Introduction
In the bustling metropolis of New York City, the pursuit of youthful and radiant skin has led many individuals to explore the world of facial anti - aging plastic surgery. The city is home to numerous top - tier hospitals and highly skilled surgeons offering a wide array of procedures. This guide will provide in - depth information about the various plastic surgery options for facial anti - aging in New York City, including details on specific treatments, hospitals, and what to expect.
Types of Facial Anti - Aging Plastic Surgery Procedures
Injectable Treatments
Injectables are among the most popular minimally invasive procedures for facial anti - aging. They offer a convenient and less invasive alternative to surgery. Some of the commonly used injectables are:
- Botox and Similar Relaxing Injectables:
Botox™, Dysport™, Xeomin™, and Jeuveau™ are medications produced from sterilized derivatives of botulinum toxin. These injectables “relax” specific muscles in the face. As we age, overactive or tense facial muscles, often caused by excessive frowning and squinting, lead to the formation of wrinkles. When botulinum toxin is injected into the skin, it blocks the nerve signals that cause the muscles to contract. As a result, wrinkles fade away, and the brow lifts up. Mount Sinai's facial plastic and reconstructive surgery team administers these injectables in a safe and relaxing environment. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 7.4 million people receive Botox™ or alternative injections each year in the United States. They are used to address various aging concerns such as forehead lines and wrinkles, lines and wrinkles around the eyes, neck lines and bands, fine lines and wrinkles around the lips, and loss of eyebrow height. The treatment usually takes about 20 minutes and can be given during a routine office visit. The effects typically last between three and six months, and patients can choose to have the treatment repeated when the effects wear off.
- Soft Tissue Fillers:
Soft tissue fillers like Restylane®, Radiesse®, Juvéderm®, and Sculptra® are used to treat advanced wrinkling and restore volume to the face. Restylane®, Radiesse®, and Juvéderm® are made with hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the body. They fill in frown lines, marionette lines around the mouth, and other common facial wrinkles and can also create fuller lips. The improvements can last from 6 months to 18 months. Sculptra® is made from a synthetic material called poly - l - lactic acid. It helps the body increase collagen production, gradually increasing skin thickness and filling in areas such as hollowed cheeks, sunken eyes, and marionette lines. The best results take three to six initial treatments spaced four to six weeks apart, and the improvements usually last about two years. These fillers are especially effective for patients over age 65, though facial plastic surgery may provide more long - term results.
- Permanent Chin Injectable (Kybella®):
Kybella® is a non - invasive way to remove a double chin permanently. During a series of treatments, a plastic surgeon injects Kybella®, which is a synthetic form of a natural compound that dissolves body fat. It is a new option for rejuvenating the jawline.
Facelift Surgery
A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the face and neck by addressing signs of aging, such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and facial contours. Here's a detailed look at facelift surgery:
What Aging Does to the Face
Facial aging is caused by two main factors: gravitational drooping of the facial muscles and loss of volume and thickness of the soft tissues and skin of the face. This leads to the formation of folds, contours, and shadows, making a person look tired, stressed, and older. The heart - shaped face of youth becomes more rectangular as the jowls widen, and the jawline loses its definition.
What a Facelift Does
Facelift surgery corrects the sagging facial tissue, jowls, drooping skin under the chin ( “turkey neck” ), dropped cheeks, and deep creases from the outer nostrils to the corners of the mouth (nasolabial folds). When performed correctly by a specialized facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Andrew Jacono, the procedure can turn back the clock by 10 years or more and achieve a natural, beautifully revitalized version of the patient.
When to Consider a Facelift
You may be a candidate for a facelift if you meet the following criteria:
- You look older than you feel or your actual age.
- Non - surgical treatments such as Botox, injectable fillers, facial lasers, and skin tightening devices no longer provide the same rejuvenation as they did in the past.
- You are looking for a low - maintenance, long - lasting treatment for your aging face.
- You desire to enhance your appearance for yourself, not to please others.
- You are in good physical and mental health.
- You are ready to look a decade or younger.
What a Facelift Cannot Do
It's important to have realistic expectations. A facelift cannot:
- Improve the texture and quality of the skin (it cannot eliminate age spots, fine lines, or wrinkles).
- Address all signs of aging (it primarily focuses on the lower face and neck and may not address sagging eyelids or brow lines).
