The Many Faces of a Facelift: What to Expect
New Jersey’s Top Plastic Surgeon Details What Patients can Expect from Their Facelift Procedure
Meet Dr. Joseph Fodero
Joseph Fodero, MD, PA, has over twenty five years of experience in the field of Plastic Surgery, and leads an experienced team at Northeastern Plastic Surgery in Florham Park, New Jersey. He was named one of the Top Plastic Surgeons in New Jersey for Nose Reshaping, Breast Augmentation, and Body Sculpting. His top priority is to treat patients with the utmost respect, care, and compassion, as he takes a personal interest in every patient achieving their unique aesthetic goals. For Dr. Fodero, listening is an essential part of his surgical kit. Not only does he listen, but he also welcomes all members of New Jersey’s cultures and communities.
Want to Learn More?
Still have questions? Every patient’s situation is unique, and the best way to get answers specific to your anatomy and goals is to speak with a board-certified specialist. If you’d like to schedule an informational consultation to discuss your options, contact Dr. Fodero at Northeastern Plastic Surgery.
1. What Is a Facelift?
A facelift (or rhytidectomy) is a cosmetic surgical procedure to rejuvenate the appearance of the face and neck. Either due to the natural aging process or external factors, it can restore loss of volume on the face, giving it a refreshed look. It is fairly common in the United States, more than 79,000 people had a facelift in 2024 alone.
Many patients complement their facelift with an eyebrow lift or an eyelid surgery to achieve a comprehensive rejuvenation. From New Jersey, Dr. Joseph Fodero explains exactly what to expect from a facelift.
1.a. What Types of Facelifts Are There?
Deep Plane Facelift
This technique consists of releasing the tethering points in the face and offering a deep plane release between muscle layers. Without tension, the results are longer-lasting and scarring is minimal.
Skin Excision
This procedure involves simple skin excision (removal) and rearranging in a way that reverses aging patterns. These are also called “subcutaneous facelifts” and are popular because of the little recovery time and low-risk profile.
SMAS-Lifting Procedures
The superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS) lifting method mainly consists of pulling the skin upwardlifting method that mainly consists of folding the SMAS layer upward and tacking it in front of the ear. The reason why many people choose it is because of its very little downtime, which is why it’s also known as the “weekend lift”.
Jowl Liposuction
A jowl liposuction helps reduce the lower face fat to better define the jaw. Additionally, the excess fat removed can be used to fill in laugh lines or add natural definition to cheeks and the chin.
Fat Transfer
A fat transfer can refill lines with the patient’s own fat cells. Taken from places where there is excess fat (usually the abdomen, the thighs or buttocks), it is later reinjected to add volume where the face is lacking.
2. Why Do People Seek Facelifts?
The aging process comes with loss of elasticity and volume, subsequently, people can feel like their appearance doesn’t really reflect how they feel. “Jowls” on the lower face, deep wrinkles, and loose skin on the neck can deeply affect self-esteem and confidence, which is why this procedure is so popular.
Though typically sought after by older patients, the trend states that younger patients are looking to get facelifts to restore volume on the face after weight loss.
Be your body’s advocate. As with any medical procedure, speak to your doctor to find out if a facelift is right for you. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
3. Facelift Procedure Overview
Because there are different procedures, no two facelifts are the same. The exact technique used depends on the patient’s anatomy, goals, extent, and whether another procedure (e.g., eyelid surgery or brow lift) is being done at the same time.
In broad terms, a facelift procedure usually looks like this:
- After the initial consultation (see below), the healthcare provider establishes the best approach for the lift and explains the process so that the patient can feel comfortable.
- On the day of, patients are administered anesthesia (usually general, but for some minor tweaks, the surgeon might indicate local).
- The procedure consists of making incisions so that the surgeon can separate the skin from its connective tissues and muscles and later reposition it and create a firmer foundation. At the same time, the doctor removes the excess skin and lays back the remaining skin over the newly rejuvenated tissues.
4. Recovery
Although a facelift is technically complex, recovery is quite quick for most patients.
- In many cases, a facelift is an outpatient procedure, but for more extensive interventions, you might need to spend the night at the hospital.
- The bandages on your face need to stay on for up to two days, and the stitches are removed after about a week.
- Do not worry if you feel some numbness on the skin, it is completely normal and will subside in the course of the next few weeks.
- Dr. Fodero recommends sleeping in an upward position to reduce swelling for a few days after surgery.
- You should avoid strenuous activity, massages, or saunas for at least two weeks, after which you may return to your everyday routine.
5. What to Expect from a Consultation
If you are thinking about getting a facelift, it is imperative that you have a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During your appointment, your provider will go over your medical history, prepare a personalized plan, and discuss realistic outcomes.
5.a. What to Look for in a Specialist
Although a physician with a medical license can legally perform facelifts, a plastic surgeon who is certified by the ABMS and the ABPS has had a formal residency in Plastic Surgery, has passed rigorous written and oral specialized examinations, and knows the intricacies of the specialization’s ethics and standards. When looking for your provider, make sure you find one with proven professional expertise, tight safety protocols in place, and is up to date with the latest medical advancements.
6. What to Ask Your Provider
When meeting with your provider, consider asking the following:
- What kind of facelift do you recommend for my face type and goals?
- Can I see photos of your previous work?
- Am I a good candidate?
- What approach is best in my case?
- What results are realistic for my age, skin quality, and facial structure?
- What can I do to ensure the best outcome?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose between surgeons?
Look for board certification (American Board of Plastic Surgery or American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery), extensive facelift-specific experience, before-and-after photos of patients with similar concerns, and a consultation style that makes you feel heard and informed.
How long is the procedure?
Most facelifts take 3-5 hours, depending on technique and whether other procedures are combined. This is operating room time only — expect additional time for prep and recovery room monitoring.
Does it hurt?
Most patients report tightness and discomfort rather than severe pain. Pain is typically well-managed with prescription medication for the first few days, then over-the-counter options.
Can I wear makeup after my facelift?
Typically after 10-14 days, once incisions are healed, you can wear makeup. Mineral makeup is often recommended initially.