Mini Facelift in Tampa & St. Petersburg
In Clearwater and across Tampa Bay, an active and healthy lifestyle isn’t always enough to prevent the signs of aging from appearing on the face. As you progress through your 40s and 50s, skin begins to sag on your lower eyelids, cheeks, jawline, and neck.
Let double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kailash Narasimhan show you how to maintain your youthful look and elude the signs of aging with the short scar facelift, often called a mini facelift surgery, in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Dr. Narasimhan values your appearance as much as you do. He understands how much having a youthful face can boost your self-confidence. To learn more, request a consultation at Dr. Narasimhan’s office in the St. Anthony’s Outpatient Medical Center on Carillon Parkway.
Most everyone has heard of a facelift, but you might not have heard of the “short scar” technique.
There are many names for this procedure, including:
No matter what you call it, the short scar facelift is a quicker, less invasive procedure and a more affordable way to erase years from your facial appearance, featuring shorter incisions and less downtime compared to a traditional facelift. It addresses sagging skin and tissue in the lower face and jowls, providing a smoother, firmer lower face and more youthful appearance without extensive incisions or a long recovery.
What Is the Difference Between a Facelift and a Mini Facelift?
While both procedures rejuvenate the lower face, there are some important differences, including:
Mini Facelift
Full Facelift
During a one- to two-hour procedure under sedation or light anesthesia, Dr. Narasimhan makes small incisions around the ears. He lifts soft tissue and underlying muscle, trims excess skin, and re-drapes for smooth contours. Incisions are closed discreetly. You’ll go home the same day with recovery advice and a supportive plan.
Mini facelifts primarily tighten sagging jawlines and jowls, soften marionette lines, and restore definition to the lower face. It’s best for early to moderate facial aging, without treating extensive mid-face or neck laxity.
The Mini Facelift focuses on the lower section of the face. This procedure lifts sagging cheeks, refines jowls, and smooths the jawline for fresher, more youthful contours.
The short scar facelift effectively restores youthful facial contours by addressing the aging process in the following way:
Because the incision is made in front of the ears and is shorter in length, there is less scarring with this surgery than with a traditional facelift. Another advantage of the short scar method is the reduced recovery time. Because it disturbs less tissue, subsequent bruising and swelling during recovery are usually reduced.
The main limitation of the short scar facelift is that it does not correct extremely loose and sagging skin on the jawline and neck. It is not designed for older patients whose skin has lost a substantial amount of elasticity. In this case, a traditional facelift and neck lift procedure should provide a more satisfying result.
Short scar facelifts are ideal for healthy individuals under 60 who want to improve the early signs of aging, such as those appearing on the cheeks, jowls, and neck. Improvements from this procedure may be further enhanced when combined with eyelid surgery, skin resurfacing, or chin and neck liposuction.
Although you will be able to walk around after this Tampa cosmetic surgery procedure, plan on resting for the first week. You can usually return to work within 10 days, compared to the 2 to 3‐week recovery period for traditional facelift surgery. It is common to experience some numbness in your face that can last from a few weeks to a few months.
Avoid vigorous activity for the first 3 to 4 weeks, including running, heavy housework, and strenuous exercise (although you should be able to go for walks and do some gentle stretching).
Results are visible as swelling decreases, typically within two weeks, with final tone and sharpness developing over several months. Effects generally last 5–7 years, provided that healthy habits and skin care are maintained.
At Narasimhan Plastic Surgery in Tampa, Dr. Kailash Narasimhan holds double board certification in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, complemented by years of experience in performing both traditional and minimally invasive facelift techniques.
His deep understanding of facial anatomy allows him to create subtle, natural-looking results that refresh your features without altering your identity.
Every mini facelift is tailored to your unique facial structure, skin elasticity, and aesthetic goals. Whether you're just beginning to notice jowling or seeking a light lift with minimal downtime, Dr. Narasimhan’s careful, hands-on approach ensures that your outcome is smooth, symmetrical, and beautifully balanced.
Dr. Narasimhan’s passion for plastic surgery is evident in his impressive credentials, which include:
American Board of Plastic Surgery and American Board of Otolaryngology (Head & Neck Surgery)
Guest faculty at internationally renowned cosmetic surgery meetings, such as the Dallas Cosmetic Symposium
Choosing facial rejuvenation can be an exciting way to enhance and rejuvenate your look. Your cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Narasimhan, will help you learn whether a short scar facelift is the right choice for you. To meet with him and get a better sense of his personable nature, artistic eye, and attention to detail, request a consultation or call the office of Narasimhan Plastic Surgery at (727) 289-7119.
The cost of a mini (short scar) facelift ranges from $8,000 to $10,000, inclusive of fees for the surgeon, anesthesia, and facility. We recommend an in-person consultation with Dr. Narasimhan to get a specific price quote.
Mini facelifts target only the lower face and jawline, utilizing smaller incisions and resulting in a quicker recovery, while a full facelift addresses deeper facial and neck tissue.
Yes, but they’re small and hidden within natural ear creases. They usually fade well over time.
Absolutely—many mini facelift patients pair it with a brow lift, eyelid surgery, or a neck lift for a more complete refresh.
Most patients resume non-strenuous work within 7–10 days and full activities by 4 weeks.
With proper care, lifting results often last 5–7 years, though aging continues naturally. Maintenance and skin care can prolong the effects.
