Facelift Surgery: Deep Plane & Mini Lift Techniques in Beverly Hills

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.

Women who lift their nasolabial folds to see facelift results

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, a board-certified plastic surgeon, evaluates skin quality, facial structure, and expectations to determine the most appropriate surgical plan.

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. Click here to learn what to expect in recovery day by day.

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.

Should I choose a facelift or dermal fillers for facial rejuvenation?

The right choice depends on your goals, age, and the level of correction you’re looking for. Dermal fillers are a non-surgical option that can restore volume and smooth lines with minimal downtime, while a facelift provides more comprehensive, long-lasting results by addressing sagging skin and deeper structural concerns. To better understand which option is right for you, read our full guide.

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.

Related Procedures

Brow Lift

Brow lift improves the appearance of the forehead by smoothing wrinkles and reducing the fullness in the upper eyelid.

Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery improves the appearance of either the upper, lower, or both eyelids.

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a “nose job”, is a corrective nose surgery that enhances a nose’s shape and/or function.

Before & Afters

Patient Gallery

facelift before and after photo by Dr Gerald Minniti
facelift revision browlift revision before and after photo by Dr Gerald Minniti
Explore facelift transformation results from patients treated by Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS in Beverly Hills. These before and after photos highlight Dr. Minniti’s ability to restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance while maintaining natural-looking facial balance.
facelift browlift neck lift quad bleph before and after photo by Dr Gerald Minniti

Testimonials

What our great patients say about Dr. Minniti

K G profile picture
K G
May 14, 2025
Dr. Minniti and his staff are the most awesome people. I have had several surgeries with Dr. Minniti dating back over 10 years and he is the only Doctor I trust to do my procedures. Dr. Minitti has exceptional talent. He is an outstanding surgeon and a very caring person. His work is excellent! Rio, the office manager, is an absolute gem, and all of the staff are so nice. If I could give more stars in this rating, I would. I highly recommend Dr. Minniti to anyone and everyone.
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Lanessa
May 13, 2025
If I could give more stars I would! Dr Minniti’s office has a very welcoming atmosphere to make anyone feel comfortable about any procedure they want done. Ariana was my coordinator and she made everything super simple and easy to follow. I had a breast augmentation with Dr. Minniti about two years ago and it was the BEST decision I ever made. BELIEVE THE HYPE AROUND DR. MINNITI. He answered any and all my questions and helped to make me feel at ease since this was my first ever cosmetic procedure. His work is truly amazing, I opted for a bigger size of implants but Dr Minniti’s work is amazing people tell me that my breasts look so natural! If you’re considering a breast augmentation look no further and book with him!
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Blackhorse K
April 29, 2025
Wow!! Great consult with Dr Minniti. He was so thorough and patient. Huge attention to detail and an amazing bedside manner! Straightforward and kind.
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alycia Tyre
April 17, 2025
Got my first breast augmentation with Dr.Minniti in 2018 and absolutely LOVED my results and ended up going back to him three more times for more work on myself! I also got lipo 360 with a BBL and lipo on my arms with skin tightening and could not be more happier. He is so knowledgeable and spectacular at what he does! I love how honest he is and technical. His work is so beautiful and I get so many compliments, makes me just want to keep coming back aha!
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Luz Resto
April 17, 2025
Dr. Minniti and his staff are absolutely amazing!! They helped me with all my questions throughout the entire process (before and after my procedure) and made me feel very comfortable. I had a tummy tuck, 360 lipo and fat transfer. My results exceeded my expectations!! Dr. Minniti truly takes pride in his work. I highly recommend Dr. Minniti.
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rebecca
January 3, 2025
Exceptional Care and Expertise Dr. Minniti performed a reconstructive surgery on my right breast in July 2024, and I cannot express enough gratitude for his skill and compassion. I had a history of breast surgeries with other plastic surgeons, some of which led to scary complications. Not only did I need my right breast repaired due to bottoming out, requiring an internal bra and capsulorrhaphy, but I also carried a lot of fear from previous, traumatizing experiences. Dr. Minniti not only addressed my physical concerns with precision and expertise, but he also provided unparalleled compassion and understanding throughout the entire process. He truly listened to my concerns, made me feel heard, and eased my fears every step of the way. The results exceeded my expectations, and I feel whole again, both physically and emotionally. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Minniti to anyone seeking a plastic surgeon who is not only highly skilled but also genuinely cares about their patients. He has truly been a life-changing presence in my journey, and I am forever grateful.
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Lindsay Rupp
December 5, 2024
Dr. Minniti has been my Dr for years and I continue to be amazed by his precision and attention to detail with every procedure. He is known for his natural esthetic that has patients looking refreshed versus having had work done. He analyzes and evaluates every area to ensure a symmetrical and flawless approach. The amount of friends and acquaintances I’ve referred him are countless. Dr. Minniti’s pristine craftsmanship speaks for itself and people constantly approach me asking my skin care or beauty routine and the truth is - it’s Dr. Minniti. He’s the ultimate guru for plastic surgery and procedures like Botox and Fillers.
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Priscila Bittencourt
November 23, 2024
Amazing experience with Dr. Minniti on my scar revision. Thank you so much!!

Thinking

About a Facelift?

Explore expert insights from Dr. Gerald Minniti, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, on facelift techniques, recovery, and achieving natural-looking results. Our curated blog content covers everything from surgical advancements to what you can expect before and after your procedure, helping you make informed, confident decisions about facial rejuvenation in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles.