Established 2005Guided by your goals. Informed by our experience. Achieved together.
Cosmetic SurgeryMini Facelift (MACS) — Minimal-Incision Facial Rejuvenation
Performed by Dr Tony Prochazka, Cosmetic Doctor, at Aesthetica Image Centre in Armadale, Melbourne, at Chelsea Day Hospital or Cremorne Private Day Hospital. A smaller-incision surgical option for earlier signs of facial ageing, with a shorter recovery than a full facelift.
Medically reviewed by Dr Tony Prochazka, Cosmetic Doctor — Last updated 13 August 2026
Mini Facelift (MACS)
May not be suitable if you have significant neck laxity or more advanced facial ageing — a full facelift may be more appropriate in these cases, and this will be discussed openly during your consultation.
At Aesthetica Image Centre in Armadale, Melbourne, we offer the MACS (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension) facelift — a smaller-incision surgical option for patients noticing earlier signs of facial ageing, who aren't yet seeking the more extensive repositioning of a full facelift.
This surgery is performed by Dr Tony Prochazka, Cosmetic Doctor, with over 25 years' experience, at our Armadale clinic — convenient for patients across Malvern, Toorak, Prahran, South Yarra and greater Melbourne.
A mini facelift is a genuine surgical procedure, not a shortcut.
It uses smaller incisions to support the midface and jawline, with less tissue disruption than a full facelift — which is why recovery is typically shorter, but why it's also better suited to earlier-stage ageing than more advanced laxity. Depending on your anatomy, suspension sutures may be used to help reposition tissue.
What Does a Mini Facelift Address?
A MACS facelift is designed to address earlier, more limited signs of lower face ageing — before changes become advanced enough to require the more comprehensive repositioning of a full facelift.
- Early jowling
- Softening of the jawline
- Mild to moderate midface laxity
- Early nasolabial fold deepening
A mini facelift does not typically address significant neck laxity — where this is a primary concern, a full facelift or a combined procedure may be more appropriate.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
- Noticing earlier signs of jowling or jawline softening, rather than advanced laxity
- Have good skin elasticity, with the change being primarily positional rather than excess skin
- Want a shorter recovery than a full facelift
- Generally in good health and able to undergo surgery
- Have realistic expectations about the more limited scope of correction compared to a full facelift
Your Consultation
Your journey begins with a personal consultation at Aesthetica Image Centre in Armadale, Melbourne. At your initial consultation, we will:
- Discuss your medical history and any current concerns
- Examine your facial anatomy, skin quality and degree of laxity
- Explain whether a mini facelift, full facelift, or a non-surgical option may be most appropriate
- Provide details about anaesthesia, recovery and expected outcomes
- Offer a written quote covering surgical, anaesthetic and hospital facility fees
Under current AHPRA guidelines for cosmetic surgery, a valid referral is required before your consultation, and a minimum seven-day cooling-off period applies between your consultation and booking a surgical date. As part of this process, all patients are screened for underlying psychological factors, including body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), to help ensure surgery is the right and safe choice for you.
The Procedure
Every mini facelift is planned around your individual anatomy — there's no single fixed approach. Broadly, the procedure involves:
- A pre-operative discussion confirming your treatment plan, anaesthesia approach and any final questions
- Anaesthesia, generally general anaesthesia, though this depends on individual circumstances and is confirmed with you beforehand
- Smaller incisions, typically positioned around the hairline and ear, planned to be as discreet as possible
- Suspension sutures may be used, depending on your anatomy, to help support and reposition midface and jawline tissue
- The procedure is performed at Chelsea Day Hospital or Cremorne Private Day Hospital
- Most patients return home the same day
Because the approach is tailored to your anatomy, the exact technique, incision placement and duration will be confirmed with you during consultation, not before.
Risks & Possible Complications
All surgical procedures carry risks. A detailed discussion of risks, benefits and alternatives forms part of your consultation.
- Bleeding or haematoma formation
- Infection
- Temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation
- Visible or unfavourable scarring
- Asymmetry
- Under-correction relative to expectations, given the more limited scope of the procedure
- The need for further procedures over time
Mini Facelift Aftercare
Recovery is typically shorter than a full facelift, but still requires structured aftercare. This may include:
- Personalised post-operative care plans
- Scheduled clinical reviews and follow-up appointments
- 24-hour access to medical support
- LED light therapy to assist healing, where clinically appropriate
Most patients require around a week away from work and social activities, with more strenuous activity restricted for longer. Learn more about our structured Surgical Aftercare programme →
This is a general guide only. Recovery, results and timing vary between individuals — your surgeon will provide guidance specific to your procedure and healing.
Why Close Monitoring Matters
Every face heals differently, and no two recovery journeys look exactly the same. Rather than a one-size-fits-all checklist, your aftercare is built around staying closely connected to how you're healing, day by day.
Concerns that arise during recovery — whether it's swelling that seems more pronounced than expected, a question about a particular sensation, or simply reassurance that things are progressing normally — are addressed as they happen, not left until a scheduled follow-up weeks later.
Scheduled clinical reviews are paired with 24-hour access to medical support, so that if something does need attention, it can be assessed and managed early — when it's most straightforward to do so — rather than after it's had time to progress.
This is the difference between aftercare as a formality, and aftercare as an active part of your recovery.
Dr Tony and the team stay closely involved throughout your healing, adjusting guidance to your individual progress rather than applying the same timeline to every patient.
