Introduction
Facial sagging is a common concern for many people as they age. In New York City, there is a high demand for doctors who can effectively address this issue. This article aims to provide a pre - release ranking list of public doctors for facial sagging improvement in New York City, as well as offer comprehensive information about facelift procedures and the surgeons who perform them.
Understanding Facial Sagging and Facelift
The Causes of Facial Sagging
As we age, several factors contribute to facial sagging. The natural decrease in collagen and elastin production, changes in facial fat distribution, and bone structure alterations lead to deep wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of definition around the jawline. Additionally, stress, lifestyle factors such as sun exposure and smoking, and gravity also play a role in the development of facial sagging. For example, over time, the skin may become more lax and inelastic, jowls become deeper and more pronounced, the neck slackens, and the youthful volume from the upper cheek region and mid - face decreases.
What is a Facelift?
A facelift, medically known as a rhytidectomy, is a specialized cosmetic procedure aimed at tightening facial tissues, removing excess skin, and restoring a younger - looking contour to the face and neck. During a facelift, the surgeon trims away the excess skin tissues, tightens the skin, removes unwanted fat tissues, and tightens the underlying muscle structure. This results in firm contours with smooth and wrinkle - free skin, taking years off the face. Some of the specific improvements that can be achieved through a facelift include correcting deep wrinkles and facial lines in the cheeks, smoothing the deep nasolabial folds (the lines running from the corners of the nose to the mouth), and reducing jowls.
Top Doctors for Facial Sagging Improvement in New York City
Dr. Andrew Jacono
Dr. Andrew Jacono is widely regarded as one of the top doctors for facial sagging improvement in New York City. He is a dual - board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with practices in Great Neck, New York, and on Manhattan’s Park Avenue. Newsweek named him one of the top ten facelift surgeons in America and one of the top 2 facelift surgeons in NYC.
Dr. Jacono has pioneered the extended deep - plane facelift and created a mini facelift procedure called the M.A.D.E. lift (minimal access deep - plane extended facelift). The M.A.D.E. lift addresses saggy and soft tissues on the lower face and neck areas, adds definition back to droopy cheeks, accentuates the jawline, improves marionette lines and jowls, and reduces ‘turkey neck’ and neck bands. He has also published extensive anatomic studies in peer - reviewed plastic surgery literature and long - term evidence - based outcomes studies. Many patients fly in from all over the world seeking his natural results, which arguably result in patients looking 15 plus years younger but exactly like themselves.
Dr. Jacono is also known for treating celebrities such as Marc Jacobs, Sonja Morgan, and Dr. Paul Nassif. His work has been recognized by media outlets like Harper’s Bazaar and New York Magazine. New York Magazine has selected him as one of the five best plastic surgeons in New York City, and he has been a Castle Connolly top doctor since 2012.
Dr. Philipp Franck
Dr. Philipp Franck is another well - known surgeon for facial sagging improvement in New York City. He is a board - certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who completed his training at two prestigious Ivy League university hospitals. He trained with renowned facial plastic surgery experts such as Dan Baker and Dr. Ramtin Kassir, specializing in SMAS and deep plane facelift surgery.
Dr. Franck has been named New York Magazine’s rising star surgeon and is listed as Castle Connolly’s top doctors. He combines advanced surgical techniques with an artist’s eye for natural - looking results. He tailors each procedure to the patient’s unique facial anatomy, ensuring minimal scarring, quick recovery, and long - lasting improvements. His approach to facelift surgery includes using strategically placed incisions around the hairline and behind the ears to minimize visible scarring and carefully repositioning underlying muscles and tissues to correct sagging.
Dr. Adam Kolker
Dr. Adam Kolker is a double - board certified plastic surgeon who offers the best facelift in NYC. He 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, with treatments ranging from non - and minimally invasive techniques through the spectrum of moderate and more down - time methods.
