Facelift in NYC
At Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg, a renowned double board-certified plastic surgeon, and our team of experienced plastic surgeons offer a range of facial surgery options to meet the unique needs and goals of each patient.
Whether you are looking for a traditional facelift, a deep plane facelift, or a minimally invasive non-surgical facelift, our team employs advanced techniques to achieve natural-looking results.
At Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, we prioritize patient safety and satisfaction above all else. Double board-certified Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS; Jason M. Weissler, MD, FACS; Stephanie A. Cooper, MD; and Jacqueline Ross, MD, are dedicated to providing you with a comfortable and positive experience from start to finish. If you are ready to explore the possibilities of facelift surgery, contact us at (888) 680-2090 to schedule your consultation with us in New York City, Southampton, Smithtown, Woodbury, Scarsdale, Princeton, or Boca Raton.
If you are considering a facelift or would like to learn more about this transformative procedure, we encourage you to contact our practice at (888) 680-2090. Consultations are available at our New York City location in Manhattan, our office in Scarsdale, or one of our offices on Long Island: Southampton, Smithtown, or Woodbury, as well as Princeton and Boca Raton. Our staff will be happy to assist you in scheduling a consultation with our team to explore your options and begin your journey toward a more confident and rejuvenated you.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a transformative surgical procedure that addresses signs of aging in the face and neck. As we age, our skin loses elasticity, facial muscles weaken, and fat deposits shift, leading to sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of facial volume. A facelift is designed to reverse these effects, restoring a more rejuvenated and youthful appearance.
About the Facelift
With the passage of time, age and external factors can take a toll on our facial appearance. This leads to lax facial skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of facial volume. Fortunately, advancements in plastic surgery have provided us with various options to restore and rejuvenate the face, helping individuals achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Considered one of the most comprehensive procedures available, the facelift reigns supreme when it comes to facial rejuvenation.
Over 125,000 facelift procedures take place in the United States every year. (1) A traditional facelift is designed to address moderate to severe signs of facial aging and is one of the only procedures able to do so effectively. This comprehensive approach targets loose facial skin, deep creases, jowls, and excess fat deposits in the lower face and neck.
During the procedure, a surgeon carefully places incisions within the natural contours of the face, allowing for discreet scarring. They then tighten underlying tissues and muscles, remove excess fat, and re-drape the skin for a smoother, more lifted appearance. A standard facelift provides long-lasting results, revitalizing the entire face and restoring a more youthful contour.
Who Is a Facelift For?
Facelifts are popular procedures for patients with more advanced facial aging concerns, including loose, sagging skin throughout the mid-to-low face, jowls, deep creases and facial wrinkles, and a loss of facial definition. Many of these issues stem from a loss of volume in the face; as the cheeks lose volume, the face appears more sunken and older. Any of these concerns are cause for seeking treatment via facial plastic surgery.
Although facial aging is a main factor, outside influences can cause younger patients to experience similar concerns. Lifestyle habits such as smoking can cause the skin to age prematurely, while sun damage can have a similar effect. Even rapid weight loss can result in a loss of facial volume, leaving the skin loose. If you have experienced any of the above concerns, you may be a candidate for a facelift.
What Are the Benefits of a Facelift?
Whether you are considering a deep plane facelift or a mini facelift, our plastic surgeons’ expertise and personalized approach ensure natural-looking results that enhance your appearance. The facelift has many benefits, including but not limited to the following.
- Restores facial contours
- Lifts and tightens tissues
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Eliminates deep folds
- Improves facial symmetry
- Boosts self-confidence
- Provides comprehensive, long-lasting results
Am I a Candidate for a Facelift?
Candidates for a facelift are individuals seeking cosmetic surgery to address signs of aging, such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of facial contour. This procedure is suitable for both men and women who desire to improve their facial aesthetics.