- Stop the aging process (the effects will gradually wear off over time, and additional procedures may be needed to maintain the results).
- Correct underlying facial asymmetry or abnormalities.
- Substitute for a healthy lifestyle (maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and sun protection are still important for overall health and youthfulness).
Types of Facelift Procedures
Type of Facelift | Description | Benefits |
---|---|---|
Mini - Facelift | Also known as a “short flap” facelift, it rejuvenates the lower face of patients. It corrects mild to moderate sagging that causes early jowls and excess skin in the lower face and neck. | Less invasive than a full facelift, resulting scars are almost undetectable once healed. |
Ponytail Facelift | Utilizes a mini “short scar facelift” or s - type incision. The incision is hidden behind the ears around the inside of the small rectangular “tragus” at the opening of the ears and ends behind the earlobes and back of the ear. | Great for patients who want a minimally invasive option with no visible incisions, especially those with short haircuts. |
Deep Plane Facelift | The most rejuvenating procedure in facelift surgery. In addition to the jawline and neck, it also lifts the cheek areas using the same incision as for the short - flap facelift, plus a hidden extension into the hairline behind the ears. The muscle and fibrous tissue are separated from the underlying layers of the cheeks, face, and neck, and the skin fat and underlying muscles are left connected and moved as a unit. | Lifts the cheeks as well as the jawline and neck, provides the most natural long - lasting facelift results, and is the most rejuvenating of all facelift techniques. |
SMAS Flap Facelift | Indicated for patients with heavier facial tissues and more advanced aging. It actually lifts the SMAS (the underlying muscular system in the lower face) and platysma muscle. An extra piece of SMAS is removed and secured higher in the face. | Better results for patients with more significant dropping and heavier necks and jowls, provides longer - lasting results than a mini facelift. |
Facelift Recovery Time
The initial recovery period after a facelift procedure generally lasts about 1 - 2 weeks. During this time, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which gradually improve. Patients are advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities. After the first 2 weeks, patients can gradually resume normal daily activities, but it may take several more weeks for the swelling and bruising to fully subside. Most patients can return to work and normal social activities within 3 - 4 weeks. It's crucial to follow the surgeon's post - operative instructions carefully for a smooth recovery and best results.
Risks of a Facelift
Like any surgical procedure, a facelift carries some risks and potential complications, including:
- Infection: Surgeons take steps to minimize this risk, such as administering antibiotics before and after surgery.
- Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal, but excessive bleeding may require additional surgery.
- Nerve damage: This can result in numbness, weakness, or paralysis of facial muscles.
- Scarring: Although generally minimal, it can occur depending on factors like the patient's skin type and the surgical technique.
- Anesthesia complications: These include allergic reactions, breathing difficulties, and heart problems.
- Hair loss: May occur around the incision site in some cases.
- Dissatisfaction with results: It's important to have realistic expectations as the procedure may not achieve the desired result in every case.
Cost of a Facelift
The cost of a facelift can vary widely depending on factors such as the extent of the procedure, the surgeon's reputation and experience, and the practice location. On average, the cost of a facelift procedure by a top plastic surgeon in New York City ranges dramatically. It's essential to discuss the cost with the surgeon during the consultation process, and many practices offer financing options to make the procedure more affordable.
Non - Surgical Facial Rejuvenation Procedures
Skin Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is a popular and effective cosmetic treatment. It provides a proven permanent treatment for many of the effects of aging skin, such as fine lines and wrinkles, increased pore size, skin blemishes, and uneven skin pigmentation/tone. Medical lasers produce their effects through high - energy, focused beams of intense, “single - colored” light that interact well with various tissues within the skin and body. Skin resurfacing techniques also involve various forms of chemical peeling and skin abrasion to improve skin texture and color, often supplementing other cosmetic procedures.
Tissue Lifting
Ultherapy® uses ultrasound energy to lift and tone skin for a refreshed appearance, especially for loose, lax skin. The plastic surgeon uses ultrasound to strengthen the skin from the inside out in a non - invasive way. The ultrasound energy first visualizes the targeted layers of the soft tissue and then treats those layers, leaving the top layers of skin undisturbed. It activates the body's regenerative response, gradually building new collagen to lift and tone the skin over weeks and months, creating the effects of a face and neck lift.