Dr. Kolker can take up to ten years off a patient’s appearance during a facelift procedure by repositioning the 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. He also offers a variety of complementary procedures such as neck lift, blepharoplasty, brow lift, facial fat grafting, and lip lift to achieve comprehensive rejuvenation.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Doctor
Qualifications and Certification
It is crucial to choose a doctor who is board - certified in plastic surgery or facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Board certification ensures that the doctor has completed the necessary training and met the standards set by the relevant medical board. For example, Dr. Andrew Jacono, Dr. Philipp Franck, and Dr. Adam Kolker are all board - certified, which gives patients confidence in their skills and expertise.
Experience
Experience plays a significant role in the success of a facelift procedure. Look for a doctor who has performed a large number of facelift surgeries and has a proven track record of achieving natural - looking results. Dr. Jacono, for instance, has performed over 3,000 facelifts and is considered a master of his craft. His years of experience allow him to handle different cases and deliver satisfactory outcomes.
Reputation and Reviews
Research the doctor’s reputation in the medical community and read patient reviews. Positive reviews and testimonials from previous patients can give you an idea of the doctor’s patient care, bedside manner, and the quality of the results. You can also look for awards and recognition received by the doctor, such as being named in magazines like Newsweek or New York Magazine, which can further validate their expertise.
Artistic Vision
A good doctor for facial sagging improvement should have an artistic vision to create a natural - looking and harmonious result. The goal is not to make the patient look like they have had surgery but rather to enhance their appearance and restore their youthful features. Doctors like Dr. Jacono and Dr. Franck are known for their ability to combine surgical skills with an aesthetic sense to achieve beautiful and natural - looking outcomes.
Different Types of Facelift Procedures
Traditional Facelift
The traditional facelift is the most extensive option and is usually the best choice for patients with deep folds and a significant amount of sagging skin. It refreshes the entire lower region of the face by tightening the skin, removing excess skin and fat, and repositioning the underlying muscles. This procedure provides long - lasting results but may have a longer recovery time compared to other facelift techniques.
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that targets the lower third of the face and neck. It is suitable for patients with less advanced signs of aging and offers natural - looking and long - lasting results. With smaller incisions and minimal downtime, it can address mild to moderate sagging and provide a more youthful appearance. Dr. Jacono’s M.A.D.E. lift is an example of an advanced mini facelift procedure.
Deep Plane Facelift
The deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure that lifts and repositions the deeper facial tissues, including the muscles and fat pads. It creates a more natural and long - lasting rejuvenation of the face and neck and has gained popularity for its ability to provide more dramatic and longer - lasting results. Dr. Jacono is well - known for his extended deep - plane facelift technique, which goes deeper and does not separate the skin from underlying musculature, resulting in a more natural look.
SMAS Lift
The SMAS facelift aims to lift and tighten the deeper layers of the face, specifically the SMAS layer, which is a fibrous layer of tissue beneath the skin. SMAS - only facelifts are typically less invasive than traditional facelifts as they do not require the lifting and removal of excess skin. This procedure can provide a more natural lift and a quicker recovery time.
MACS Lift
The Minimal Access Cranial Suspension (MACS) facelift involves lifting and tightening the lower two - thirds of the face using special sutures. It is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation and has a shorter recovery time than traditional facelift surgery. The MACS lift can result in a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
Short Scar Facelift
Unlike traditional facelift surgery, which involves longer incisions that extend behind the ear and into the hairline, the short scar facelift involves shorter incisions hidden within the natural creases in front of the ear. This procedure can achieve good results with less visible scarring and a quicker recovery.
Subperiosteal Facelift
A subperiosteal facelift is a type of facelift that provides a more dramatic improvement in the appearance of the face than a traditional facelift by raising the deepest tissue planes. It can be suitable for patients who want a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
The Facelift Process
Consultation
The first step in the facelift process is the consultation. During this visit, the doctor will thoroughly discuss your concerns and goals for the procedure, review your medical history, and answer your questions and concerns. They will also examine your facial anatomy, skin quality, and muscle condition to determine the most appropriate facelift technique for you. For example, at the New York Group for Plastic Surgery, the surgeon will tailor each facelift to the client to preserve unique features and organic expression. The consultation is also an opportunity to explore additional procedures that may complement the facelift, such as a neck lift or brow lift.
