Facelift and Mini Facelift Surgeries in New Jersey

As we age, the skin loses elasticity, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of aging. These changes can be upsetting and lead to a loss of self-confidence. At Schrader Plastic Surgery In New Jersey, facelift surgery is an effective solution to help rejuvenate the face and restore a more youthful appearance. Dr. Nicole Schrader, a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Princeton, NJ, has over 20 years of experience and has helped hundreds of men and women attain their aesthetic goals.

Table of Contents

Before Facelift: What Makes the Face Look Older?
What Are Facelift and Mini Facelift Surgery and What Improvements Can They Provide?
What Is the Right Age for a Facelift and a Mini Facelift?
How Much Does a Facelift and a Mini Facelift Cost?
How Is a Facelift Performed?
Can You Combine a Facelift with Other Procedures?
What is Recovery From a Facelift Like?
Frequently Asked Questions about Facelift
Why Choose Dr. Nicole Schrader

Before Facelift: What Makes the Face Look Older?

Many factors can contribute to an aging facial appearance:

Genetics: Inherited traits can influence how quickly we show signs of aging.
Sun Exposure: Prolonged UV exposure accelerates skin damage, leading to wrinkles and spots.
Lifestyle Choices: Habits like smoking or poor diet can hasten aging.
Natural Aging Process:
- Collagen and Elastin Loss: These proteins keep skin firm; their depletion causes wrinkles and loose skin.
- Volume Loss: Decreases in facial fat and muscle tone can lead to a hollow or sunken look.
- Gravity Effects: Pulls down the skin, forming jowls and deepening laugh lines, altering facial contours.

Additional Aging Factors

Facial Bone Resorption: As we age, our facial bones lose volume and change shape, which can:

Diminish the jawline definition.
1. Shrink and narrow the midface.
2. Make eye sockets appear more pronounced.

These changes weaken the supporting facial structure, contributing to skin looseness and wrinkling. As skin elasticity decreases, natural creases deepen, enhancing the aged look.

What Are Facelift and Mini Facelift Surgery and What Improvements Can They Provide?

Facelift

Facelift surgery lifts sagging skin and tightens facial muscles for a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance. This surgical procedure can address moderate to severe signs of aging, especially in the lower two-thirds of the face. Traditional facelift surgery may target excess skin and fat in the lower face and neck. This can help to correct the appearance of jowls and create a more balanced facial profile. There are different types of facelifts, each addressing specific concerns. These include the deep plane facelift, neck lift, and mini facelift procedure. The result is an improved facial contour, increased cheek volume, smoother skin, reduced facial wrinkles, and a more youthful appearance.

Mini-Facelift

The mini facelift is a minimally invasive procedure designed for individuals experiencing minor sagging and early signs of an aged appearance. This surgery focuses on small, targeted areas of the face, typically the mid-face and jawline. It is an ideal option for those seeking subtle improvements without undergoing a full traditional facelift.

What Is the Right Age for a Facelift and a Mini Facelift?

Skin ages at different rates for different people, and there isn’t a “right” age to have a facelift. Physical age is only one of the considerations that help determine whether this cosmetic procedure is an appropriate choice. Some people may benefit from a facelift in their 40s, while others may not require one until their 50s or 60s. Before designing a treatment plan, Dr. Schrader evaluates the patient’s overall health, the degree of facial aging, and the patient’s intended goals.

A mini facelift is suitable for those experiencing premature aging. This minimally invasive treatment refreshes facial features by addressing mild to moderate skin laxity, particularly in the mid-face and jawline. It’s generally preferred by individuals in their late 30s to early 50s, offering quicker recovery and subtle, natural-looking facial enhancements.

How Much Does a Facelift and a Mini Facelift Cost?

At your private consultation, Dr. Schrader will discuss what is necessary to address each area of concern. After you decide on the treatment plan that will meet your specific cosmetic goals, we will give you a written quote on the cost of the procedure, including payment options. The cost will vary among patients, as the extent of the correction and the technique must be determined first, along with anesthesia fees. Dr. Schrader works hard to keep her fees comparable to other New Jersey plastic surgeons without jeopardizing patient safety or results.

For those interested in a mini facelift in Robbinsville, Dr. Schrader provides tailored consultations. This procedure offers a cost-effective option for minor enhancements, with less downtime and expense than a full facelift. Costs vary depending on the specific needs and goals of each patient.

How Is a Facelift Performed?

Facelift Surgery

A facelift is typically performed under general or local anesthesia, depending on the procedure and the patient’s preferences. During the surgery, the surgeon makes incisions along the hairline and around the ears to access the deeper layers of the underlying facial tissues. The skin is then lifted, and the underlying muscles and tissues are tightened to provide a more youthful contour. Excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is repositioned and sutured in place. The specific techniques used may vary depending on the facelift technique being performed and the patient’s individual needs.

Mini Facelift Surgery

A mini facelift is performed with smaller incisions around the ears and possibly within the hairline. This procedure focuses on tightening skin and smoothing wrinkles primarily in the lower face and neck. It offers minimal scarring and targets early signs of aging, providing subtle enhancements with less extensive tissue manipulation compared to a traditional facelift. This approach results in a quicker recovery and fewer complications.

