RT Mini Facelift
Do you feel younger than you look? Not quite ready for a facelift?
If you want a rejuvenated look without the cost or downtime of a traditional facelift, the RT Mini Facelift is for you.
The RT Mini Facelift is a novel surgical procedure designed by Houston facial plastic surgeon Dr. Raghu Athré. The RT Mini Facelift was designed for younger patients who want a refreshed appearance but may not be able to accommodate the downtime associated with a traditional facelift.
“I kept seeing patients who had mild aging changes in their face. Today’s patients are more active and need a procedure that is tailored to their lifestyle. The RT Mini Facelift was designed with those patients in mind.”
“I had seen & had other work done by older plastic surgeons that used ‘old school’ techniques. I elected to have Dr. Athré do a mini face lift & upper eye lift. It literally took 10+ years off my face. He uses new age techniques... I won’t let another plastic surgeon do any facial work on me except him."
About the RT Mini Facelift
An RT Mini Facelift is an SMAS lift.
The RT Mini lift addresses the SMAS muscle layer. RT Mini Facelift results can last 10 years or longer in appropriately selected patients, offering longevity that is more comparable to traditional facelift surgery than to temporary nonsurgical treatments. Another important factor in achieving strong, long-term results and patient satisfaction is appropriate patient selection. Patients with more significant signs of aging may not be well served by a mini facelift, even though it costs less than a more extensive facelift. Dr. Athré has the experience and surgical skill to perform procedures ranging from less extensive facelifts to more complex facelift surgery. Therefore, patients are given treatment recommendations based on their anatomy and type of aging.
In some cases, the mini facelift can be modified by extending the dissection to address a specific anatomical concern. An example of this would be a patient who has all the anatomy of a mini facelift, but has a little too much tissue in the neck region. This type of patient could undergo an enhanced RT Mini Lift in which the area of dissection is expanded to accommodate her anatomy. This type of customization, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, distinguishes Dr. Athré’s surgical planning.
Appropriate patient selection helps maximize results, minimize side effects, and support long-term outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- The RT Mini Facelift combines the best of several facelift surgical techniques to give the patient the benefits associated with a traditional facelift, look years younger, but with a reduced downtime and recovery period and decreased cost.
- Though age is not an absolute criterion, the average RT Mini Facelift patient is generally in their late 30’s up to their early fifties.
- Those who want to avoid the typical downtime and recovery period of a traditional facelift are excellent candidates for the RT Mini Facelift.
Before & After Photos
Facelift Gallery
What is an RT Mini Facelift?
An RT Mini Facelift is a type of mini facelift. It is a surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the face.
The primary areas addressed by an RT Mini Lift are:
- Midface
- Jawline
- Neck
These are the same 3 areas addressed with a traditional deep plane facelift as well. The RT Mini Facelift is designed to require less tissue dissection and elevation. It was designed for patients with milder signs of aging in these areas.
Why an RT Mini Facelift?
RT Mini Facelift vs Deep Plane Facelift
The first thing all patients ask is, “How much does a mini facelift cost?” The RT Mini Facelift costs less than a deep plane facelift (see pricing page). A mini facelift generally costs less than a full facelift because it requires less dissection and operating time. The prices shown are rough estimates and are intended to reflect typical local pricing for facelift procedures in Houston.
This diagram shows the difference in extent of dissection between a deep plane facelift (green) and an RT Mini Facelift (red). The difference in the extent of dissection and the associated operating time translates to lower cost. For the patient, this also means lower bruising, lower swelling, and a faster recovery period.
RT Mini Facelift Process
What is a facelift procedure like?
In general, the technique used for the RT Mini Facelift is the same as in a facelift. The incision is hidden in the hair above the ear, extends into the natural contours of the ear, wraps around the earlobe, and continues into the crease behind the ear. The only difference between a traditional facelift process and the RT Mini Facelift is that the RT Mini Facelift addresses a smaller area of concern. The RT Mini Facelift is well suited to patients who have mild aging in the midface, mild aging along the jawline, and mild aging in the neck.
Patients with significant aging and a very heavy neck may be better served by a traditional deep plane facelift for optimal results.
Houston patients can have the RT Mini Facelift performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Most commonly, this type of cosmetic surgery is performed under local anesthesia. Please see Anesthesia for Facial Procedures for information about anesthesia for facial procedures.
Treatment Areas
Turn Back the Clock on Aging
What conditions does a mini facelift address?
As we age, tissues of the face tend to fall. The critical areas where tissues descend are:
- Midface – Descent can contribute to tear-trough formation and fullness in the lower cheek rather than volume over the upper cheekbone.
- Jawline – Loss of tissue support can create loose, hanging tissue that reduces jawline definition and contributes to jowl formation.
- Neck – Laxity causes loose tissue in the neck, also known as a sagging neck or turkey gobbler
Each patient ages differently. Some patients develop significant changes in all of the above three areas. Others develop only mild changes in the above three areas. Those patients are perfect candidates for the RT Mini Lift.
Ideal Candidates for a Mini Facelift
The ideal candidate for a mini facelift is:
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Athré to discuss your goals and determine if this procedure aligns with your desires.
RT Mini Facelift Recovery
RT Mini Facelift patients have their procedure done on an outpatient basis.
Because the incisions are smaller, bruising and swelling may be reduced. Dr. Athré also uses specific techniques to minimize the bruising, swelling, and recovery time for patients.
Most patients are on their feet the very next day and return to work within 5-7 days. The RT Lift tightens, repositions, and re-drapes the SMAS just like a traditional facelift, to create a refreshed appearance with long-lasting results.
RT Mini Facelift & Other Procedures
The RT Mini Facelift addresses the midface, jawline, and neck. Patients frequently add complementary procedures to address aging in other parts of the face. Commonly added procedures are:
- Fat Transfer – Restores lost volume, especially in the tear trough and the temple region. Longer-lasting, more natural-looking results than dermal fillers.
- Brow lift – Addresses brow descent to rejuvenate the eye area.
- Eyelid surgery – Addresses aging of the upper and lower eyelid complex.
- Skin Resurfacing – Uses a chemical peel or laser treatment to address fine lines, stimulate collagen production, and improve skin quality.
Why Dr. Athré?
Dr. Raghu Athré is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon known for combining technical precision with a highly individualized approach to patient care.
With a background in both engineering and reconstructive surgery, he approaches each procedure with a focus on structure, function, and long-term facial balance, not just surface-level results. Every patient experience begins with a thorough consultation designed to understand aesthetic goals, functional concerns, and personal priorities. Dr. Athré takes the time to walk patients through each step and clearly explain all treatment options, both surgical and non-surgical, so they can make informed decisions with confidence.
Located in Houston’s Heights area on Ella Boulevard, Dr. Athré serves patients throughout Houston and the surrounding region. His approach attracts patients looking for precise, natural-looking results and a clear, well-structured treatment process.
RT Mini Facelift FAQs
See below for frequently asked questions about the RT Mini Facelift.
Patient Review
“I had seen & had other work done by older plastic surgeons that used ‘old school’ techniques. I elected to have Dr. Athré do a mini face lift & upper eye lift. It literally took 10 plus years off my face. He uses new age techniques & he is absolutely amazing and does incredible work. I won’t let another plastic surgeon do any facial work on me except him. He also has a wonderful personality and makes you feel very well taken care of.”
