Mini Facelift
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Philadelphia, PA

When time and gravity begin to make their mark on the face, we look at the options to address the issues that have developed. A mini facelift can restore youthful definition to the jawline, smoothing lines, jowls, wrinkles, and creases for a refreshed, natural look.
Contents
- 1 Before and After Photos
- 2 A Less InvasiveFacial Rejuvenation
- 3 Why Choose Dr. Pontell
- 4 Bonnie’s MiniFacelift Testimonial
- 5 What Is a Mini Facelift?
- 6 Benefits of a Mini Facelift
- 7 What Does A Mini Facelift Entail?
- 8 What if a Revision Mini Facelift is Necessary?
- 9 Natural-Looking Results
- 10 Turn Back the Clock
- 11 Best Candidates for a Mini Facelift
- 12 Looking for a Mini Facelift Near You?
- 13 FAQs
Before and After Photos
A Less Invasive
Facial Rejuvenation
The mini facelift procedure addresses the signs of aging on the lower third of the face. This cosmetic procedure is popular because it uses smaller incisions around the ears that are hidden once healed. Our mini facelift technique at the Aesthetic Facial Plastic Surgery Center provides patients with the facial improvement they want through less invasive means.
Why Choose Dr. Pontell
With over 4,000 facelifts under his belt, Dr. Jonathan Pontell is one of Philadelphia’s most reputable double-board-certified facial plastic surgeons.
He has an impressive educational background, having trained at multiple prestigious institutions, including Jefferson Medical College and Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Dr. Pontell is certified by leading plastic surgery organizations, including the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. He has been the recipient of multiple awards and laurels throughout his career. Beyond that, Dr. Pontell is exceptionally patient, kind, and compassionate.
He believes every facial surgery should be individually curated to address a patient’s unique needs.
He spends considerable time talking to patients about their specific goals, which allows him to provide highly customized treatments that produce natural results and exceed expectations.
Bonnie’s MiniFacelift Testimonial
What Is a Mini Facelift?

A less invasive procedure, the mini facelift is a modified rendition of the traditional facelift. It addresses mild to moderate signs of aging, such as early jowls, wrinkles, and skin laxity on the mid-face, lower face, and neck regions.
During the procedure, Dr. Pontell creates incisions in front and behind the ears to lift your skin upward and smooth the skin in your lower face and neck regions. He also tightens the underlying SMAS muscles to help you achieve a more defined jawline.
Benefits of a Mini Facelift
Skin Tightening
Our mini facelift in Philadelphia can target the laxity of the cheeks, jawline, and neck. These patients do not have issues with a heavy, fatty neck. With a mini facelift, Dr. Pontell can tighten the underlying muscles and remove any excess skin for a firmer, more youthful facial appearance.
Minimally Invasive
The mini facelift uses fewer incisions, which leads to an easier, quicker recovery. Dr. Pontell uses fewer incisions and places them in the natural creases around the ears. Because it is less invasive, Dr. Pontell can perform the mini facelift in his office under local anesthesia.
Faster Recovery
Many patients prefer the mini facelift because it generally has a faster recovery than the traditional one. Bruising and swelling subside more quickly, and most patients can return to work in about ten days following their procedure. Some patients return to work even sooner.
Just had a mini facelift and brow lift. Doctor Pontell is a very gifted surgeon. He and his staff are wonderful people who have made this very easy for me. If you are looking for a skilled and exceptional doctor, then Doctor Pontell is it.
Dawn B.
What Does A Mini Facelift Entail?
Consultation
Before your procedure, you will meet with Dr. Pontell, and he will evaluate your facial structure, medical history, goals, and concerns. He will examine your face to determine how to create the most aesthetically pleasing outcome. Once he completely understands your goals, Dr. Pontell will advise if a mini facelift in Philadelphia is right for you.
Procedure
Since the mini facelift is less invasive, it uses fewer incisions, making it possible to perform under local anesthesia. Any incisions are placed discreetly in the hairline and natural creases. You may experience mild discomfort following your surgery, which can be controlled using oral pain medication.