The age of a candidate and the elasticity of their skin play a role in determining the results of a facelift. Generally, younger individuals with good skin elasticity tend to achieve more favorable outcomes compared to older individuals with significant skin laxity. However, age alone does not preclude someone from getting a facelift as long as they are in good overall health.
Idea facelift candidates:
- Should generally be in good health
- Should be nonsmokers or be willing to quit
- Have reasonable expectations for results
- Desire a more youthful, lifted contour of the face
Certain medical conditions can increase the risks associated with surgery, making a facelift unsuitable for some individuals. Conditions such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders may affect the body’s ability to heal properly and increase the risk of complications during surgery. It is crucial to discuss your medical history thoroughly with your surgeon to determine if you are a suitable candidate for a facelift procedure.
What Are My Facelift Options?
At Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, each procedure is carefully tailored to the needs, goals, and anatomy of the patient. This is why we offer multiple options in technique and approach to our facelifts, so you receive the most custom and effective plastic surgery outcome. Our facelift surgery options include:
Lower Face and Neck Lift
This combination procedure rejuvenates the appearance of the lower face and neck. Through meticulous surgical techniques, your surgeon removes excess skin using a longer incision, tightens facial muscles, and repositions underlying tissues to create a smoother, more youthful contour. This procedure addresses common aging concerns such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of definition in the jawline and neck. The neck lift is a crucial component of the process, eliminating neck bands and excess skin folds. The result is a refreshed, natural-looking appearance with enhanced facial harmony.
Deep Plane Facelift
This advanced surgical technique addresses signs of aging in the face and neck, particularly targeting deeper layers of tissue. Unlike a traditional facelift, which primarily focuses on tightening the skin and superficial muscle layers, a deep plane facelift procedure involves repositioning and lifting the deeper facial structures, including the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer. This approach creates a natural look that treats sagging cheeks and excess tissue without appearing “pulled” or “windswept.”
Deep Plane Neck Lift
Like the deep plane facelift, this technique targets the deeper tissues of the neck for natural-looking rejuvenation in the area.
Mini Facelift
For patients who have mild to moderate facial sagging and desire a less invasive option, a mini facelift may be the ideal solution. This procedure focuses on improving the appearance of specific areas, such as the cheeks, jowls, and neck. With smaller incisions and a shorter recovery period compared to a traditional facelift, a mini facelift offers a more targeted approach to facial plastic surgery. Through careful tightening of the underlying tissues and removal of excess skin, mini facelift surgery can provide significant improvement in facial contours and reduce aging concerns.
What Can I Expect From the Facelift Procedure?
Your Facelift Consultation
By choosing a facelift at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, you can expect personalized care and attention to detail through every step of the process—and your consultation is no exception.
During your meeting with your board-certified plastic surgeon, they will thoroughly assess your facial structure, discuss your desired outcomes, and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. As a team of experts featuring some of the best facial plastic surgeons in NYC, Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology strives to provide the most natural-looking results to enhance your unique features, boost your confidence, and turn back the hands of time.
If you are considering a custom facelift, including deep plane facelift surgery, or you have any questions regarding the procedure, we encourage you to contact our office at (888) 680-2090 to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Greenberg or one of our dedicated facial rejuvenation specialists in Southampton, Smithtown, Woodbury, Scarsdale, New York City, Princeton, and Boca Raton.
Preparing for a Facelift
After your consultation, our team of expert patient coordinators and nurse practitioners will provide you with specific instructions designed to prepare you for your facelift. This will include guidelines on fasting, avoiding certain medications or supplements, and refraining from certain activities. For optimal results and your own safety, these instructions should be followed to the best of your ability.
To ensure your overall health and well-being, we may request blood tests and other diagnostic screenings. These tests help identify any underlying issues that could affect your surgery or recovery. It is also important to disclose all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are currently taking. Certain medications, such as blood thinners, will need to be temporarily discontinued or adjusted prior to surgery to minimize the risk of complications.
