Facelift Cost Depends on the Extent of the Procedure.
A facelift is a highly individualized procedure. There is no “one size fits all’. One would require a thorough consultation with a plastic surgeon to determine the appropriate technique or combination of procedures to best achieve their goals. A facelift by itself may not produce the desired result.
A Facelift usually does not include the brow, the eyes, facial implants, liposuction, fat grafting or fillers, which are other procedures that may further enhance the outcome of a facelift.
During a consultation with Dr. Rafizadeh he will discuss your surgical goals and options with you. He will evaluate your medical history, take photos and explain the risks and complications, so that you are comfortable and confident with making an informed decision. His friendly office staff will provide you with the cost of a facelift in writing and answer any additional questions that you may have.
When you are given a quote for facelift cost be sure that the quote includes the cost of the operating room and the anesthesia fees if an anesthesiologist is required. These fees are based upon the estimated time it will take for the procedure to be done. Depending on which procedures are being performed the time frame may be anywhere from two to five hours long. If an anesthesiologist is need for special monitoring or heavy sedation, this will cost more than a local anesthetic. Dr. Rafizadeh routinely performs his facelift procedures under a local anesthesia with moderate sedation given by a specialized nurse under his direction, unless there is a medical reason where an anesthesiologist is required or the patient requests to have heavy sedation. One should never select a plastic surgeon based upon fees. The experience as well as the reputation of the surgeon is most important and remember to always choose a board certified plastic surgeon. The local anesthesia option beside being safer and resulting in a quicker recovery, but it saves the patient between two to three thousand dolors in facelift cost. The facelift cost could range between $7,000 to $15,000 depending on the extent of the surgery with average cost being $10000 for the face and the neck. Remember that the perfect facelift is priceless as you will live with the results the rest of your life and enjoy it every day.
See a video of one of our patients talking about her facelift experience
Common Questions Patients Search About Facelift Surgery
How long does it take to look normal again after a facelift?
Most Northern New Jersey facelift patients look presentable in public around the 10–14 day mark, particularly with a little concealer for residual bruising. The polished, fully-rested result comes in over 3 months as subtle swelling resolves and incision lines fade. Patients who have surgery under local anesthesia with light sedation (Dr. Rafizadeh's standard approach) tend to look fresher faster than those who had general anesthesia.
How long do facelift results last?
A well-executed deep plane or SMAS facelift typically lasts 10–15 years before patients consider a refresh. The face continues to age — the facelift turns the clock back roughly 10 years, but does not stop time. Patients who maintain skin health (sun protection, medical-grade skincare, occasional non-surgical maintenance) tend to extend the visible lifespan of the result substantially.
Should a 70-year-old get a facelift?
Yes, when health allows. Many of Dr. Rafizadeh's North Jersey facelift patients are in their late 60s, 70s, and 80s — the operation is well tolerated at this age when performed under local anesthesia with light sedation, which avoids the cognitive and physiologic burden of general anesthesia. The right question isn't “am I too old” but “am I healthy enough,” and the answer is usually yes.
Is a deep plane facelift better than a SMAS facelift?
Not universally — the right operation depends on the patient. A deep plane facelift releases ligaments that anchor the cheek and midface, producing more dramatic midface elevation; it's well suited to patients with significant midface descent and deeper nasolabial folds. A SMAS facelift is excellent for jowls and the lower face when the midface still has good support. Dr. Rafizadeh chooses the technique based on the patient's anatomy, not a fixed preference.
What is recovery like from a deep plane facelift?
The first week is the most involved: bandages for 24–48 hours, then gradual de-swelling. Bruising peaks days 3–5 and fades by days 10–14. Most patients are back to non-public activities within a week and to social activities by week three. Numbness around the ears and jawline is normal for several weeks and resolves on its own. Dr. Rafizadeh's deep plane patients in Morristown typically describe the recovery as “more tedious than painful.”
What causes a Joker smile or windswept look after a facelift?
The “Joker smile” comes from over-aggressive horizontal pulling of the skin, and the “windswept” look comes from pulling skin and deep tissue in the same direction. Both are technique problems, not facelift problems. Dr. Rafizadeh lifts the deep layers vertically (which mimics how the face descends with age) and the skin in a more horizontal direction; that separation is what produces a natural result. Patients who look pulled or operated were almost always lifted in a single vector with too much tension.
How will I look 3 weeks after a facelift?
At three weeks most North Jersey patients look refreshed and natural in public. Subtle residual swelling along the jawline and beneath the chin softens through weeks 4–8. Incisions are pink and continuing to fade. Patients can wear makeup, attend events, and go back to most workouts (other than heavy lifting and contact sports) by this point. The face will still look incrementally better at 3 months than at 3 weeks.
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