Mini Facelift Surgery Antalya

Superficial SMAS and Subcutaneous Fat

The mini facelift addresses the superficial SMAS and overlying fat of the lower face. Suspension sutures or limited SMAS plication reposition these tissues to restore jawline definition.

Jowl Region

Descended tissue accumulating along and below the mandibular border (jowling) is the primary target. Repositioning this tissue restores the mandibular contour.

Pre-auricular Area

The short scar runs within or just anterior to the ear — carefully placed so it heals inconspicuously and is easily concealed by hair or the ear itself.

Lower Face Skin Laxity

Excess skin of the lower cheek and pre-auricular zone is trimmed with minimal tension after tissue repositioning — allowing smooth, natural skin redrapage.

Facial Nerve Branches (Protected)

Even in limited dissections, facial nerve branch awareness — particularly the buccal and marginal mandibular branches — is essential for safe surgery.

Marionette and Mouth Corner Area

Early marionette lines and downturning of the mouth corners are improved as lower face tissues are repositioned superolaterally.

S-Lift (Short Scar Facelift)

An S-shaped incision placed in front of the ear allows access to the lower face SMAS. The SMAS is plicated and the skin is re-draped. The S-Lift is a well-validated short-scar technique suited to early jowling and lower face descent.

MACS Lift (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension)

Purse-string suspension sutures placed through a short pre-auricular incision gather and lift lower face and midface tissues. The MACS technique is minimally invasive, fast, and offers reliable short-scar lower face rejuvenation with a relatively short learning curve.

Short-Scar + Platysma Component

When mild platysma banding or early neck laxity accompanies lower face ageing, a limited platysma correction via the submental approach can be added to the short-scar technique — expanding the result without significantly extending the incision.

Early Jowling

Soft tissue accumulation along the jawline — the earliest and most common sign of lower face ageing — is the primary indication and the procedure's strongest correction.

Blurred Jawline Definition

Loss of crisp mandibular contour is restored as descended lower face tissue is repositioned above the jawline boundary.

Early Marionette Lines

Mild to moderate lines extending from the mouth corners downward are improved as the lower facial envelope is elevated.

Lower Face Skin Laxity

Loose cheek and pre-jowl skin is trimmed following tissue repositioning, restoring a smooth, firmer lower facial contour.

Mild Neck Laxity (with addition)

When combined with a limited platysma approach, early neck laxity can be addressed — keeping the procedure short-scar while expanding the rejuvenation zone.

Downturned Mouth Corners

Superolateral repositioning of lower face tissues can subtly improve the downward turn of the oral commissures associated with soft tissue descent.

Stage 1 — Detailed Assessment and Technique Selection

The degree of jowling, jawline blurring, neck laxity, skin quality and overall facial ageing pattern are assessed. The decision between S-Lift, MACS, or short-scar with platysma component is made based on findings — ensuring the procedure matches the problem, not the preference.

Stage 2 — Anaesthesia

General anaesthesia or deep sedation. Local anaesthetic with epinephrine is infiltrated for haemostasis and patient comfort. Many mini facelift procedures can be completed within 2–3 hours.

Stage 3 — Short Incision and Limited Flap Elevation

The pre-auricular incision (S-shaped or vertical) is made within natural skin lines. A limited subcutaneous flap is elevated over the jowl and lower cheek area — sufficient to access the superficial SMAS without extensive dissection.

Stage 4 — SMAS Plication / Suspension and Skin Trimming

The superficial SMAS is plicated (S-Lift) or suspended with purse-string sutures (MACS) in a superolateral direction. Excess skin is trimmed with minimal tension and the incision is closed meticulously.

Stage 5 — Compression Bandage and Discharge

A light compression bandage is applied. Many mini facelift patients are discharged the same day or after one overnight stay. Post-operative care instructions are provided in detail.

Early to Moderate Lower Face Ageing

Jowling and jawline blurring are present but significant neck or upper face ageing has not yet developed. Typically 35–55 years of age, though age alone is not the criterion.

Minimal to Moderate Skin Laxity

Good skin elasticity and limited excess skin volume allow short-scar techniques to achieve satisfactory redrapage without over-pulling or skin bunching.