Mini Facelift Before & After
We believe in realistic and transparent communication. During your consultation, we can show you educational before and after photos to help you understand what may be achievable for your unique features.
Individual results will vary. A second opinion from a qualified health practitioner is recommended.
Your Mini Facelift Team
Dr Tony Prochazka
MBBS (Melb), FACCSM (Med), FCPCA · AHPRA MED0001181976More than 20 years' experience performing aesthetic and facial procedures, including mini and full facelift surgery.
Kathryn Coen
BAppSc (Dermal Sciences), Victoria University · ASDC-RegisteredSpecialises in ageing and sun-damaged skin, acne and scarring. Highly experienced in non-surgical facial rejuvenation.
Ask Julie
Not sure whether a mini facelift, full facelift, or a non-surgical option is right for you? I'm Julie Bates, Aesthetica's Patient Care Coordinator. Our online chat is answered by our friendly staff — no AI, no call centre — so you're always talking to a real person, at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
A mini facelift uses smaller incisions to address earlier, more limited lower face laxity, while a full facelift involves more comprehensive repositioning of underlying tissue and may also address the neck. The most appropriate approach depends on your anatomy and the extent of change you're noticing, assessed during consultation.
Cost is typically less than a full facelift, and depends on complexity, anaesthesia requirements and hospital facility fees. A detailed written estimate is provided following consultation, once the most appropriate approach has been determined for your anatomy and goals.
It's generally performed under general anaesthesia, though local anaesthetic with sedation may be considered in select cases. Your anaesthesia approach will be discussed and confirmed during consultation.
Most patients require around a week away from work and social activities — typically shorter than recovery from a full facelift. Swelling and bruising are common in the first few days and gradually improve.
Typically several years, though generally less durable than a full facelift given the smaller area addressed. Individual ageing patterns, skin quality and lifestyle factors also influence how long results last.
Good candidates are generally noticing earlier signs of jowling or jawline softening, rather than advanced laxity or significant neck concerns. Not everyone who enquires is suited to a mini facelift — in some cases a full facelift or a non-surgical option may be more appropriate, discussed during consultation.
Yes — it's often combined with other procedures such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or fat transfer, depending on your individual anatomy and goals. Combined procedures are discussed during consultation.
Mini Facelift vs. Full Facelift
Both are genuine surgical procedures — the right choice depends on the extent of your facial ageing, not which sounds more appealing.
| Factor | Mini Facelift (MACS) | Full Facelift |
|---|---|---|
| Incision Size | Smaller, more limited incisions | More extensive incisions for comprehensive access |
| Tissue Repositioning | Vertical suspension of midface and jawline tissue | Comprehensive repositioning of SMAS and deeper structures |
| Neck Treatment | Not typically addressed | Can be addressed, often combined with neck lift |
| Anaesthesia | Often local with sedation | Usually general anaesthesia |
| Recovery | Around 1 week | 1–2 weeks, sometimes longer |
| Results Longevity | Several years | Typically 10 years or more |
The most appropriate approach is determined during consultation, based on your anatomy, degree of tissue change and goals — not a fixed rule. Read more about full facelift surgery →
Explore Your Other Options
A mini facelift isn't the only option for earlier signs of facial ageing. Depending on your goals, one of these may also be worth discussing:
Full Facelift
For more advanced laxity, including the neck, where more comprehensive repositioning is needed.
Explore Full Facelift →Ultherapy
A non-surgical option using focused ultrasound to support gradual tightening without incisions or downtime.
Explore Ultherapy →Thread Lift
A minimally invasive option that may provide subtle lifting in selected patients.
Explore Thread Lift →RF Skin Tightening
May support skin quality and early changes in firmness, without surgery.
Explore RF Skin Tightening →
There are numerous treatments for skin care and rejuvenation, all working at different depths. Devices and operator experience can also play a role in results.
Compare surgical vs. non-surgical facial rejuvenation in detail →
Where a Mini Facelift Fits in Your Journey
These treatments aren't required steps toward one another — depending on your goals and expectations, a mini facelift may be a suitable option on its own, a step up from non-surgical treatments, or a step before a full facelift becomes appropriate.
Indicative starting prices only — a personalised quote is provided following consultation.
Why Aesthetica Image Centre
We take the time to truly listen. Our patients often tell us they value our:
- Warm, caring and empathetic approach
- Honest guidance on whether a mini facelift, full facelift, or non-surgical option best suits your goals
- Thoughtful, unrushed consultations
- More than 20 years of experience in cosmetic procedures, both surgical and non-surgical
- Convenient location in Armadale, close to Malvern, Toorak and Prahran
- Personalised aftercare and support throughout your journey
Book Your Complimentary Appointment
If you'd like to discuss whether a mini facelift is right for you, we invite you to book a complimentary consultation with our patient care team — without pressure or obligation.
Book Your Appointment OnlineAesthetica Image Centre, 4 Northcote Road, Armadale VIC 3143. Full contact details and opening hours are below.
Get in touch
Consultations are available in person or by phone, and range from complimentary to $250.
Our Address
Aesthetica Image Centre
4 Northcote Road
Armadale VIC 3143
Call or text
(03) 9824 6134 or 0409 149 521
Online Chat
Ask Julie, reply to your online chat, no AI or call centre.
We look forward to your enquiry.
Since 2005, Aesthetica Image Centre has provided facial rejuvenation, aesthetic surgery and skin treatments to patients throughout Melbourne and Victoria.