A guide to small - incision facelift plastic surgery hospitals in New York City!

Introduction

In the bustling metropolis of New York City, the pursuit of youthful and radiant skin is a common aspiration. Small - incision facelift plastic surgery has emerged as a popular choice for those looking to turn back the clock with less invasive procedures. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of small - incision facelift plastic surgery in New York City, including what it is, the top hospitals and surgeons, the procedure details, recovery, and more.

What is a Small - Incision Facelift?

A small - incision facelift, also known as a mini facelift, is a less invasive alternative to a traditional full facelift. It is designed to address the early signs of aging in the mid - face, jawline, and neck. Unlike a full facelift that addresses severe drooping of neck and jowl skin common in older patients, a mini facelift involves making small incisions, often in front of the ears and sometimes extending into the hairline. Through these incisions, the surgeon tightens the underlying facial muscles and removes or redistributes excess fat and skin, significantly reducing signs of aging and enhancing the overall facial aesthetics.

Other Names for Mini Facelift

It goes by many names such as the s - lift, macs lift, short incision facelift, short scar facelift, or lifestyle lift ™. All these procedures share the common goal of tightening the skin and restoring a youthful appearance.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Good candidates for a small - incision facelift are typically in their 40s - 60s and are beginning to show mild - to - moderate signs of aging in the mid - face, jawline, and neck. They may have sagging skin, jowls, marionette lines, or loose neck skin. Ideal patients are in overall good health, have realistic expectations of the surgical outcomes, and are not looking for a complete facial transformation like a full facelift provides. For example, individuals who are experiencing “filler fatigue” and “laser fatigue” may find a mini facelift to be a more cost - effective and longer - lasting solution as the benefits of fillers and lasers lessen with aging, and more and more of these treatments are needed at an escalating cost.

Top Plastic Surgery Hospitals and Surgeons in New York City

Dr. Andrew Jacono - New York Center for Facial Plastic Surgery

Dr. Andrew Jacono is a dual - board - certified facial plastic surgeon. He has pioneered mini face lift surgery that minimizes downtime. The procedure involves local anesthesia or twilight sedation with no general anesthesia. He performs mini facelifts to address drooping of the soft tissues and loosening of the skin in the face and the neck. He is also known for customizing each procedure to meet his patient’s needs, resulting in natural and beautiful outcomes. His signature hybrid mini facelift called the m.a.d.e. (minimal access deep plane extended) facelift uses a short incision combined with a deep plane facelift, which is very effective in restoring the midface and nasolabial folds. Dr. Jacono has been named one of the best facelift surgeons in America by Newsweek. Many patients have seen remarkable transformations after their procedures with him, such as looking 10 - 15 years younger.

Dr. Barry M. Weintraub

Dr. Barry M. Weintraub is a board - certified plastic surgeon. He is highly experienced, with more than two decades of experience performing cosmetic plastic surgery in NYC. He prefers short scar facelifts (a type of mini facelift) and has perfected the technique. The short scar facelift incision begins at the top of the ear and is then disguised inside the ear, with the remaining excess well concealed in the crease behind the ear. No unsightly scars show when the hair is worn up. He was selected as one of America’s best plastic surgeons in 2023 by Newsweek for the category of facelift. Dr. Weintraub takes great care to customize each surgery based on the patient’s unique anatomical characteristics, musculature, ethnicity, and tissues. Over 60% of his practice is comprised of complex redos of surgeries performed by other offices, showing his high - level skills in handling challenging cases.

Dr. Darrick Antell

Dr. Darrick Antell is a board - certified plastic surgeon who emphasizes aesthetic cosmetic surgery. Mini facelifts are one of the procedures he commonly performs. He tailors the mini facelift to each patient, evaluating the face, including the skin and underlying bone, during the initial consultation. Dr. Antell performs most of his cosmetic surgeries at his own state - of - the - art and accredited surgical facility in New York, allowing for superior care and service. He ensures to discuss all aspects of the procedure, including anesthesia, risks, and costs, with his patients to ensure they are well - informed before making a decision.

Dr. Elie Levine - Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC

Dr. Elie Levine uses a variety of advanced techniques for mini facelift surgery, including short scar mini facelift, limited incision mini facelift, endoscopic mini facelift, smasectomy mini facelift, smas plication mini facelift, and macs mini facelift. His practice, Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, offers a multidisciplinary approach. Dr. Levine and Dr. Jody Levine work together to create a customized skin care regimen for both before and after the procedure, which helps maximize overall facial rejuvenation. They include pre - and post - surgery skin care packages as part of the surgical plan, such as pre - surgery facials, microdermabrasion treatments, and post - operative lymphatic massage and laser treatments.