Preference for Faster Recovery

Patients who need to return to professional or social life within 7–10 days benefit from the shorter-scar, less-invasive approach.

Good General Health

Fitness for anaesthesia and surgery. Blood thinners discontinued pre-operatively. No uncontrolled medical conditions that would impair healing.

Non-Smoker

Smoking impairs skin circulation and must be stopped at least 4–6 weeks before and after surgery. Short-scar skin flaps are particularly vulnerable to ischaemia.

Realistic Expectations

A mini facelift rejuvenates — it does not reverse significant or advanced ageing. Understanding what a limited procedure can and cannot achieve is essential for satisfaction.

Shorter Incisions, Less Visible Scarring

The pre-auricular scar is significantly shorter than a full facelift incision and heals inconspicuously within the natural ear contour.

Faster Recovery

Social return in 7–10 days versus 10–14 days for a full facelift. Less swelling, less bruising, and a more manageable recovery for active patients.

Lower Procedural Risk

Shorter anaesthesia time and more limited dissection reduce overall risk compared to a comprehensive SMAS facelift.

Targeted Correction

For early ageing confined to the lower face, a mini facelift delivers precise correction without over-treating areas that haven't yet aged significantly.

Compatible with Future Full Facelift

A mini facelift does not preclude a full SMAS facelift in the future. It "buys time" gracefully and a comprehensive procedure can be planned when the degree of ageing warrants it.

Natural Outcome

Repositioning tissue rather than simply pulling skin produces a refreshed, natural look — appropriate for the early stage of ageing where subtle improvement is the goal.

Temporal Lift

A temporal lift addresses lateral brow position and temple soft tissue — complementing the lower face focus of the mini facelift for balanced rejuvenation. Temporal Lift →

Brow Lift

Mini facelift addresses the lower face; brow lift corrects the upper face — together they cover both zones without the full commitment of an all-in-one facelift. Brow Lift →

Facial Fat Transfer

Volume restoration with autologous fat addresses the hollowing that accompanies early ageing — partnering perfectly with structural lifting. Fat Transfer →

Submental Liposuction

Chin and sub-chin fat removal can be added to further refine the jawline and cervicomental angle alongside mini facelift lifting. Submental Lipo →

EBOPRAS Certification

European Board certification in plastic surgery — confirming the highest standards of training, competence and patient safety.

ISAPS Membership

Active membership in the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery — evidence of ongoing engagement with the global facelift surgery community.

Right Procedure for the Right Patient

Op. Dr. Urhan does not apply a one-size-fits-all approach. He recommends a mini facelift when it is genuinely the most appropriate choice — and a full facelift when the degree of ageing demands it.

Multiple Short-Scar Techniques

S-Lift, MACS and variations with platysma component are all available — technique matched to anatomy, not the surgeon's preference.

International Patient Experience — Muratpaşa, Antalya

Video consultation, multilingual coordination, accommodation guidance and remote post-op check-ups — a complete, supported experience for patients travelling to Antalya.

Honest Consultation

If a mini facelift will not achieve the desired result, this will be stated clearly and alternatives presented — patient outcomes, not procedure volume, drive the approach.

Suture Loosening (MACS)

Purse-string suspension sutures may loosen if under excessive tension. Correct technique selection and patient matching minimise this risk.

Limited Scope

A mini facelift does not adequately treat heavy neck laxity or advanced SMAS descent. Choosing a mini facelift for a patient requiring a full procedure leads to under-correction.

Haematoma

Blood collection under the skin flap. Same risk as full facelift; managed with drainage if needed. Pre-operative blood thinner cessation is important.

Skin Bunching or Puckering

Short-scar approaches must gather more tissue per centimetre of incision; if technique or patient selection is suboptimal, temporary bunching can occur near the incision ends.

Temporary Nerve Sensitivity

Tingling or altered sensation near the incision and lower face. Typically resolves within weeks to months.

Earlier Result Duration vs Full Facelift

Mini facelift results typically last 4–7 years vs 7–12 for a full SMAS facelift. This trade-off is acceptable for early-stage ageing where the procedure is indicated.