Blog

Who’s the Ideal Facelift Candidate? NJ Plastic Surgeon Explains

Have you noticed your reflection in the mirror no longer matches your inner vitality and zeal for life? Many people come to me seeking a refreshed appearance to become the best version of themselves. As a board-certified plastic surgeon with nearly three decades of experience, I’ve helped thousands of patients achieve beautifully natural results through deep-plane facelift and neck lift surgery.

When you partner with me for your New Jersey facelift, I’ll combine my surgical expertise and artist’s eye for balance, proportion, and individuality to restore harmony to your features and help you feel confident in your skin again.

What Are the Benefits of a Facelift?

Many people hesitate to pursue facelift surgery because they worry it will leave them with an unnaturally tight, overly pulled appearance. Fortunately, my advanced, deep-plane facelift and neck lift technique provides comprehensive aesthetic improvement without creating unnecessary tension.   

The deep-plane lift, also known as a vertical facelift, is superior to older methods that only make superficial changes to the skin. By elevating a layer called the superficial musculoaponeurotic system from the underlying muscles and releasing ligaments around your mouth, I can preserve your natural expressions while restoring youthful contours.

Beyond aesthetic improvement, a deep-plane facelift and neck lift can be an emotionally empowering experience. My patients often tell me they feel more confident, energized, and aligned with how they feel inside.

Advantages include:

  • A smoother, firmer, and better-defined jawline and neck
  • Reduced appearance of jowls and midface wrinkles
  • Subtly upturned mouth corners, which often droop with age
  • Long-lasting, natural-looking results
  • Improved self-image

What Qualities Should a Facelift Candidate Have?

Your face tells the story of your life, and you deserve a treatment plan tailored to your unique anatomy and goals. Here are 10 signs that you may be an excellent candidate for facelift surgery.

1. You Have Visible Signs of Aging

A facelift can be restorative if issues like skin laxity, pronounced wrinkles bracketing your mouth, and a softness around your jaw line affect your ability to put your best self forward.

2. You’re in Excellent Health

Facelift surgery is most effective when your body has the resources it needs to recover swiftly with fewer complications. I’ll thoroughly review your medical history to ensure you’re healthy enough for surgery, working with your primary provider if necessary.

3. You Don’t Smoke or Vape

Tobacco and marijuana use can interfere with circulation and healing. You’ll need to quit smoking and vaping for at least six weeks before and after surgery to protect your results and reduce risks.

4. You Have Realistic Expectations

A deep-plane facelift and neck lift can dramatically refresh your appearance, but the goal isn’t to make you look like someone else. Patients who approach surgery with a practical, real-world mindset tend to feel happiest with their changes.

5. Your Skin Has Good Elasticity

Skin that retains its ability to stretch and adapt leads to smoother, longer-lasting results. Resilient skin is more likely to conform beautifully to your new contours. You can check your skin elasticity by pinching the back of your hand and holding it for a few seconds. Does it immediately snap back when you release it, or does it stay “tented” for several seconds before returning to normal?

6. You Have Strong Underlying Bone Structure

A well-defined facial framework with high cheekbones, a distinct jawline, and balanced proportions provides a stable foundation for repositioned tissues.

7. You’re Ready to Follow a Recovery Plan

Healing from surgery takes time, and your commitment to rest, follow-up care, and post-op instructions will directly impact your outcome. Most of my patients see a noticeable improvement after about a month, with continued refinement over the next several months.

8. You’ve Tried Non-Surgical Treatments and Want Lasting Results

Fillers, neuromodulators, and laser resurfacing provide temporary improvements, but cannot create structural changes. It may be time to consider a surgical solution if you’ve explored these options and are ready for longer-lasting rejuvenation.

9. You’re at a Stable Weight

Your facial contours respond to changes in body weight, so consistency matters. Getting within a few pounds of your goal weight and staying there for the long term gives your facelift and neck lift the best chance to shine.

10. You’re Doing This for Yourself

Throughout my career, I’ve found the best facelift and neck lift candidates don’t chase beauty trends or respond to peer pressure. Pursuing plastic surgery is a significant decision, and one you should only make after carefully considering your values and vision.

Confidence Starts With a Conversation

Beyond my surgical expertise, I bring empathy, a down-to-earth personality, and an unwavering commitment to your safety and satisfaction. I firmly believe you deserve treatment that respects and reflects your unique inner beauty. You’ll see this philosophy reflected time and again in our before-and-after gallery and patient testimonials. The affirming, personalized care my team and I provide have attracted patients from more than 25 states and 17 different countries. If you’re considering facelift and neck lift surgery in New Jersey, I invite you to schedule a consultation at my West Orange office. This private meeting is your chance to get answers to all your questions in a comfortable, low-pressure environment. Together, we’ll discuss your goals, review your facial anatomy, and create an unforgettable experience.

PERFECT THE ART OF YOUR BEAUTY

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
First Name(Required)
Last Name(Required)
Newsletter sign up

Graphite/Pencil Hybrid-Painting by Dr. Scott Spiro