Facelift

What Are the Benefits of a Facelift?

A facelift can provide qualified patients with a wide range of benefits, including:

• Tightened and smoother skin: Reduces sagging and wrinkles for a rejuvenated appearance.
• Enhanced facial contours: Restores definition in the jawline, cheeks, and neck.
• Natural, long-lasting results: Achieves a refreshed look that endures with proper care.
• Boosted self-confidence: Helps you feel more aligned with your inner vitality.
• Comprehensive rejuvenation: Addresses multiple signs of aging in one procedure.
• Customizable improvements: Can be tailored to suit your unique facial structure and aesthetic goals.

Am I a Candidate for Facelift Surgery?

Ideal candidates for facelift surgery are individuals who wish to address the common signs of facial aging, such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of muscle tone, especially in the lower face and neck. Patients should be non-smokers in good overall health who have realistic expectations about the outcomes that can be achieved. Dr. Farkas emphasizes that a facelift is not a “fountain of youth,” and it will not stop the aging process. Good skin care and a healthy lifestyle are important for maintaining facelift results and ensuring patients continue to age gracefully.

What Is the Best Age for a Facelift?

Ultimately, there is no “magic number” when it comes to determining the best age for a facelift. The ideal age can vary significantly based on genetics, lifestyle, and the extent of visible aging. Most patients seek a facelift in their 40s to 60s when issues like deep wrinkles, jowls, and sagging skin become more noticeable. However, younger patients with early signs of aging or older individuals with good skin elasticity may also benefit. The procedure is most effective when the skin retains some natural resilience, allowing for smooth, natural results. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Farkas can help determine the best timing, tailoring the procedure to your unique facial structure and aesthetic goals.

What Does the Facelift Procedure Involve?

Facelift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, and Dr. Farkas recommends patients plan for at least one night of observation in the hospital to ensure they are comfortable and that there are no immediate complications.

The procedure itself typically involves the careful placement of incisions around the face and neck, which Dr. Farkas meticulously blends into the hairline and around the ears for optimal discretion. From there, Dr. Farkas will tighten the underlying muscles of the face, remove or reposition fat deposits, and trim away excess skin before redraping the remaining skin for a smoother, firmer facial aesthetic. He can also repair the superficial neck muscles under the chin (anterior platysmaplasty) and remove excess fat and skin to create a more defined jaw contour.

What Can I Expect in My Facelift Recovery?

Most patients can return to work and normal activities within two to three weeks, though it is important to avoid strenuous activities for at least four to six weeks. The majority of swelling and bruising generally subside within two to three weeks, but minor swelling may persist for a few months. Dr. Farkas advises patients to keep their heads elevated and drink plenty of clear fluids to minimize swelling and discomfort.

Will There Be Noticeable Facelift Scars?

While any surgical procedure requires incisions that lead to residual scarring, modern facelift techniques are designed with discretion in mind. Dr. Farkas places incisions carefully around the natural curves of the ears, along the hairline, and under the chin in some cases, which can minimize the appearance of scars once the incisions have healed.

The visibility of scars will vary depending on the individual’s healing process, skin type, and adherence to post-operative care instructions. Over time, scars typically fade and become barely noticeable. Dr. Farkas provides detailed guidance on scar care and can recommend treatments such as laser therapy or medical-grade skincare to help reduce signs of scarring even further.

Is a Non-Surgical Facelift Possible?

Patients who are not ready for surgery or who have only mild signs of aging may benefit from non-surgical alternatives that can provide effective facial rejuvenation. Injectable treatments such as dermal fillers can restore lost facial volume, while neuromodulators can smooth dynamic wrinkles. Treatments like microneedling, Morpheus8, or laser/light therapy can also help diminish signs of age and improve skin firmness and tone.

Although these treatments can be a solution for early to moderate signs of aging, it is important to understand that they cannot achieve the same level of correction as a surgical facelift. Non-surgical options are typically best viewed as complementary or as temporary measures for patients who want subtle rejuvenation without extensive downtime. During the consultation, Dr. Farkas can determine whether surgical or non-surgical options will best suit a patient’s goals.

What Procedures Can Complement a Facelift?

A wide range of surgical and non-surgical procedures can enhance and complement facelift results for more comprehensive rejuvenation. Non-surgical options like neuromodulators can relax dynamic wrinkles, while dermal fillers restore lost volume in areas such as the cheeks and lips. Laser skin resurfacing treatments, such as laser therapy or chemical peels, improve skin tone and texture for a more radiant complexion. Surgical options like a neck lift can refine the lower face and neck, while eyelid surgery or a brow lift rejuvenates the upper face. Combining procedures can offer harmony across all areas, creating a balanced and naturally youthful appearance that enhances the facelift’s effects.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost?

At our Northern New Jersey practice, the average price of a facelift is often between $32,000 and $50,000. The final determined cost of the procedure will include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia costs, and facility charges. With this in mind, the precise cost of a facelift can vary among patients based on the complexity of the procedure, whether additional treatments are performed, and other factors associated with the customized treatment plan. Once the treatment plan has been developed during the initial consultation, a friendly member of our team can provide a personalized cost estimate and answer any questions you may have. We accept a variety of payment methods at our practice, including third-party financing options for qualified applicants who choose to pay for their treatment over a series of installments.

How to Choose the Best Facelift Surgeon

Selecting the right plastic surgeon is one of the most important steps in planning facelift surgery. Patients should look for a board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Farkas, who has extensive experience performing facelifts and a proven record of natural looking results. Reviewing before-and-after photos and reading patient testimonials can provide insight into the surgeon’s aesthetic approach.

It is equally important to choose a surgeon who prioritizes communication and makes patients feel comfortable. Dr. Farkas believes that trust and collaboration form the foundation of successful outcomes. During the consultation, he takes the time to listen to each patient’s concerns, answer questions honestly, and design a treatment plan tailored to their unique anatomy and goals.