Facelift Before & After
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Dr. Farhad Rafizadeh is among a select group of surgeons in the New York–New Jersey region who performs the deep plane facelift as his primary facial rejuvenation technique — delivering results that look decades younger without the “pulled” appearance.
A facelift — or rhytidectomy — is a surgical procedure that addresses the most visible signs of facial aging: sagging skin, deep folds, jowls, and loss of definition in the jawline and neck. When performed by an experienced surgeon, a facelift restores a younger, refreshed version of your natural appearance without an “operated” look.
Dr. Rafizadeh specializes in the deep plane facelift — a more advanced technique that repositions the underlying facial muscles and deeper tissue layers rather than simply pulling the skin. This approach produces more natural, longer-lasting results and avoids the telltale signs of a poorly performed facelift.
“My goal is always for your friends and family to notice that you look more rested and youthful — not that you had surgery. The deep plane technique allows me to achieve that naturally.”
— Dr. Farhad Rafizadeh, MD FACS
The traditional SMAS facelift tightens the superficial muscle layer beneath the skin. The deep plane facelift goes deeper — releasing the facial ligaments that hold the tissue in place and repositioning the entire facial structure. This restores volume to the midface, lifts the jowls, and improves the nasolabial folds in a way that looks natural and lasts significantly longer.
The ideal facelift candidate is in good general health, a non-smoker or willing to stop smoking prior to surgery, and has realistic expectations. Most patients are between 45 and 70, though Dr. Rafizadeh evaluates each patient individually. Concerns commonly addressed include:
Consultation: Dr. Rafizadeh meets personally with every patient and never delegates consultations. He will assess your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and explain exactly which technique is most appropriate for you.
Surgery: Performed under general anesthesia, a facelift typically takes 3–5 hours. Incisions are carefully placed along the hairline and behind the ears so scarring is minimal and hidden.
Recovery: Most patients return to normal social activity within 2–3 weeks. Swelling and bruising are normal and gradually subside. Final results are typically visible at 3–6 months.
Results: A deep plane facelift by Dr. Rafizadeh can take 10–15 years off your appearance, with results lasting 7–12 years or more.
A deep plane facelift addresses the deeper structural layers of the face — the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and the facial ligaments — rather than just tightening the skin. By releasing and repositioning these deeper tissues, Dr. Rafizadeh can restore volume to the midface, lift the jowls from their root, and improve the nasolabial folds in a way that looks genuinely natural. Traditional facelifts pull the skin surface, which can result in a tight, windswept, or "operated" appearance over time. The deep plane technique produces results that are more comprehensive and last significantly longer — typically 7–12 years or more.
A well-performed deep plane facelift by Dr. Rafizadeh typically lasts 7–12 years or more. The longevity depends on your age at the time of surgery, your genetics, skin quality, lifestyle factors such as sun exposure and smoking, and whether complementary treatments like skincare or injectables are used to maintain results. Many patients are so pleased with their results that they return for a secondary procedure years later to refresh their look.
Most patients experience the following general timeline:
Days 1–3: Swelling and bruising are most significant. You will have a compression garment and drains (if used). Rest and elevation are essential.
Days 4–7: Sutures and any drains are typically removed. Swelling begins to subside. Most patients feel more comfortable.
Weeks 1–2: Bruising fades. Many patients feel presentable enough for limited social activity with makeup.
Weeks 2–3: Most patients return to work and normal social activity. Residual swelling continues to diminish.
Months 3–6: Final results become visible as swelling fully resolves. Scars continue to fade for up to 12 months.
This is Dr. Rafizadeh's primary goal for every patient. His before-and-after photos consistently show patients who look refreshed, rested, and younger — not "done." The deep plane technique avoids the tell-tale signs of a poorly performed facelift (overly tight skin, distorted hairline, unnatural contours) by addressing the facial structure at its foundation. Reviews consistently note that patients look "like themselves, just 10–15 years younger," and that friends and family notice the change without being able to identify the cause.
There is no single "best" age — Dr. Rafizadeh evaluates each patient individually based on their anatomy, degree of facial laxity, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. Most facelift patients are between 45 and 70, though younger patients with significant laxity and older patients in good health can also be excellent candidates. The right time is when the signs of aging are bothering you and conservative treatments like injectables are no longer sufficient to achieve your goals. A personal consultation with Dr. Rafizadeh is the best way to determine the right timing for you.
Yes — facelifts are frequently combined with complementary procedures to achieve the most comprehensive rejuvenation. Common combinations include:
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) — addresses drooping upper lids or under-eye bags that a facelift does not correct.
Brow lift — elevates a low or heavy brow for a more open, refreshed expression.
Fat grafting — restores lost volume to the cheeks, temples, and under-eye area for a more youthful, three-dimensional result.
Lip lift — shortens the upper lip for definition and a more youthful mouth.
Dr. Rafizadeh will discuss which combinations make sense for your goals during your consultation.
Facelift costs in New Jersey vary based on the complexity of the procedure, the technique used, anesthesia fees, facility fees, and any additional procedures performed simultaneously. Because Dr. Rafizadeh tailors each procedure to the individual patient, pricing is discussed during your personal consultation after he has assessed your anatomy and goals. Financing options are available. To receive a personalized quote, please schedule a consultation or call our office at (973) 267-0928.
Yes. For patients with early signs of facial aging who are not yet candidates for a full facelift, Dr. Rafizadeh may recommend a mini facelift — a less extensive procedure with a shorter incision, shorter surgery time, and faster recovery. The mini facelift is most effective for addressing mild jowling and early neck laxity. Dr. Rafizadeh will assess whether a mini facelift or full facelift is most appropriate during your consultation based on your anatomy and the degree of correction desired.
Dr. Rafizadeh does beautiful work. After losing over 110 pounds, I had a great deal of loose skin under my chin and lost volume in the cheek area. Dr. R. did a deep plane face and neck lift with fat transfer to the cheek area. The definition was incredible. No more shying away from photos or worrying about the angle.
More than a month later, I couldn't be happier with the results. I look like myself 10–15 years ago. All of my scars healed so nicely, I can barely see them. I have had several people ask me if I switched moisturizers or got some kind of new facial!
From the moment I had my consultation with him, I knew I had found the right surgeon. He listened carefully to what I wanted — tightening my jowl area without looking pulled or overdone. My goal was to still look like myself, just refreshed… and that's exactly what he achieved.
My experience with Dr. Rafizadeh could not have been any better. He has a kind and caring personality. I felt completely at ease throughout the entire process. The results speak for themselves — I look and feel years younger, and it's the most natural-looking result I could have hoped for.
I would be remiss if I didn't submit a review on Dr. Rafizadeh. Like many, I was nervous when it comes to plastic surgery. From the very first consultation he made me feel comfortable and confident. The results are everything I hoped for and more.
When I went to Dr. Rafizadeh and met him and his assistant Christine, I knew I was in the right place. His natural approach to plastic surgery is exactly what I was looking for. I still looked like myself but a younger, more rested version of me.
Schedule a private consultation with Dr. Rafizadeh. He personally evaluates every patient and never delegates consultations — your goals, your anatomy, your plan.