A mini facelift can deliver the youthful, natural results many people are looking for, without the extensive downtime of a traditional procedure. California is home to some of the world’s most skilled and innovative surgeons, making it an ideal place to explore your options.
What Makes a Mini Facelift Different?
A mini facelift is not the same as a traditional facelift, and that is exactly why it appeals to so many people. Instead of addressing the entire face, a mini facelift lifts and tightens the lower half of the face, focusing on the jawline and cheeks. The procedure uses smaller incisions, which means less scarring, reduced swelling and a shorter recovery time than a full facelift. Many patients choose it because it provides natural-looking results without the extensive downtime.
Another key difference is the degree of change. A traditional facelift is often best for those with significant skin laxity and deeper wrinkles, while a mini facelift is ideal for people showing earlier signs of aging. It offers a refreshed, youthful appearance without drastically altering facial features. Because it is less invasive, surgeons often perform the procedure under local anesthesia, making it safer for many patients.
California’s Top Facelift Surgeons
Choosing the right surgeon is the most important step in your mini facelift journey. These specialists represent some of the top facelift surgeons in California, each with a reliable approach to delivering natural, lasting results.
1. Dr. David Lieberman — L&P Aesthetics
Dr. David Lieberman is a double-board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at L&P Aesthetics, which has offices in Palo Alto and Los Gatos. He leads L&P Aesthetics alongside Dr. Sachin Parikh and specializes in the signature L&P facelift and neck lift, achieving remarkably natural and refined outcomes.
Dr. Lieberman graduated with honors in neuroscience at Stanford and received top academic awards at Cornell Medical College, surgical training at Stanford and a competitive fellowship under Dr. Vito Quatela. He earned the Jack R. Anderson Prize for scoring highest in the nation on the AAFPRS board exam and received recognition in Newsweek’s America’s Best Rhinoplasty Surgeons 2024 list.
Key Features:
- Double-board-certified with advanced fellowship training under renowned mentors
- Signature L&P technique emphasizes natural, effortless results
- Accessible locations in Palo Alto and Los Gatos
- Prestigious academic and examination accolades demonstrating surgical excellence
2. Dr. Kevin Sadati
Located in Newport Beach, Dr. Kevin Sadati has completed over 5,000 facelifts and has nearly two decades of experience in facial plastic surgery. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon, trained sculptor and painter — an artistic foundation that guides his signature Natural Facelift, known formally as the Double C Plication or Preservation Facelift. This technique tightens deep facial muscle layers in a gradual, natural way for timeless results.
The procedure typically uses only local anesthesia and twilight sedation in a fully accredited surgical suite, reducing risk and downtime. Dr. Sadati’s practice exudes artistry and luxury, fitting for the patient experience he provides.
Key Features:
- Natural Facelift technique for graceful rejuvenation
- Artistic foundation informs subtle, harmonious results
- Local anesthesia and twilight sedation in an AAAHC-accredited facility
- High volume of successful outcomes and widespread patient praise
3. Dr. Robert Singer — Prime Plastic Surgery
Dr. Robert Singer at Prime Plastic Surgery is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than three decades of experience in cosmetic surgery. Based in La Jolla, San Diego, he is internationally recognized as a leader in the field, having served as the president of the Aesthetic Society and held leadership roles in several other professional organizations. His long-standing commitment to advancing safety and standards in plastic surgery has earned him respect from patients and peers worldwide.
Dr. Singer’s mini facelifts rejuvenate the mid- to lower face with subtlety and precision. He focuses on tightening the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS) and carefully redraping the skin to achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results. Patients appreciate his personalized approach, as he takes the time to understand individual goals and create customized surgical plans. Through his wealth of experience and dedication to patient safety, Dr. Singer provides unmatched trust and assurance.
Key Features:
- Over 30 years of experience with international recognition
- Former president of the Aesthetic Society and active leader in the field
- Operates in a fully accredited La Jolla surgical center
- Focus on natural, balanced results with safety as the top priority
4. Dr. Leslie Stevens — The Lasky Clinic
Dr. Leslie Stevens is a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing at The Lasky Clinic in Beverly Hills, one of Southern California’s most established and exclusive surgical centers. With over 25 years of experience, he has built a reputation on helping patients look refreshed without losing their natural character.
His mini facelift technique addresses early sagging in the lower face and jowls using short incisions hidden along the hairline and around the ears. By carefully repositioning underlying tissue and tightening skin, he achieves a smoother, more youthful contour. Because Dr. Stevens’ mini facelifts are less invasive than traditional facelifts, patients typically return to social activities within two weeks. He provides surgical excellence and a discreet, high-end environment that appeals to patients who value privacy.
