Facelift
Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Florham Park, NJ and Somerville, NJ
A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a facial rejuvenation procedure that removes excess skin, lifts the underlying connective tissues and fascia, and redrapes the skin for a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance.
As we age, it is common to experience wrinkles, fine lines, and laxity. (1) The face might also lose volume, leading to a sunken appearance. A facelift can tighten the skin to refresh your appearance and diminish these concerns.
At The Peer Group, we have helped many patients restore a more youthful-looking appearance with a personalized facelift. Our surgeons strive to bring out each patient’s unique, natural beauty—no two cases are the same!
Please contact our office online or call (973) 822-3000 to schedule a consultation and learn more.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Facelifts
A facelift creates a younger, lifted look through several advanced techniques. Our team of facial rejuvenation specialists can perform different variations of the facelift, depending on your aesthetic goals.
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift, also known as a lower facelift, is a surgical procedure designed to address early signs of aging in the lower face and neck. It is ideal for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity, jowling, or early neck sagging who do not yet require a full facelift. Through small, strategically placed incisions—typically hidden around the ears—underlying tissues are lifted and tightened, and excess skin may be removed. The result is a more defined jawline, smoother neck contour, and a refreshed, natural-looking appearance with minimal downtime and potentially a lower cost.
Face and Neck Lift
Very commonly, a neck lift is considered a crucial aspect of the facelift procedure. This is because the face and neck age together; addressing one area without the other would provide less complete rejuvenation. A neck lift can address droopy skin on the neck, as well as diminish the appearance of muscle banding. Our team can also perform neck liposuction to remove excess fat for a more defined neck and jawline.
Benefits
There are several benefits associated with facelifts, which include:
- Smoother skin: By removing excess skin and tightening underlying tissues, a facelift can reduce sagging, deep folds, and moderate to severe wrinkles for a smoother, more youthful appearance.
- Long-lasting results: Unlike non-surgical treatments, surgical facelifts offer results that typically last 7–10 years or longer, depending on skin quality, lifestyle, and aging.
- Refined jawline and neck contour: Lifting and tightening the lower face and neck can reduce jowls and improve jawline definition, restoring a more youthful facial structure.
- Natural-looking enhancement: Incisions are carefully placed along natural skin creases, such as around the ears, to ensure discreet healing and subtle, natural-looking results.
- Boost in self-confidence: Many patients report increased self-esteem and satisfaction with their appearance following surgery.
- Reasonable recovery timeline: Most patients return to light activities and work within 10–14 days, with continued improvement as swelling subsides over several weeks.
Candidates
You may be a good candidate for a facelift if you are looking to:
- Address deep creases between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds)
- Reduce sagging or drooping jowls along the jawline
- Diminish loose or wrinkled skin in the lower face and neck
- Restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance
Ideal candidates are in good general health, are non-smokers (or willing to stop), and have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes.
Consultation
During your consultation, we will perform a thorough physical examination and discuss your medical history. This allows us to design a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.
If you have additional concerns, we can also explore complementary procedures such as eyelid surgery, fat grafting, or injectables.
Preparation
Proper preparation is essential for a safe surgery and smooth recovery. To get ready for your facelift, we recommend the following:
Protect your skin
- Avoid excessive sun exposure
- Wear sunscreen daily
- Avoid tanning beds
- Discontinue abrasive skincare treatments (like chemical peels or exfoliation) in the weeks leading up to surgery
Avoid substances that impair healing
- Stop smoking at least 4–6 weeks before surgery, as it interferes with circulation and healing
- Avoid alcohol for at least a week before surgery
- Discontinue blood-thinning medications and supplements (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oil, and herbal products) as advised by your surgeon
Plan for recovery
- Arrange for a trusted adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first 24–48 hours after surgery
- Fill prescriptions ahead of time
- Prepare meals, organize your recovery area, and complete any necessary errands before your procedure
Your surgeon will provide you with a detailed, personalized list of preoperative instructions during your consultation. Following these guidelines closely will help optimize your safety, comfort, and final results.