Recovery
There is typically minimal postoperative bruising and swelling associated with the mini facelift. You will need to rest for one to two days after your surgery. Most patients can return to work within ten days of surgery and resume their regular physical activities after two weeks. Healing is typically rapid, with minimal visible scarring.
What if a Revision Mini Facelift is Necessary?
Some patients may want to undergo revision surgery because they were not satisfied with the initial results, whether due to an inexperienced surgeon or a recurrence of the signs of aging. Patients should wait until healing is complete – at six months to one year – before undergoing a revision procedure. Dr. Pontell can help determine if you are an ideal candidate for revision surgery.
Natural-Looking Results
A mini facelift looks perfectly natural when performed by a skilled cosmetic surgeon. Dr. Pontell will trim excess tissue and lift the skin to smooth facial lines and wrinkles, being very careful to avoid lifting or pulling so much that the face lacks mobility or appears windswept. The best plastic surgeons provide subtle results that are noticeable without ever portraying signs of cosmetic manipulation. Friends and associates will instantly notice you look youthful, but they won’t be able to tell why.
Turn Back the Clock
Mini facelifts produce long-term change; the treatment results don’t fade away or reverse after a few months. However, that longevity doesn’t mean you’ll maintain flawlessly young skin for the rest of your life. The procedure cannot stop the clock altogether; it merely turns back the hands. A mini facelift can make you look several years or a decade younger. As you continue aging, it may be another seven to ten years before your skin looks like it did before the mini facelift.
Best Candidates for a Mini Facelift
Candidates for a mini facelift must be in good health and have realistic expectations. You may qualify for a mini facelift if you have localized laxity to the lower face without a very fatty neck. Liposuction can be combined with a mini facelift to help reduce moderate excess fat cells in the neck.
I had a great experience with Dr. Pontell and his staff. I never felt rushed in his office. His office is immaculate and bright. He is a talented and skilled surgeon and has great insight into what the results will be. I had a mini facelift and upper and lower eyelids done. I saw a difference right away. Recovery was not bad at all. Explicit instructions are given for pre and postoperative care. If you have a question, you can call him anytime postoperatively. His staff is friendly and caring. I definitely recommend him.
Linda F.
Looking for a Mini Facelift Near You?
Dr. Pontell is located in the Main Line suburbs of Philadelphia and serves all the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and South Jersey. Please schedule a consultation at his state-of-the-art facility to get started on your mini facelift in Wayne, PA, today.
FAQs
What if I don’t feel comfortable using a local anesthetic for my surgery?
Some patients want to be asleep for their mini facelift, which is understandable. For these patients, we can perform their surgery using general anesthesia in a hospital or surgical center.
Is a mini facelift a good option after weight loss?
A mini facelift is an excellent option for patients who have undergone significant weight loss, whether through exercise and diet or a weight loss surgery. Most people who lose substantial weight in a short period will experience large masses of hanging or sagging skin tissue. A mini facelift removes excess skin tissue and tightens the skin to accentuate your facial contours. It also minimizes the appearance of jowls and hanging skin under the neck, giving you a more defined jawline. A mini facelift provides the cosmetic results you hoped for with weight loss.
Does a mini facelift cost the same as a traditional facelift?
The cost of a Philadelphia mini facelift is significantly lower than the cost of a traditional facelift. Dr. Pontell charges $12,500 for a mini facelift and $17,500 for a traditional facelift. If the procedure must be performed under anesthesia in a surgical center, the added fee costs between $2,000 and $2,750.
Is a mini facelift only for younger people?
Patients who opt for a mini facelift are generally in their late 30s, 40s, or early 50s. However, a mini facelift is suitable for patients of most ages who feel they are experiencing the early signs of aging: jowls, moderately sagging skin, wrinkles, and fine lines. Most cosmetic surgeons agree that you should opt for a mini facelift at this point because it can extend your youthfulness by several years or even a decade when performed at the right time.