Facelift before & after photos

Facelift Before and After Photos in Princeton, NJ, Patient 7154

View Our Before & After Photos

* All patients are unique and individual results may vary.

Can You Combine a Facelift with Other Procedures?

Yes, a facelift can be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures to achieve a more comprehensive result. Some patients may choose to combine a facelift with a brow lift, eyelid surgery, or even a nose job to address skin laxity and wrinkles in the upper face. Others may opt for fat transfer for volume or liposuction for improving contour.

Facelift patients often consider Schrader Plastic Surgery’s non-surgical treatments such as laser hair removal, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, botulinum toxin injections, or dermal fillers to enhance their overall appearance. It’s essential to discuss your goals and concerns with Dr. Schrader during your consultation to determine the best combination of procedures for your unique needs.

What is Recovery From a Facelift Like?

Recovery from a deep plane lift can vary depending on the patient’s healing process. Generally, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, or facelift scars in the days following the surgery. Itching around the sutures is also common. These symptoms can be managed with pain medication and ice packs as recommended by Dr. Schrader. Wearing an elastic compression garment is often advised to help reduce swelling and support the tissues as they heal. Following Dr. Schrader’s post-operative care instructions closely is essential to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. Patients are typically advised to avoid any strenuous activity for several weeks to prevent complications and promote healing.

Recovery from a mini facelift typically involves a shorter recovery time, with minor swelling and discomfort that resolve quickly.

Recovery from a deep plane lift involves managing swelling, bruising, and itchiness. — Close-up of a woman’s face illustrating post-facelift recovery stages.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Facelift

What type of Anesthesia is used during Facelift Surgery?

During a facial plastic surgery, either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation may be used. The choice depends on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s preferences. General anesthesia ensures that the patient is completely unconscious during the procedure, while local anesthesia with sedation keeps the patient awake but relaxed and comfortable. Dr. Schrader will discuss the anesthesia options with you during your consultation and help you make the best decision based on your needs and comfort level.

What should I expect from a facelift consultation?

During a private consultation with Dr. Schrader, she will carefully evaluate your facial bone structure, skin quality, and overall health to determine if you are a suitable candidate for facelift surgery. She will discuss your aesthetic goals, review your medical history, and address any concerns or questions you may have about the surgery. Dr. Schrader will also explain the different facelift options, their benefits, and potential risks, and help you choose the most appropriate procedure based on your needs and desired outcomes. The consultation is an essential step in ensuring that you make an informed decision about undergoing a facelift and achieving the best possible results.

How long does it take to recuperate after a facelift procedure?

The recuperation time after a facelift procedure can vary based on the patient’s age, overall health, and the extent of the surgery. On average, most patients can expect to return to their normal daily activities within two weeks following the procedure. Some patients are reluctant to go out at that time because of the bruising, while others are comfortable concealing the bruises with makeup. However, it may take several weeks or even months for all swelling and bruising to resolve fully, and for the final results to become apparent.
For a mini facelift, recovery is generally quicker, with patients often resuming normal activities within a week due to smaller incisions that result in less bruising and swelling.

How long will my results last after a facelift?

One question patients usually ask is “How long does a facelift last?”. The longevity of facelift results can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as age, genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. Generally, the results of a traditional facelift can last for several years, with some patients enjoying the benefits for up to 10 years or more.
For a mini facelift, the results typically last slightly less long, often around 5 to 7 years, due to the less extensive nature of the procedure. However, similar to a standard facelift, maintaining the results of a mini facelift involves good skincare habits, sun protection, a healthy lifestyle, and potentially non-surgical touch-ups. Dr. Schrader will guide what to expect from a mini facelift during your consultation and offer tips on preserving your youthful appearance.

What Facelift office is near me?

Schrader Plastic Surgery, led by Dr. Nicole Schrader, is conveniently located in Princeton, New Jersey. Dr. Schrader is a double board-certified surgeon with over 20 years of experience, specializing in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialty) & Head/Neck Surgery. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Schrader, please contact her office at 609-279-0009.

Why Choose Dr. Nicole Schrader

When considering a facelift procedure, it is essential to choose a skilled and experienced surgeon who specializes in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Nicole Schrader is a double board-certified surgeon with over 20 years of experience, including 13+ years in private practice. Her expertise and qualifications include:

Specializing in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialty) & Head/Neck Surgery
Member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Academy of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, and the American Board of Otolaryngology
Graduated summa cum laude from George-August University in Germany
Completed a residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Temple University in Philadelphia and a fellowship in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Robert Wood Johnson, New Brunswick, NJ
Recognized as the Best Plastic Surgeon by Town Topics Readers’ Choice Awards in 2017
Co-authored more than a dozen papers and presentations

By choosing Dr. Schrader for your facelift procedure, you can trust that you are in the hands of a highly skilled and experienced surgeon, dedicated to providing the highest quality care and achieving the best possible results.