Key Features:
- Over 25 years of experience in facial rejuvenation
- Performs mini facelifts at the renowned Lasky Clinic in Beverly Hills
- Subtle repositioning of facial tissue for natural-looking results
- Quicker recovery and minimal downtime, ideal for busy professionals
5. Dr. Michael Godin
Dr. Michael Godin is a double-board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who serves patients in La Jolla and Los Angeles. He developed the Micro-Mini Lift, a minimally invasive facelift for clients in their 40s and early 50s experiencing mild to moderate jawline and neck laxity. The technique uses small, strategically placed incisions hidden behind the ear to minimize visible scarring while targeting deeper tissue layers for natural contouring and sculpting.
Patients benefit from a shorter recovery of about 10 days, and the approach gets fully customized to each individual’s anatomy and aging pattern. Beyond his hands-on work, Dr. Godin is a Clinical Professor and Fellowship Director at Virginia Commonwealth University and a prolific author and lecturer in facial plastic surgery.
Key Features:
- Trademarked Micro-Mini Lift for a precise, natural jawline and neck lift
- Virtually concealed incisions with deep SMAS-level work
- Tailored approach and efficient recovery
- Esteemed educator and author with regional practice in La Jolla and Los Angeles
| Surgeon | Location(s) | Signature Technique | Highlights |
| Dr. David Lieberman | Palo Alto and Los Gatos | L&P Signature Facelift | Elite academic credentials, natural outcomes, double-board certification |
| Dr. Kevin Sadati | Newport Beach | Natural Facelift, also known as the Double C Plication or Preservation Facelift | Artistic results, local sedation, accredited facility, high patient satisfaction |
| Dr. Robert Singer | La Jolla, San Diego | Experienced, balanced mini facelift | Long-standing reputation, safety-focused facility, refined aesthetic outcomes |
| Dr. Leslie Stevens | Beverly Hills | Artistic, subtle mini facelift | Luxury practice, natural-looking enhancements with minimal downtime |
| Dr. Michael Godin | La Jolla, San Diego, and Los Angeles | Micro-Mini Lift | Precision jaw and neck contouring, minimal scarring, quick recovery |
How to Find a Top Surgeon
Choosing the right surgeon is just as important as deciding to get a mini facelift in the first place. The right expert will deliver excellent results and make the process feel safe and comfortable. Here are several tips to help you find the best fit.
Look for Specialized Training
When considering a mini facelift, it is important to choose a surgeon who specializes in facial procedures. A surgeon with advanced training in facial aesthetics understands the technical aspects of surgery and the artistry needed to achieve natural-looking results. Check their credentials and board certifications, and ask about their experience with mini facelifts.
Review Before-and-After Photos
One of the best ways to evaluate a surgeon’s skill is by looking at their portfolio. Before-and-after photos of other clients will show you the results they consistently deliver. Pay close attention to whether the outcomes look natural or overly tight. You want to see refreshed faces that still look like the same person, just more youthful. Consistency across different patients is a strong sign that the surgeon has a refined technique.
Read Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reviews and testimonials give you insight into the patient experience beyond the results. Take note of comments about the surgeon’s communication style, professionalism and how comfortable patients felt throughout the process. Top surgeons typically have strong reviews highlighting their surgical expertise and bedside manner.
Schedule a Consultation
Nothing replaces meeting a surgeon in person. A consultation allows you to ask questions, discuss your goals and get a feel for whether the surgeon understands your vision. This is also the time to ask about surgical techniques, anesthesia options and recovery expectations. The best surgeons will take the time to listen, explain clearly and ensure you feel confident moving forward.
Consider Hospital and Clinic Affiliations
A surgeon’s professional affiliations can tell you a lot about their credibility. Those affiliated with respected hospitals or surgical centers are typically held to higher standards of care and safety. These affiliations often require ongoing education and adherence to strict protocols, which benefits you as a patient.
Ask About Safety Standards
You should never overlook safety. A top surgeon will operate in accredited surgical facilities that meet rigorous health and safety requirements. Ask about what measures are in place for emergencies and how the team ensures patient safety during and after the procedure. Transparency in this area is a good sign that you are in capable hands.
Evaluate Communication and Comfort Level
Your relationship with your surgeon matters. Beyond technical expertise, you need someone you can openly communicate with and trust. If you feel comfortable sharing your concerns and the surgeon takes the time to address them thoughtfully, that is a strong indicator that they value your well-being as much as your results.
Find Confidence With the Right Surgeon
A mini facelift can be a life-changing procedure, restoring confidence and helping you look as vibrant as you feel. However, the results are only as good as the surgeon behind them. By researching, reviewing credentials and considering these top facelift surgeons in California, you will be in the best position to choose a trusted professional to meet your goals.