Preparation
Before the surgery, you will need to make some preparations. It is important to avoid anything that thins the blood for two weeks prior to surgery, such as aspirin and certain medications. You may also be advised to maximize skin “fitness” prior to surgery using an at - home regimen that usually incorporates a retinol or retin - A. In some cases, other preoperative treatments like chemical peel, fraxel, or laser may be recommended to enhance the postoperative results. Routine blood tests will be obtained, and medical clearance will be organized as necessary.
The Surgery
The facelift surgery is typically performed in an outpatient facility, either under heavy sedation or general anesthesia. The duration of the surgery can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and the type of facelift being performed. For example, a traditional facelift may take several hours, while a mini facelift may be completed more quickly. The surgeon will make incisions in strategic locations, such as in the hairline near the temples, along the earlobe, and back to the lower scalp. These incisions are designed to be largely concealed within the hairline or the natural contours of the facial anatomy. Once the incisions are made, the surgeon will remove excess fat and skin tissues, reposition the underlying muscles, and tighten the skin to achieve the desired result.
Recovery
The recovery time after a facelift depends on the extent of the surgery. In the first few weeks, you can expect to have bruising, swelling, and stiff facial movements. Medications may be prescribed to assist with any postoperative discomfort. Most patients can return to light activity, including work, after two weeks, but more strenuous activities should be avoided for several weeks. To promote proper healing, you should limit sun exposure for several months. During the recovery period, it is important to follow all of the doctor’s post - operative instructions, such as keeping the head elevated, using cold compresses, and taking prescribed medications.
Benefits and Risks of Facelift
Benefits
The benefits of a facelift are numerous. It can significantly improve the appearance of facial sagging, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and restore a more youthful and refreshed look. This can have a positive impact on your self - confidence and overall quality of life. A facelift can also address multiple signs of aging in a single procedure, saving you time and potentially reducing the overall cost compared to having multiple separate treatments. The results of a facelift are long - lasting, typically lasting from five to 10 years, although the aging process will continue.
Risks
Although a facelift is generally safe when performed by an experienced surgeon, there are potential risks. These include hematoma (blood pooling under the skin), infection, nerve injury causing numbness or temporary weakness, and unsatisfactory scarring. Some patients may experience prolonged swelling or skin irregularities during the healing process. Certain factors such as smoking, underlying medical conditions, or poor skin elasticity may increase the likelihood of complications. It is important to have a thorough discussion with your doctor about these risks before the surgery and to follow all postoperative instructions to minimize the chances of complications.
Non - Surgical Alternatives to Facelift
For less severe cases of loose, sagging skin, there are non - surgical alternatives to a facelift. These include Botox® cosmetic injections, which can relax the muscles and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and dermal fillers such as Restylane®, Radiesse®, or Juvéderm®, which can add volume to the face and smooth out lines and wrinkles. These treatments can achieve a more youthful look in minutes, but they are temporary and require regular maintenance to maintain results. They are also limited in what they can achieve compared to surgical techniques. However, strategic use of non - surgical treatments can delay the need for cosmetic surgery for years, and when signs of aging become more advanced, a facelift can produce the most dramatic improvements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, facial sagging is a common concern, but there are many options available in New York City to address this issue. The pre - release ranking list of public doctors for facial sagging improvement in New York City includes highly qualified and experienced surgeons such as Dr. Andrew Jacono, Dr. Philipp Franck, and Dr. Adam Kolker. When choosing a doctor, it is important to consider factors such as qualifications, experience, reputation, and artistic vision. There are also different types of facelift procedures to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. While a facelift can provide significant benefits, it is important to be aware of the potential risks. Non - surgical alternatives can be a good option for less severe cases of facial sagging. Overall, by doing thorough research and consulting with a qualified doctor, you can make an informed decision about the best approach for your facial rejuvenation.
If you are interested in learning more about facial sagging improvement or facelift procedures, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the top doctors in New York City. You can also share this article with others who may be interested in this topic to help them make an informed decision about their facial aesthetic goals.