Smoking can significantly impair healing and increase the risk of complications. In fact, research explicitly states that 100% cessation of nicotine dramatically reduces complication rates. (2) Patients must quit smoking at least four weeks before their facelift and continue to abstain throughout the recovery period. Alcohol consumption can also interfere with the body’s natural healing processes—we recommend avoiding alcohol for at least one week before and after your surgery.
Lastly, it is important to arrange reliable transportation to and from our office, as you will not be able to drive yourself. We recommend choosing a trusted individual to spend the first 24 hours at home with you.
Facelift Procedure Steps
Each facelift option will require different techniques and procedures, although most facelifts and deep plane facelifts are performed using general anesthesia. However, your surgeon will carefully select the appropriate type of anesthesia based on your individual case, ensuring you are relaxed and pain-free throughout the surgery. Each surgical plan will vary from patient to patient, but a standard facelift procedure may include the following:
- Your surgeon will strategically place incisions in inconspicuous areas, such as within the hairline or around the natural contours of the ears, to minimize visible scarring. The exact incision pattern will depend on the extent of correction required.
- Through the incisions, they will gently lift and reposition the underlying facial tissues, including muscles and fat pads. This step helps to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and create a more defined facial contour.
- If necessary, they may also tighten the underlying facial muscles to provide additional support and create long-lasting results. This technique can effectively address sagging jowls and improve overall facial definition.
- Once the underlying structures have been addressed, the skin will skillfully be redraped, ensuring it is taut and natural-looking.
- To secure the lifted tissues and achieve optimal healing, your surgeon will use sutures to close the incisions with meticulous precision.
- You will be monitored by our experienced nursing staff as you wake from anesthesia, and then you will be kept for observation in our luxurious surgical suite or recovery center before being cleared to go home.
What Is Facelift Recovery Like?
While every patient’s recovery timeline may vary, most individuals can typically resume non-strenuous work after approximately two weeks. However, if your occupation involves rigorous physical activity, it is recommended to wait until you receive clearance from your surgeon.
As one of the best facelift surgeons in New York, Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg and his dedicated team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your incisions, manage any discomfort, and ensure a smooth recovery process.
It is typical to experience some degree of swelling and bruising in the initial days following the procedure. To manage this, we recommend keeping your head elevated above your heart when resting, as it helps reduce swelling. Additionally, your surgeon may prescribe medication to alleviate any discomfort you may experience during this time.
It is crucial to refrain from applying ice directly to the treated area, as it can impede proper blood flow and hinder the healing process. However, our team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to manage swelling effectively.
During the recovery period, it is important to attend follow-up appointments scheduled with your surgeon. These appointments allow them to monitor your progress and provide personalized guidance for your healing journey.
When Will I See My Facelift Results?
Immediately after your facelift surgery, bruising, swelling, and protective gauze will make it difficult to see your final results—but don’t worry. You’ll be able to tell that your skin and facial structures are tightened, and as your swelling dissipates, likely around week two post-op, you’ll begin to see the refined contours that your surgeon created. About one month after surgery, you’ll start to see the final results, which will only continue to improve.
How Much Does Facelift Surgery Cost?
The cost of a facelift in NYC is determined based on individual patient needs, in addition to several factors unique to each patient. During your personal consultation with your board-certified facelift specialist, they will assess your individual needs—including the type of facelift option—and develop a customized surgical plan for you. Once your surgical plan is created and agreed upon, our team will provide you with an accurate cost estimate.
Factors that can influence the cost of a facelift include the techniques used, the complexity and extent of revision needed, the type of anesthesia used, facility fees, and any other combination of plastic surgery procedures you may desire, such as a brow lift or eyelid surgery.
FAQs
Unfortunately, all surgery runs the risk of scars. However, our facelift specialists are highly skilled at not only providing stunning facelift results but also at hiding scars. One way we achieve this is by only placing incisions in the most inconspicuous locations possible—within the hairline or behind the ears, for example. Additionally, our surgeons use their expertise to ensure only the most discreet, even incisions and sutures to help reduce visible scars. Lastly, with proper aftercare, most facelift scars fade over time for a light and nearly invisible result.
