In the heart of New York City, a metropolis known for its trends and innovation, the pursuit of youthful and radiant skin through facial lifting procedures has gained remarkable popularity. As age, stress, and environmental factors take their toll on our faces, sagging skin, wrinkles, and jowls become common concerns. Fortunately, the city is home to numerous top - notch institutions offering state - of - the - art facelift treatments. In this article, we'll explore some of the most popular institutions for facial lifting in New York City, shedding light on their expertise, techniques, and what makes them stand out.
1. New York Group for Plastic Surgery
Expertise and Experience
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery has been a cornerstone in the field of facial plastic surgery for over 27 years. Their team of exceptional cosmetic surgeons, including Dr. Salzberg and Dr. Jacobs, is highly regarded in the industry. Dr. Jacobs, in particular, has an impressive academic background. He received training from globally acclaimed medical leaders at institutions such as Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia during medical school, completed his residency in reconstruction at NYU, and had fellowship training in craniofacial surgery at NYU as well. His expertise and proficiency in the field are further exemplified by his academic affiliation with Mount Sinai Doctors and his recent recognition as a top doctor featured in New York Magazine.
Facelift Procedures
At the New York Group for Plastic Surgery, facelift procedures are customized to each patient's unique goals and concerns. The medical term for a facelift is rhytidectomy, which involves improving the lower facial regions. The surgeons trim away excess skin tissues, tighten the skin, remove unwanted fat tissues, and tighten the underlying muscle structure. This results in firm contours with smooth and wrinkle - free skin, effectively taking years off the face. Patients choose facial enhancement here for a variety of reasons, such as correcting deep wrinkles and facial lines in the cheeks, smoothing nasolabial and marionette lines, removing excessively sagging skin, tightening skin tissues and muscles, and reducing jowls.
There are different types of facelifts available. For individuals with minimal skin sagging, a “mini - facelift” might be recommended, which has shorter scars and a quicker recovery period. However, the specific procedure is determined by the surgeon after a thorough consultation with the patient.
Patient Experience
Patients can expect their facelift to be performed in the on - site, outpatient facility. The surgery is either under heavy sedation or general anesthesia and can take several hours to complete, especially if additional procedures are involved. After the surgery, patients need someone to drive them home and assist them for a few days. The incisions are made in the hairline near the temples, traveling from the front of the ear, along the earlobe, and back to the lower scalp. These incisions are largely concealed within the hairline or the natural contours of the facial anatomy, making them almost imperceptible. The cosmetic surgeons are experts in concealing incision marks, so patients don't have to worry about visible scars.
The recovery time depends on the extent of the surgery. In the first few weeks, patients can expect bruising, swelling, and stiff facial movements. Medications are prescribed to manage any postoperative discomfort. Most patients can return to light activity, including work, after two weeks, and resume more strenuous activities a few weeks later. To promote proper healing, they should limit sun exposure for several months.
2. Dr. Adam Kolker
Unique Approach
Dr. Adam Kolker believes that any facial rejuvenation plan should be carefully formulated based on the patient's particular anatomy and unique desires. His approach is step - wise, considering non - and minimally invasive techniques as well as more involved methods. He aims to provide the best facelift in NYC by re - establishing facial harmony and a refreshed appearance. Unlike the traditional “tight” or “pulled” look of old - style facelifts, Dr. Kolker focuses on a soft, gentle, and natural approach to achieve a more youthful appearance.
Facelift Benefits
A facelift with Dr. Kolker can address several cosmetic issues. It repositions soft tissues to improve age - related concerns such as loose jowls, sagging facial skin, poor chin and jawline definition, slackness in the upper neck region, and laxity, wrinkles, and fine lines on the lower two - thirds of the face. By gently repositioning the descending, wider elements like jowls and lower cheeks to more youthful positions and replacing lost volume in the upper cheek region, he can re - establish a more beautiful and natural facial contour.
Complementary Procedures
Dr. Kolker may suggest combined procedures to enhance the facelift results. Some of the popular combined treatments include a facelift and neck lift, where the neck lift tightens the platysma muscle to correct vertical neck bands and slackening of the neck. A facelift and skin rejuvenation, which combines a facelift with non - surgical facial rejuvenation treatments like lasers and chemical peels to improve the vibrancy, texture, and evenness of the overlying skin. For patients with heavy eyelids, he may suggest an upper or lower lid blepharoplasty, and for those with deep static wrinkles on their forehead, a combined facelift and brow lift surgery might be recommended.
Patient Journey and Recovery
Preparing for a facelift with Dr. Kolker involves avoiding anything that thins the blood for two weeks prior to surgery. Patients are also encouraged to maximize skin “fitness” using an at - home regimen that usually includes a retinol or retin - a. In certain cases, other preoperative treatments like chemical peels, fraxel, or laser may be recommended. Routine blood tests are obtained, and medical clearance is organized as necessary.
