s needs and goals. Thus, the mini facelift cost may differ. During your consultation, Dr. Rizk will discuss pricing in full and payment options, allowing you to make an informed decision on your potential procedure.
How long does a mini facelift last?
By following recovery instructions and keeping in good health, patients can expect their mini facelift to last up to, and in some cases, over 10 years, depending on the extent of the lift and their starting point.
Will I have scars from my mini facelift?
Dr. Rizk’s advanced surgical technique means many of the incisions made during his procedures are disguised within the hairline of natural folds of the face or neck, and practically invisible once healed.
Awards & Certifications
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Written Patient Testimonials
Excellent at what he does and focuses solely on certain parts of the face such as the nose and only minimally invasive facelifts. I will say he’s not know for being the cheapest in price when you have a city full of choices but far worth it when it comes to going under for your face. I recommend him highly and his staff highly. He’s truly an expert and artist and his work is eveident.
-A Haddad
When I walked into the office it was so beautiful and calming. Everyone was kind and so helpful. When I met Dr. Rizk I knew he was the doctor for me. He is so gifted . His hands are magical. He changed my life. People tell me I look so many years younger . He will be my Doctor forever! When he becomes your doctor you will as thrilled as I am.Most of all aside from being a great surgeon he is a great human being . love you Dr.Risk!!!
-Sandra
Dr Rizk is not only a wizard of facial surgery but he is also surprisingly (especially for Park Avenue) full of personality, down to earth and so wonderfully compassionate and warm. I truly don’t think that I would have had the guts to have the facial surgery that I had done with anybody else. I felt like I was in the very best hands possible! His entire staff was very professional and so lovely as well. I came to Dr Rizk because at 52 yrs old, I had an aging, sagging neck with little jawline definition and jowls. Originally, I was looking for a much less invasive solution. My best friend on the other hand, decided to have her face/neck lift plus rhinoplasty done with him Dr Rizk. At first I thought she was crazy to go to such extremes as to have a facelift, on Park Avenue no less, but then when I saw her results, I was floored and booked a consult! During my initial consultation Dr Rizk suggested that I do more work than I initially considered (brow lift and rhinoplasty on top of neck and deep plane facelift) in order to achieve the very best results. I was very hesitant to do so much and all at once and I took some time to think about it but in the end I decided to just go for it! I usually don’t have such blind trust in almost anyone, but in this case I knew I was dealing with a genius. Needless to say, the outcome has been just mind boggling!! It’s like a magic wand has erased over a dozen tired years from every inch of my face and neck and I look like a much fresher, prettier version of myself. I am currently 6 weeks past the procedure and all in all, it’s been a pretty positive post surgery process. No real pain, just different levels of discomfort (and nervousness). Each day it just gets better and better. I feel so very grateful for having found Dr Rizk and for the opportunity of having such a talented magician/surgeon do what he did for me! I can’t wait for my next follow up visit with him. He is always in a happy mood and loves to talk passionately about the intricate details of my surgery while I do my best to follow along 😉 The anatomy of the face and neck is not my specialty but its always fun to hear the enthusaism in his voice about my surgery and it’s outcome. He is almost as passionate and amazed at the results as I am!
-IRIS SHAMUS
References
1 Everything You Need to Know About a Mini Facelift. Available: https://www.healthline.com/health/mini-face-lift.
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Facelift. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/facelift.
3 FACELIFT, MINI FACELIFT, & NECK LIFT. Facelift Recovery Time. Available: https://healthcare.utah.edu/plastic-surgery/facial/facelift-midlift-necklift.
4 What is a Weekend Facelift?. Available: https://www.realself.com/question/what-is-a-weekend-facelift.
By Dr. Sam S. Rizk, M.D., FACS.
Dr. Rizk is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty surgery and a recognized expert on the latest advances in facial plastic surgery techniques. He performs a range of facial plastic surgeries at his New York practice.