Procedure
On the day of your procedure, you should arrive with a clean face, without makeup or skincare products. Anesthesia will be administered to ensure your comfort. The details of your treatment process will depend on the type of facelift you receive and your unique concerns. (2)
In many cases, the surgeon will make discreet incisions along the natural curves of your skin and hairline through which they can access the underlying tissues and fascia. (2) After making the predetermined adjustments, your surgeon will close the incisions, and you will be released home to continue resting.
Recovery
The recovery after a facelift can take about two to three weeks. You should avoid strenuous activities and exercise until cleared by your surgeon. You must keep your head elevated while resting and avoid bending over during the early phases of recovery. Most patients can return to work after 10-14 days. We will schedule a follow-up with you after one week so we can monitor your progress.
Results
After a facelift, you can enjoy a smoother, more youthful-looking, and lifted appearance. Many patients find that a facelift improves their self-esteem, and they feel more confident about their appearance.
Corresponding Procedures
To enhance and complement the results of a facelift, we offer several procedures that can be performed as corresponding procedures. These options offer tailored solutions for achieving a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Facial Fat Grafting
A facial fat transfer, or facial fat grafting, is a procedure designed to restore volume and a youthful plumpness to the face. Using liposuction, your surgeon can take fat from an area of the body where there is excess (such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs) and reinject it into the face. Facial fat grafting pairs well with a facelift because, while a facelift can reposition tissues to create the appearance of improved volume, the procedure does not actually add any additional volume. If a patient has facial hollowness that cannot be adequately addressed with a facelift alone, facial fat grafting can make a meaningful impact.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers add natural-looking volume to your skin for a smoother, plumper appearance. As you age, volume loss can affect the cheeks, temples, lips, and eyes. Unlike a facelift, the rejuvenation provided by dermal fillers is more temporary.
Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)
An eyelid lift is a treatment that removes excess skin from the upper and/or lower eyelids for a younger, more alert appearance. If a patient wants to address sagging skin or bulging fat around the upper and lower eyelids, an eyelid lift makes a great addition to a facelift.
Brow Lift
A brow lift addresses excess skin on the forehead to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Lifting the brows can also provide a subtle lift above the eyes. A facelift does not address the upper face on its own; it can be beneficial to add a brow lift to one’s procedural plan if they desire upper face rejuvenation.
Cost of Facelift in New Jersey
The cost of a facelift will depend on your treatment plan, underlying anatomy, and aesthetic goals. Some patients choose to combine their facelifts with other treatments to enhance their results. We will provide an all-inclusive quote during your consultation. We can also discuss financing options to help you access your treatment.
Contact our office or call (973) 822-3000 to learn more about your facelift options.
FAQ
Is there an age requirement for a facelift?
While many patients seeking a facelift tend to be older, there is no age requirement for a facelift. We have performed many facelifts on younger patients in their 30s to address early signs of aging.
Are facelifts permanent?
Facelifts provide long-lasting rejuvenation; however, it is important to keep in mind that the face will continue to age naturally.
Will I have visible scars after a facelift?
We make incisions along the natural curves of your skin to minimize scarring. Post-surgery scar treatments are available; we can answer any questions you have about your specific treatment plan during your consultation. How long is the recovery period after a facelift? Most patients return to daily activities within 10–14 days. Swelling and bruising are common initially but typically subside within a few weeks. Full results may take several months to develop.
Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Many patients choose to combine a facelift with complementary treatments like eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or dermal fillers for more comprehensive results.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for a facelift?
Ideal candidates are in good health, nonsmokers, and have realistic expectations. If you’re bothered by sagging skin or facial laxity, a consultation can determine if a facelift is right for you.
References
- Al-Atif H. Collagen Supplements for Aging and Wrinkles: a Paradigm Shift in the Field of Dermatology and Cosmetics. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual. 2022;12(1):e2022018. doi:https://doi.org/10.5826/dpc.1201a18
- Raggio BS, Patel BC. Deep Plane Facelift. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545277/
