Facelift Surgery: Deep Plane & Mini Lift Techniques

Customized Facial Rejuvenation Performed by leading Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Gerald Minniti

A facelift is one of the most effective ways to restore a youthful, refreshed appearance to the face and jawline. Rather than simply tightening skin, modern facelift surgery focuses on repositioning deeper facial structures to address sagging, volume loss, and changes caused by aging.

At his Beverly Hills plastic surgery practice, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gerald Minniti approaches facelift with precision, restraint, and respect for natural facial anatomy. The goal is not to change how you look, but to restore balance and youthful definition so you look like a refreshed version of yourself.

A Thoughtful Approach to Facelifting

There is no single “best” facelift technique for every patient. Facial aging affects each person differently, depending on skin quality, bone structure, and the depth of tissue laxity.

Dr. Minniti’s philosophy is built on selecting the right level of correction for each face. Some patients benefit from subtle tightening and contour refinement, while others require deeper structural restoration. Choosing the appropriate technique is essential for achieving natural results that age well over time.

Which Facelift Is Right for You?

Mini refresh or deep restoration? The right choice depends on your facial anatomy, degree of aging, and personal goals.

You may be a good candidate for facelift surgery if you notice:

Jowls or loss of a defined jawline
Sagging cheeks or midface descent
Deep facial folds
Loose skin or banding in the neck

Age alone does not determine candidacy. Dr. Minniti, board certified plastic surgeon, evaluates skin quality, facial structure, and expectations to determine the most appropriate surgical plan.

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The Two Pillars of Facelift Surgery

Understanding the differences between the following facelift techniques helps patients form questions and make informed decisions before and during their consultation.

Deep Plane Facelift – The Gold Standard:

A deep plane facelift addresses aging at its structural level by lifting the deeper facial tissues rather than relying on skin tension alone. This technique restores the cheeks, jawline, midface, and upper neck in a way that looks natural and holds its shape over time.

Deep plane facelifts are often ideal for patients with:

Significant facial sagging
Jowls and loss of jawline definition
Deep nasolabial folds
Advanced signs of facial aging

This approach provides the most comprehensive and long-lasting rejuvenation.

Mini Facelift – The “Weekend” Lift:

A mini facelift focuses on mild to moderate aging changes, particularly in the lower face and jawline and, to a limited degree, the upper neck. It uses shorter incisions and less extensive dissection than a full facelift. Mini facelifts may be appropriate for patients who:

Have early jowling or mild skin laxity
Want subtle improvement with shorter recovery
Are not ready for a full facelift

While results are more modest, the procedure can offer noticeable rejuvenation when performed on the right candidate.

What to Expect During Your Facelift Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Minniti takes time to understand your concerns and goals. Patients are encouraged to look in the mirror and point out exactly what they would like to improve.

A thorough evaluation of skin thickness, elasticity, hairline position, and underlying facial anatomy allows Dr. Minniti to design a customized surgical plan. Honest discussion ensures expectations are realistic and aligned with achievable results.

FAQs About Facelift Surgery in Beverly Hills

Am I a candidate for a facelift?

Any one or a combination of the following indicates you are a good candidate for facelift surgery:

Deep lines or folds that run from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth
Jowls or loss of a well-defined jaw
Deep wrinkles in the cheeks and sagging of the “highlight” area of the cheekbones
Loose skin, wrinkles, vertical cords, or excess fatty tissue in the neck

A facelift may help improve all of these problems. It cannot correct conditions like sagging eyebrows, excess skin fatty deposits in the upper and lower eyelids, or wrinkles around the mouth. Dr. Minniti will recommend other procedures to help treat those issues.

How do I prepare for facelift surgery?

Dr. Minniti’s team will provide you with detailed pre-surgery instructions. Most often you’ll be asked to:

stop smoking well in advance of surgery
avoid aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs which can increase bleeding
get a complete physical exam to be cleared for surgery
discuss any plans to lose more than 15 pounds with the doctor as they can affect surgical outcomes

What should I expect with facelift surgery?

Facelift surgery is performed in a fully accredited outpatient surgery center located in Dr. Minniti’s Beverly Hills office building. An experienced anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia so you are comfortably asleep during the procedure, while your vital signs are carefully monitored throughout surgery and recovery.

After surgery, bandages are applied and you are taken to a recovery area. Some discomfort, swelling, and tightness are expected and are typically well managed with prescribed medication and proper aftercare. Many patients are able to return home the same day, while others may benefit from an overnight stay at a supervised aftercare facility, depending on the extent of surgery and individual needs.

Will a facelift make me look unnatural?

Modern facelift techniques focus on repositioning deeper facial tissues rather than pulling the skin tight. When facelift surgery is performed on an appropriate candidate using proper technique by an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Minniti, results are designed to look natural and balanced—not tight, stretched, or overdone.

Will a facelift improve my eyes or sagging brow?

A facelift primarily addresses the lower face, jawline, and midface. It does not directly lift the eyebrows or remove excess skin from the upper or lower eyelids. However, improving facial support and contour can create a more refreshed overall appearance.

During consultation, Dr. Minniti evaluates whether combining a facelift with procedures such as eyelid surgery, brow lift surgery, or skin resurfacing would help achieve more balanced facial rejuvenation. When appropriate, combination procedures are planned carefully to maintain natural proportions and avoid overtreatment.

What is the recovery time after a facelift?

Most patients return to normal activities within two weeks, with full healing continuing over several months.

What are the risks of facelift surgery?

All surgery carries risks, including bleeding, infection, and temporary nerve changes. These are discussed thoroughly during consultation.

How much does a facelift cost in Beverly Hills?

Cost varies based on the technique used and whether additional procedures are combined. Financing options may be available, and detailed pricing is provided during consultation.

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Why Choose Dr. Minniti for Facelift Surgery in Beverly Hills?

Facelift surgery requires technical expertise, aesthetic judgment, and careful attention to detail. Dr. Gerald Minniti is a board-certified plastic surgeon known for delivering natural-looking facial rejuvenation tailored to each patient. Patients choose Dr. Minniti as their facelift surgeon because of:

Customized surgical planning
Each facelift is selected and tailored based on facial anatomy, degree of aging, and desired outcome—never a one-size-fits-all approach.
Natural, balanced results
The focus is on restoring facial harmony and definition without creating a tight or overdone appearance.
On-site, accredited surgical suite
Procedures are performed in a fully accredited outpatient surgery center conveniently located in Dr. Minniti’s Beverly Hills office building.
Board-certified anesthesia care
Surgery is supported by an experienced, board-certified anesthesiologist to ensure comfort and safety.
Seamless care from consultation through recovery
Patients are supported by a consistent clinical team that knows their treatment plan every step of the way.

Patients are encouraged to explore our gallery of facelift before-and-after photos and patient reviews to better understand real results and experiences with Dr. Minniti.

Schedule Your Facelift Consultation in Beverly Hills

If you are considering facelift surgery in Los Angeles or Beverly Hills, a personalized evaluation with Dr. Gerald Minniti is the first step. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your concerns, review potential facelift options, and receive an individualized surgical plan based on your facial anatomy and goals.

Whether you are exploring subtle refinement or more comprehensive facial rejuvenation, Dr. Minniti will help you understand what approach is best suited for you. Contact our Beverly Hills office today to schedule your facelift consultation and take the next step toward natural, confident results.

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