Facelift New Jersey
Experience Masterful Facial Rejuvenation
With decades of specialized experience in facial anatomy and having treated over 20,000 aesthetic patients, Dr. Wise expertly combines advanced surgical techniques with a strong understanding of balance and proportion. Each facelift in New Jersey is performed at our Joint Commission-accredited surgical center, which is well-known for prioritizing safety, clear communication, while achieving natural-looking results.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to correct age-related changes in the lower face and neck. Over time, collagen production decreases, tissues descend due to gravity, and deeper supportive layers, such as the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), weaken. These changes can lead to:
- Jowls
- Deep facial folds
- Neck laxity
- Loss of youthful contour
A modern facelift targets both surface and structural aging in the following ways:
- The SMAS layer is lifted and tightened to reposition descended tissues and restore youthful definition
- Excess skin is removed conservatively, ensuring the result appears smooth and not “pulled”
- Neck contouring may be performed to address muscle banding, fullness, or excess skin
Instead of simply tightening the skin, Dr. Wise corrects deeper causes of aging to achieve long-lasting, natural-looking rejuvenation.
Facelift Benefits
- Creates a better balance across the face and neck, helping the jawline, cheeks, and neck look more harmonious together
- Gives the skin a smoother, firmer look, as lifted deeper tissues allow the skin to settle naturally and more evenly
- Restores gentle fullness through the midface, softening a sunken or flattened appearance without looking “filled” or overdone
- Sharpens the area under the chin, reducing heaviness and bringing back a cleaner, more youthful neckline
- Decreases the need for frequent nonsurgical treatments, especially when early signs of aging have progressed beyond what injectables or devices can correct
“Dr. Wise and his staff are amazing. Every step of my procedure was explained to me in great detail. I felt extremely comfortable. I felt as if I were surrounded by family in the office. My procedure was painless and the results were truly amazing. I was able to see results immediately and was thrilled. My results looked so natural and exceeded way beyond expectations. I can’t thank Dr. Wise and his staff enough for my new natural look.”
— Patient from Newark, NJ
Am I a Good Candidate for a Facelift?
- Have skin that still has some natural stretch and strength, which helps it settle smoothly after surgery
- Have healthy underlying facial tissues, meaning your muscles and support layers can hold a lifted, restored position
- Are medically cleared for sedation or anesthesia, with good heart and lung health
- Do not have bleeding disorders and are not required to stay on blood-thinning medications
- Do not have active skin conditions, such as infections, severe irritation, or open sores, in the areas being treated
- Are completely nicotine-free, including vaping, patches, and gum, as nicotine reduces blood flow and affects recovery
- Maintain a stable weight, which helps ensure the outcome stays balanced and long-lasting
What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Facelift
Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Wise:
- Conducts a comprehensive facial analysis
- Discusses your goals and concerns in detail
- Uses Vectra 3D imaging to preview potential outcomes
- Reviews treatment options, including complementary procedures such as neck lift or fat grafting
- Provides a customized surgical plan and detailed recovery expectations
Pricing varies depending on the complexity of your anatomy and whether additional procedures are recommended. A transparent and personalized quote is provided during consultation, though a price range may be provided during an initial call with our staff.
Procedure
- Surgery is performed under sedation anesthesia for patient’s comfort and safety
- Incisions are placed discreetly along the hairline, around the ears, and sometimes beneath the chin
- The SMAS layer is lifted and tightened, restoring youthful contours
- Excess skin is removed conservatively to prevent an over-tightened look
- Neck refinement may include platysma tightening or liposuction when needed
- Dr. Wise’s technique prioritizes precision, balance, and the invisibility of scars
Recovery and Results
- Day 1: Bandages remain in place for 24 hours; mild discomfort is controlled with medication.
- First few days: Swelling and bruising peak and then gradually decrease. Rest is essential.
- One week: Bruising and swelling diminish; many patients feel confident enough to wear makeup.
- 10 days to 3 weeks: Most patients return to work; continue to avoid strenuous activity until 6 weeks after surgery.
- Several months: The final contour refines as the tissues settle. Incision lines soften and fade. Results are long-lasting, especially when paired with a healthy lifestyle and sun protection.
Types of Facelift
- Traditional Facelift: Addresses deeper structural changes and provides the most comprehensive rejuvenation of the lower face and neck.
- Mini Facelift: Targets early signs of aging with shorter incisions and a quicker recovery, making it ideal for patients with mild to moderate laxity.
- Neck Lift (Often Combined): Refines the jawline and improves loose neck skin, muscle banding, or submental fullness.
- Facelift With Fat Grafting: Restores youthful volume to areas such as the cheeks, temples, and under-eye region.
- Deep Plane Facelift: Elevates the deeper facial layers as a single unit, releasing key ligaments to achieve more natural, longer-lasting rejuvenation of the midface, jawline, and neck with less tension on the skin.
Alternative or Related Procedures
- Dermal fillers for volume restoration
- Neurotoxins for dynamic wrinkles
- Laser resurfacing for texture and pigmentation
- Microneedling for mild skin laxity and smoothing
- Thread lifting for temporary, subtle elevation
Why Choose the Wise Center for Plastic Surgery?
Selecting the Wise Center means choosing a facelift in New Jersey led by Dr. Jeffrey B. Wise, a double-board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who focuses exclusively on surgery of the face, head, and neck. Trained at Yale University, Cornell University School of Medicine, and the University of Pennsylvania, with fellowship training at NYU School of Medicine and Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital, Dr. Wise brings academic rigor and reconstructive-level precision to every procedure. He currently serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU School of Medicine and has performed over 12,000 successful facial surgeries.
Patients benefit from care delivered in Dr. Wise’s Joint Commission–accredited, state-of-the-art facility, supported by an experienced clinical team and affiliated with leading hospitals including Chilton Memorial Hospital and St. Barnabas Medical Center. With a worldwide reputation and a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to rejuvenation, the Wise Center offers clear communication, meticulous technique, and a healing environment designed to support optimal, natural-looking results.
FAQ
Answers to Common Questions
Where are facelift incisions placed?
Incisions are typically hidden along the hairline, around the ears, and sometimes under the chin to minimize visible scarring.
Will a facelift change my facial features?
A facelift is designed to enhance and restore a youthful contour, not to alter your natural facial features. The goal is subtle, natural-looking results.
What are the risks of a facelift?
Risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, nerve injury, asymmetry, and complications related to anesthesia. Choosing an experienced surgeon reduces these risks.
Is a facelift painful?
Discomfort is typically manageable with prescribed pain medications. Most patients experience swelling and tightness, which improve over the first few weeks.
Will a facelift affect facial expressions?
When performed by a skilled surgeon, a facelift preserves natural facial movement and expression while reducing sagging and wrinkles.
Are there non-surgical alternatives to a facelift?
Non-surgical options such as dermal fillers, Botox, laser treatments, and thread lifts can provide temporary improvements, but they do not achieve the long-lasting results of a surgical facelift.
Can a facelift improve sagging or hollow areas in the midface?
Yes. Although fillers can temporarily improve midface volume loss, a facelift repositions the deeper tissues that have descended over time, offering a more natural and longer-lasting restoration of cheek contour.
How should I prepare my home for recovery?
Patients often prepare by arranging a comfortable recovery area with extra pillows, stocking soft foods, keeping medications organized, and having ice or cold compresses available. Light household tasks should be arranged in advance, as rest is essential during the first several days.