Top Facial Anti - Aging Hospitals in New York City
Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai's facial plastic and reconstructive surgery team offers a comprehensive range of treatments. Their surgeons are certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. They provide advanced nonsurgical, minimally invasive, and surgical treatments for all types of facial reconstruction, facial nerve paralysis, nose function, facial rejuvenation, and facial contouring of the ear, nose, chin, and cheeks. Services include cosmetic injectables (Botox, Dysport, etc.), soft tissue fillers, and various surgical procedures like nose surgery (rhinoplasty), face and neck lift, forehead and brow lift, eye lift (blepharoplasty), cheek, chin and jaw implants, and ear surgery (otoplasty). The hospital also focuses on providing a personalized approach to care, tailoring treatment plans to each patient's unique aesthetics, medical history, and lifestyle. They offer the latest and safest procedures in the field and are leaders in minimally invasive surgery, which helps patients recover faster with fewer complications.
ColumbiaDoctors
ColumbiaDoctors' facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons are nationally recognized. They aim to help patients look their best and restore their sense of self. Their cosmetic/aesthetic facial plastic surgery services range from noninvasive techniques such as Botox and dermal filler to surgical procedures. Advanced filler techniques include non - surgical rhinoplasty, under eye/tear trough filler, chin and cheek augmentation, jawline augmentation, and lip augmentation. Surgical procedures include rhinoplasty for both improved breathing and cosmetic appearance, chin implantation, lip lifts, upper and lower eyelid surgery, brow and forehead lifts, face and neck lifts, face and neck contouring with liposuction, midline neck lifts, and chemical peels. The hospital also has a facial paralysis/facial nerve program to help patients with facial nerve injuries re - learn to use their facial muscles, and a reconstructive surgery program for patients with facial defects due to cancer treatment, trauma, or other medical illnesses.
Weill Cornell Medicine
The Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine offers comprehensive, state - of - the - art cosmetic or reconstructive medical and surgical care for the face, head, and neck. Their multidisciplinary team provides a personalized approach to treating face, head, and neck aesthetic conditions, collaborating with other specialists as needed. They are leaders in their fields and have extensive experience in treating conditions such as facial paralysis, facial injuries, cleft lip, cleft palate, deviated septum, and aesthetic issues after Mohs surgery or tumor removal. They also offer cosmetic facial surgery, including rhinoplasty and otoplasty (cosmetic ear surgery). The hospital focuses on comfort and compassion, using the latest regional anesthetics and medications to help patients recover quickly and heal faster.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Selecting the right surgeon is crucial for a successful facial anti - aging plastic surgery. Here are some factors to consider:
- Board Certification: Ensure the surgeon is certified by the appropriate boards, such as the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This indicates that they have met high standards of education, training, and experience.
- Experience: Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in the specific procedure you are considering. Surgeons like Dr. Andrew Jacono, who is considered one of the best in New York City, have performed thousands of facelifts and other facial plastic surgery procedures.
- Reputation: Check online reviews, patient testimonials, and media coverage. A surgeon with a good reputation is more likely to provide high - quality care and achieve satisfactory results. Dr. Jacono, for example, has been recognized by multiple media outlets and has a large number of satisfied patients.
- Communication Skills: The surgeon should be able to clearly explain the procedure, its risks, benefits, and expected outcomes. They should also listen to your concerns and goals and develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Portfolio of Before - and - After Photos: Reviewing the surgeon's portfolio can give you an idea of their aesthetic sense and the quality of their work. This can help you determine if their style aligns with your desired results.
Preparing for Facial Anti - Aging Plastic Surgery
Proper preparation is essential for a successful plastic surgery experience. Here's what you can do:
- Consultation: Schedule a consultation with the surgeon. During this visit, discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns you may have. The surgeon will evaluate your face, recommend the most suitable procedure, and explain the details of the treatment, including the cost, recovery time, and potential risks.
- Medical Evaluation: The surgeon may request a medical evaluation to ensure you are in good health for the procedure. This may include blood tests, a physical examination, and consultations with other specialists if necessary.
- Lifestyle Changes: If you smoke, it's advisable to quit smoking before the surgery as it can interfere with the healing process. You may also need to avoid certain medications and supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin and some herbal supplements.
- Arrange for Support: Since you may need assistance during the recovery period, arrange for someone to help you with daily activities such as cooking