The facelift surgery usually takes approximately three to four hours and is performed in his fully accredited office - based ambulatory surgery suite on Park Avenue in New York. Anesthesia is either deep sedation (twilight) or general, administered by a board - certified anesthesiologist. After the surgery, patients are cared for by a licensed registered nurse in the recovery room. For most patients, a private duty nurse will care for them overnight. Small drain tubes are removed on the first morning after surgery. Bruising and swelling typically last for 7 - 10 days, and many patients can return to work and social activities by 2 weeks. Sutures are usually removed at 7 days, and patients can resume light exercises at 7 days and unrestricted exercise at 4 weeks.
3. Dr. David P. Rapaport at Park Avenue Plastic Surgery
Surgeon's Philosophy
Dr. David P. Rapaport, a board - certified plastic surgeon at Park Avenue Plastic Surgery, is one of Manhattan's most sought - after facelift surgeons. He strongly prefers “twilight” anesthesia (IV sedation) for facelift procedures. In his opinion, this form of anesthesia is safer than general anesthesia, and patients recover much smoother and more rapidly. Under this anesthesia, the patient is breathing on their own, responds to verbal commands, but typically has no memory of the procedure. The anesthesia is administered by Dr. Rapaport's board - certified anesthesiologist, Dr. John Grillo or one of his associates, with whom he has worked for over a decade.
Facelift Techniques
Dr. Rapaport's facelift techniques are designed to address the core problems resulting from significant facial aging. He performs multiple different types of facelift procedures depending on the patient's anatomy and desired outcome. These include a two - layer lift, generally referred to as a SMAS facelift, and a deep plane facelift. The SMAS (superficial musculo - aponeurotic system) is a connective tissue that surrounds the muscles of the face and becomes lax over time. Addressing the SMAS during the facelift is believed to produce a more natural and longer - lasting result. The skin is re - draped over the restored SMAS and closed in a tension - free manner to minimize visible scarring.
The deep plane facelift involves lifting the SMAS from the underlying muscles and releasing the ligaments that anchor the SMAS near the folds around the mouth. This technique may allow for better preservation of blood supply to the skin and is believed to create a more comprehensive rejuvenation in appropriate candidates.
Recovery and Complications
After the facelift, Dr. Rapaport sends his patients home accompanied by a nurse hand - picked by the practice, who stays with the patient at least overnight. The morning after surgery, the nurse removes all bandages and any drains (if used) and forwards detailed photographs for the doctor to review. This is done to monitor the patient's recovery and allay any anxiety. Complications in facelift surgery can include hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin), skin loss, nerve injury, motor nerve injury, unfavorable scars, anesthesia - related complications, and an unnatural look. However, the incidence of hematoma in Dr. Rapaport's hands is significantly lower, likely due to his careful technique and the nurse monitoring overnight, which helps keep blood pressure under control.
4. Dr. Andrew Jacono
Advanced Facelift Technique
Dr. Andrew Jacono is a world - renowned facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has been hailed as the best facelift surgeon in New York. His extended deep plane facelift is an innovative approach. Unlike more traditional techniques that separate skin and muscle and lift them individually, Dr. Jacono releases key ligaments and lifts the skin and deep muscle as a single unit. He then repositions tissue vertically instead of horizontally. The result is a smooth, natural - looking face that doesn't appear tight or pulled. His patients often report looking like a younger version of themselves.
Expertise and Philanthropy
Dr. Jacono has two state - of - the - art offices and ambulatory surgical centers certified by the AAAASF, located on Park Avenue in New York City and in Great Neck on the Gold Coast of Long Island, New York. He is highly regarded in the field and has lectured at the most prestigious plastic surgery symposia in the world, as well as at universities like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford. His patients come from all over the world, including Europe, Asia, the UAE, and Australia, for his signature deep - plane facelift.
Beyond his surgical expertise, Dr. Jacono is also a dedicated philanthropic physician. Each year, he travels across the world to provide surgical care to children whose families cannot afford treatment. He performs surgeries such as cleft lip repair, cleft palate repair, and ear reconstruction on people born with microtia.
5. Dr. Jeremy B. Shafer at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue
Facelift Specialization
At Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue, Dr. Jeremy B. Shafer is well - known for his expertise in performing facelifts. A facelift or “mini” facelift / short - scar facelift at this clinic is designed to remove excess skin from the neck, lower jawline, and jowl to give the lower two - thirds of the face a more youthful and rested appearance. The incisions are well - hidden behind the ears, in the hairline, and sometimes under the chin, depending on the extent of skin laxity and muscle banding in the neck.