Dr. John E. Sherman

Dr. John E. Sherman has over 35 years of experience in facial surgeries. He performs short scar facelifts (mini facelifts) using limited retro tragal incisions. These incisions begin below the earlobe, run alongside the inner edge of the tragus, and end at the hairline of the sideburn. He tailors the procedure to the unique needs and anatomy of each patient, achieving transformative yet natural - looking results. He provides a thorough written account of what patients must do to prepare for their surgery and has a YouTube channel where patients can see how he performs delicate surgical techniques.

Dr. Steven Wallach

Dr. Steven Wallach is a leading authority on plastic surgery. He has had numerous papers published in top medical journals and regularly appears at surgical conferences. For mini facelifts, he creates an incision that travels from just under the earlobe and upwards along the inner edge of the tragus, ending along the hairline of the sideburn to avoid hair loss and visible scarring. He can use different methods to tighten and lift the smas layer, such as a smasectomy or a macs lift. He devises a personalized treatment plan for each patient after a thorough examination and review of their medical history.

Dr. Lawrence S. Westreich - New Face NY

Dr. Lawrence S. Westreich is a double - board - certified facial plastic surgeon. His mini facelift is a milder version of facelift surgery with shorter incisions and less tissue manipulation. He aims to give the patient a younger, tighter, and refreshed look mostly along the jawline and in the skin underneath the chin. He also offers facetite, a minimally invasive, in - office procedure that can provide skin tightening results similar to a mini facelift. He carefully evaluates patients to determine if they are better candidates for a mini facelift, facetite, or a more traditional facelift.

The Small - Incision Facelift Procedure

Anesthesia

Most small - incision facelifts are performed under local anesthesia combined with a sedative to make the patient drowsy. This way, the patient is awake but relaxed, and the face is insensitive to pain. However, some procedures may call for general anesthesia, especially if the patient is more anxious or if the surgery is combined with other more extensive procedures. For example, if a patient is having a mini facelift along with a neck lift and eyelid surgery, general anesthesia might be preferred.

Incisions

The incisions for a small - incision facelift are strategically placed to be as inconspicuous as possible. Typically, they are made in front of the ears and may extend into the hairline. Some surgeons use incisions that start at the top of the ear and are then disguised inside the ear, with the remaining excess well concealed in the crease behind the ear. Other common incision patterns include limited retro tragal incisions that begin below the earlobe, run alongside the inner edge of the tragus, and end at the hairline of the sideburn. These incisions allow the surgeon access to the underlying tissues of the face to make the necessary adjustments.

Muscle and Tissue Manipulation

Once the incisions are made, the surgeon separates the skin from the fat and muscle below. The superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) layer is often the key area of focus. The surgeon may elevate, reposition, and tighten the SMAS layer to create a more youthful foundation. Excess fat around the neck and chin may be trimmed or suctioned to improve the contour. After the underlying muscles and tissues are adjusted, the skin is pulled back, and the excess skin is removed. The layers of tissue are then secured with stitches, and the incisions are closed.

Recovery after Small - Incision Facelift

Immediate Post - Operative Period

After the surgery, a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin behind the ear to drain any blood that might collect there. The surgeon may also wrap the head loosely in bandages to minimize bruising and swelling. Patients usually experience some mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the first few days. The swelling and bruising are normal side effects and typically subside gradually over time. It is common to have some numbness of the skin, which will disappear in a few weeks or months.

Activity Restrictions

Patients are usually advised to keep their head elevated and as still as possible for a couple of days after surgery to keep the swelling down. If a drainage tube is inserted, it will be removed one or two days after surgery. Bandages, when used, are usually removed after one to five days. Stitches are typically removed after about one week, although the scalp may take longer to heal, and the stitches or metal clips in the hairline could be left in a few days longer. In general, patients should take it easy for the first week after surgery. They should avoid strenuous activity, including sex and heavy housework, for at least two weeks (walking and mild stretching are fine). Avoiding alcohol, steam baths, and saunas for several months is also recommended. Most patients can return to work about ten days to two weeks after surgery, but they should still be gentle with their face and hair as the skin will be tender and numb at first.

