Facelift Surgeons in NYC

What a facelift does

A facelift lifts and repositions the deeper tissues of the lower face and jawline and removes extra skin, to address jowls and sagging along the jaw. It does not change skin texture, sun damage or fine lines, which is why many people add skin treatments such as laser resurfacing later. A neck lift is often done at the same time.

Types of facelift

• Deep plane facelift: the surgeon releases and moves the deeper muscle layer, called the SMAS, together with the tissue above it. It is one of the most requested approaches in Manhattan, and the technique varies by surgeon.
• SMAS facelift: the surgeon tightens or folds the SMAS layer and then redrapes the skin.
• Mini facelift: shorter incisions and a smaller lift for earlier jowling, usually with a shorter recovery.
• Lower face and neck lift: treats the jawline and neck together.

These labels are not standardized. Two surgeons may use the same name for different operations, so ask exactly what will be done and look at results for patients like you.

Choosing a facelift surgeon

• Check board certification. For body and breast surgery, look for the American Board of Plastic Surgery. For the face, facial plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery also perform these procedures.
• Ask how many of this exact procedure the surgeon performs each year, and ask to see before and after photos of patients with a starting point like yours.
• Ask where the surgery happens. New York State requires offices that perform surgery under sedation to be accredited, and hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers are licensed. Ask to see the accreditation.
• Ask who gives anesthesia. A board certified anesthesiologist or a certified registered nurse anesthetist is standard for sedation and general anesthesia.
• Ask what the written quote includes: surgeon fee, anesthesia, facility, garments, medications and follow up visits.

Recovery

Plan on about two weeks before you feel comfortable being seen socially, with bruising and swelling continuing to fade over the following weeks. If drains are used, they usually come out within a few days. Arrange for someone to take you home and stay with you the first night, and ask when you can exercise, color your hair and fly.

Not ready for surgery?

For mild laxity, some people start with energy based skin tightening such as Ultherapy, Sofwave, Thermage or Morpheus8. Results are more modest and do not reposition tissue the way surgery does.