Candidate Assessment
Facelifts are commonly performed on people aged 40 to 80, but can also be done on younger or older patients depending on their needs and medical fitness. A person may be a candidate for a facelift if they have deep creases in their face with tissue atrophy and skin laxity, an undefined jawline with excess skin or loose jowls, or loose skin, excess fatty tissue, and muscle banding in the neck. The longevity of the facelift results is influenced by factors such as sun exposure, tobacco use, and genetic makeup.
Procedure and Recovery
The facelift at Shafer Clinic is usually done under twilight / IV anesthesia but can also be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. The surgery is performed through incisions made in existing skin creases and hair - bearing areas surrounding the ear to hide them during healing. The surgeon may adjust underlying tissue, remove excess skin, and use liposuction to trim or remove localized deposits of fat along the jawline or under the chin. In some cases, an incision under the chin may be necessary to enhance contours and remove neck bands or place a chin implant. After the surgery, patients can expect minimal swelling and possible minor bruising. They are usually back to work in one to three weeks and can resume exercise in three to four weeks.
6. Dr. Steven Westreich at New Face NY
Personalized Approach
Dr. Steven Westreich at New Face NY offers a highly individualized facelift procedure. Recognized as a “top New York plastic surgeon” by NY Magazine, he specializes in a range of facelift techniques and tailors the ideal procedure for each patient's specific needs through detailed consultations. He understands that every patient has unique concerns and aesthetic goals, and he focuses on achieving natural results.
Facelift Target Areas and Benefits
A facelift with Dr. Westreich targets specific areas such as jowls, cheeks, neck, midface, and jawline. It lifts and repositions facial tissues to improve contours, minimize the appearance of wrinkles, creases, and fine lines, tighten and define the jawline, and address loose skin and muscle banding in the neck area. The benefits include helping individuals regain a more youthful and vibrant appearance, leading to increased self - assurance and satisfaction with their overall look.
Types of Facelifts and Complementary Procedures
Dr. Westreich offers a variety of facelift options, including traditional facelifts, endoscopic midface and facelifts, s - lifts or mini lifts, standard or extended SMAS lifts, and deep plane facelifts. The incisions are strategically concealed along the hairline, under the chin, behind the ears, or in other discreet locations. Complementary procedures that can be paired with a facelift include facial implants and fillers, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, non - ablative skin tightening, facial fat transfer, and eyelid surgery to enhance the overall results.
Recovery and Tips
After a facelift, patients can expect swelling and bruising that usually peak around the third day and then gradually subside. To aid in recovery, they should keep their head elevated with at least two pillows for a few days, take prescribed pain medications, and follow a set of recovery guidelines. Tips include having a friend or relative stay with them for the first 48 hours, avoiding sleeping on their side or stomach for at least a week, avoiding exertion for 7 - 10 days, using ice packs on the surgical site, and following specific instructions regarding sun exposure, incision care, scar management, and clothing.
7. Dr. Amiya Prasad at Prasad Cosmetic Surgery
Natural - Looking Results
Dr. Amiya Prasad's approach to facelifts is centered around maintaining the patient's unique facial characteristics while making them look about 10 years younger. He believes a good facelift should improve a person's look in a subtle way, so that people might say the patient looks refreshed or vibrant without it being obvious that they had cosmetic surgery.
Facelift Types and Techniques
His facelift procedures include different types. A mini facelift, also known as a short scar facelift, is less invasive and is suitable for people who want to lift a sagging jawline but don't have significant skin, deep tissue, or muscle laxity at the neck. The “SMAS” facelift tightens the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, which is essential for a natural and smooth result. Dr. Prasad also performs deep plane facelifts, going into a deeper layer beneath the skin and beneath the SMAS for a longer - lasting facelift. What sets him apart is that he performs the deep plane facelift using local anesthesia with his sedation method called Lite ™ IV Sedation, which makes the surgical experience easier on patients compared to general anesthesia and allows for a faster healing process and greater ease in recovery.
Quick Recovery Facelift
Dr. Prasad has developed a quick recovery facelift for those with busy lifestyles. This 2 - 3 hour procedure is performed using local anesthesia with Lite ™ Sedation. Incisions are made along the ear, and patients can return home about an hour after the procedure with only a small bandage. Functional recovery before they can return to work and their typical routine usually takes about one week, which is significantly shorter compared to traditional facelifts.
8. Dr. Stafford Broumand at 740 Park Plastic Surgery
Harvard - Trained Expertise
Dr. Stafford Broumand, a Harvard - trained plastic surgeon at 740 Park Plastic Surgery, specializes in facelift surgery. He understands that the face is a reflection of one's inner vitality and self - confidence and is dedicated to helping patients achieve a refreshed, youthful appearance through facelift procedures. His approach involves using the most advanced and safest methods possible, customizing the treatment plan to address each patient's specific concerns.