Long - Term Recovery

As the swelling and bruising subside, the final results of the small - incision facelift become more apparent. Most patients start to look and feel back to normal after around a month. However, it may take a few months for the skin and muscles to fully settle into their new positions. The results of a small - incision facelift typically last 10 to 15 years, depending on individual health and lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and overall skin quality.

Cost of Small - Incision Facelift in New York City

Determining the exact cost of a small - incision facelift can be complex due to the personalized nature of the surgery. Various factors contribute to the overall cost, such as the geographical location of the surgery, the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon's experience and reputation, and the potential combination with other aesthetic enhancements. On average, mini facelift surgery can range from $3,500 to $8,000 according to national research. However, this is just a rough estimate, and patients should schedule a consultation with a surgeon to get an accurate quote based on their specific needs. Some surgeons may offer financing options to help patients manage the cost.

Benefits of Small - Incision Facelift

Less Invasive

Compared to a traditional full facelift, a small - incision facelift is less invasive. The smaller incisions mean less trauma to the body, resulting in less pain, swelling, and bruising after the surgery. It also typically has a shorter recovery time, allowing patients to return to their normal lives more quickly. For example, patients may only need to take 3 - 5 days off work for a mini facelift, while a full facelift may require 7 - 10 days or more off work.

Natural - Looking Results

With advancements in surgical techniques, small - incision facelifts can produce natural - looking results. Surgeons are able to target specific areas of concern and make subtle adjustments to the facial tissues, creating a refreshed and youthful appearance without an overly “pulled” or artificial look. For instance, a well - performed mini facelift can reduce jowls, lift the cheeks, and improve the jawline definition, making the patient look like a more refreshed version of themselves.

Customizable

Small - incision facelifts can be customized to each patient's specific needs and goals. Surgeons can choose different techniques based on the patient's facial anatomy, the degree of aging, and the areas that need improvement. For example, if a patient has more sagging in the mid - face, a surgeon may use a technique that focuses on repositioning the fat pads in the cheeks. If the jowls and jawline are the main concern, a different approach may be taken to tighten the tissues in those areas.

Potential Risks and Complications

While small - incision facelifts are generally considered safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, there are still some potential risks and complications. These include:

• Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection at the incision site. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. Patients are usually prescribed antibiotics after surgery to reduce this risk.
• Scarring: While efforts are made to hide the incisions, there is still a possibility of visible scarring. However, with proper surgical techniques and post - operative care, the scars are usually minimal and fade over time.
• Nerve Damage: There is a small risk of nerve damage during the surgery, which can result in numbness, tingling, or weakness in the face. In most cases, the nerve function returns to normal over time, but in some rare instances, it may be permanent.
• Hematoma: A hematoma is a collection of blood under the skin. It can cause swelling, pain, and may require additional treatment to drain the blood. If a hematoma occurs, it is usually detected and treated soon after the surgery.
• Unsatisfactory Results: Sometimes, the results of the surgery may not meet the patient's expectations. This could be due to factors such as uneven tightening of the skin, unexpected scarring, or an unnatural appearance. In such cases, a revision surgery may be necessary, although this is not common.

How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon

Choosing the right plastic surgeon for a small - incision facelift is crucial for a successful outcome. Here are some factors to consider:

Board Certification

Ensure that the surgeon is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This certification indicates that the surgeon has completed the necessary education, training, and exams to perform plastic surgery procedures safely and effectively.

Experience

Look for a surgeon who has extensive experience in performing small - incision facelifts. Ask about the number of mini facelift surgeries they have performed and request to see before - and - after photos of their previous patients. A surgeon with more experience is more likely to be familiar with different facial anatomies and be able to handle any complications that may arise during the surgery.

Reputation

Check the surgeon's reputation by reading patient reviews and testimonials. You can also look for awards and recognition the surgeon has received. A surgeon with a good reputation is more likely to provide high - quality care and achieve satisfactory results.

Communication

During the consultation, pay attention to how well the surgeon communicates with you. They should listen to your concerns and goals, explain the procedure in detail, and answer all your questions. You should feel comfortable asking questions and discussing your expectations with the surgeon.

Hospital and Facility Accreditation

Make sure that the surgery will be performed in an accredited hospital or surgical facility. Accreditation ensures that the facility meets certain safety and quality standards.

Conclusion

Small - incision facelift plastic surgery in New York City offers a great option for those looking to combat the early signs of aging with a less invasive approach. With a variety of top - notch surgeons and advanced