In most cases, absolutely. One of the best ways to ensure a natural, cohesive plastic surgery result is to combine facial procedures together. Some popular procedures include combining a deep plane facelift with blepharoplasty (or eyelid surgery) to rejuvenate tired eyes, a brow lift (or forehead lift) for a more delicately arched brow and smoothed forehead, or even dermal filler injections or facial fat grafting to replace lost volume. Your surgeon will discuss the possibility and suitability of combining procedures during your consultation.
Facelift surgery is designed to be a long-lasting procedure, especially the deep plane option. However, the longevity of any procedure depends on a number of factors, including sun exposure and other lifestyle factors, your age, and the complexity of your treatment.
To help maintain the results of your facelift, we suggest avoiding sun damage and using a strong SPF, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and undergoing maintenance treatments such as laser skin resurfacing, Morpheus8™, microneedling, or regular HydraFacial™ treatments.
This will vary depending on the type of facelift you have (mini facelift vs. deep plane facelift surgery, for example), the level of necessary revision, the complexity of your case, and whether you have combined procedures or not. In any case, facelift surgery can range anywhere from 2 to 6 hours or longer. Your surgeon will give you a better idea of your potential surgical time during your consultation.
Yes, a facelift can address neck concerns to some extent. While a facelift primarily targets the lower face and jowls, it can also improve the appearance of the neck by tightening loose skin and underlying muscles. For individuals with significant neck laxity or excess fat, combining a facelift with a neck lift procedure can provide more comprehensive rejuvenation.
A facelift is the gold standard for long-lasting facial rejuvenation and is ideal for patients with moderate to severe facial aging concerns, such as skin laxity, jowls, deep creases and wrinkles, and a loss of facial definition. However, for those seeking non-surgical options or who may not be ready for a surgical procedure, we offer a wide range of less-invasive treatments and alternatives to facelift surgery.
- Liquid Facelift: The Liquid Facelift uses dermal filler injections to smooth out wrinkles, restore lost volume, and enhance facial contours. This provides a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.
- Morpheus8™: This fractional radiofrequency device delivers heat deep into the skin to tighten and contour the face. This treatment targets both the superficial layers and deeper tissues, resulting in improved skin texture and a more defined facial structure.
- PDO Thread Lift: A PDO Thread Lift is a minimally invasive procedure that uses absorbable sutures to lift and reposition sagging facial tissues. These threads are made of polydioxanone (PDO), a substance found in other biomedical applications, such as cardiothoracic surgery. This treatment provides immediate results and stimulates collagen production for long-term improvement.
- Ultherapy®: Ultherapy® is another popular choice for those seeking non-surgical facelift alternatives. This FDA-approved treatment uses ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production, lifting and tightening the skin naturally over time. It is particularly effective for treating loose skin on the neck, chin, and brow areas.
Our experienced team will assess your unique concerns and recommend the most suitable non-surgical facelift alternatives to help you achieve your desired results with minimal downtime.
Interested in Facelifts in NYC?
Turn back the clock with a natural lift and contour through personalized facelift surgery at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. Call us today at (888) 680-2090 to schedule your personalized consultation with a top facial plastic surgeon at one of our Southampton, Smithtown, Woodbury, Scarsdale, New York City, Princeton, and Boca Raton offices.
To learn more about facelifts, facelift surgery recovery and techniques, and other facial rejuvenation and plastic surgery procedures offered at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, read our blog.
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- Rohrich RJ, Sinno S, Vaca EE. Getting Better Results in Facelifting. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2019;7(6):e2270. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000002270
- Caplin DA, Perlyn CA. Facelifts: A Contemporary Perspective. Missouri Medicine. 2010;107(3):195-197. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6188335/
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