Introduction
Facial sagging is a common concern that comes with aging. As time passes, our skin loses its elasticity, fat deposits shift, and muscles weaken, leading to a less youthful appearance with sagging jowls, loose neck skin, and wrinkles. New York City, being a global hub for plastic surgery, offers a plethora of options for those seeking facial sagging lifting procedures. In this article, we will explore some of the top plastic surgery hospitals and surgeons in the city, their procedures, and what patients can expect.
Understanding Facial Sagging and Facelift Procedures
What Causes Facial Sagging?
Several factors contribute to facial sagging. The natural aging process is the primary culprit. As we age, the production of collagen and elastin, proteins that give skin its firmness and elasticity, decreases. Sun exposure, smoking, and stress can also accelerate this process. Additionally, weight fluctuations can cause the skin to stretch and lose its shape.
What is a Facelift?
A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the visible signs of aging in the face and neck. It involves tightening the underlying muscles, removing excess skin, and repositioning fat deposits to create a smoother, more youthful appearance. There are different types of facelifts, each tailored to address specific concerns and the patient's age and degree of facial sagging.
Top Plastic Surgery Hospitals and Surgeons in New York City
Dr. Adam Kolker
Dr. Kolker is highly regarded for his expertise in facelift procedures in New York City. He believes that any facial rejuvenation plan should be carefully formulated based on the patient's particular anatomy and unique desires. He offers a step - wise approach, considering non - and minimally invasive techniques through to more extensive methods.
- Benefits of a Facelift with Dr. Kolker: A facelift with Dr. Kolker can take up to ten years off a patient's appearance. It addresses issues 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.
- Patient Testimonials: Many patients have praised Dr. Kolker and his team. One patient, a nurse and healthcare administrator, had very high expectations for her facial plastic surgery and was extremely satisfied with the results. Another patient, Kristen Foodim, underwent a full facial rejuvenation surgery plan with Dr. Kolker, including a facelift, neck lift, blepharoplasty, brow lift, facial fat grafting, and a lip lift, and was thrilled with the outcome.
- Procedures Offered: He offers various facelift techniques such as short scar facelift, classical facelift, facelift with neck lift, smas plication, smasectomy, smas flap, and macs lift.
New York Group for Plastic Surgery
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery has been satisfying patients with successful and natural - looking facelift results for over 27 years. Their board - certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Salzberg and Dr. Jacobs, offer customized treatment plans.
- Improvements from a Facelift: Their facelift cosmetic surgery, known as a rhytidectomy, improves the lower facial regions by trimming away excess skin tissues, tightening the skin, removing unwanted fat tissues, and tightening the underlying muscle structure. This results in firm contours with smooth and wrinkle - free skin, taking years off the face.
- Avoiding the “Wind Tunnel” Appearance: The surgeons at this group carefully assess each aspect of the patient's facial anatomy to ensure results show no signs of cosmetic manipulation. They correct the underlying fat tissues and muscles to make the skin settle naturally over the face.
- Patient Experience: Patients undergo their facelift at the on - site, outpatient facility, either under heavy sedation or general anesthesia. The incisions are largely concealed within the hairline or the natural contours of the facial anatomy, making them almost imperceptible.
Dr. John E. Sherman
Dr. Sherman specializes in four facelift methods and has been in practice for over 35 years. He is one of the most accomplished, prominent, and trusted plastic surgeons in New York.
- Facelift Techniques: His specialty includes mini facelift, short - scar facelift, neck lift, coronal forehead lift, and endoscopic forehead lift. The mini facelift is ideal for younger patients looking to correct moderate signs of aging, while the short - scar facelift uses small incisions for maximum access with minimal visible marks.
- Added Benefits: Patients can expect lifted and tightened skin, a restored youthful, energetic facial appearance, removal of wrinkles and frown lines, elimination of excess tissue around the jawline for better definition, repositioning and remodeling of the fat pads in the face, and natural - looking, long - lasting results.
- Patient Consultation: During the consultation, Dr. Sherman will perform a brief examination of the texture and structure of the patient's face and neck and recommend the best approach based on the patient's aesthetic concerns and cosmetic ideals.
Dr. Andrew Jacono
Dr. Jacono is a dual board - certified facial plastic surgeon known for his expertise in mini facelifts. He has pioneered mini face lift surgery that minimizes downtime.
- Mini Facelift Procedure: The mini facelift addresses jowls, marionette lines, dropped cheeks, and loose neck/vertical bands. It involves making small incisions typically in front of the ears and sometimes extending into the hairline, tightening the underlying facial muscles, and removing or redistributing excess fat and skin.
- Results and Recovery: Patients typically experience a shorter recovery period compared to a full facelift and can return to their daily activities within a week or two. The results of a mini facelift can last 10 to 15 years, depending on individual health and lifestyle factors.
- Patient Success Stories: Many patients have shared their amazing transformations after undergoing a mini facelift with Dr. Jacono. For example, a 50 - year - old patient easily looked like she was in her thirties after a combination of procedures including a mini facelift.
Dr. Philip Miller at Gotham Plastic Surgery
Dr. Miller creates tailored, innovative, and comprehensive treatment plans to achieve natural - looking results that exceed patient expectations. He has received high ratings from patients on various review platforms.
- Patient Reviews: Patients have praised Dr. Miller for his kindness, calmness, and informativeness during the process. One patient had a micro rhinoplasty with him and was extremely happy with the result of having the bump on their nose removed without changing the look from the front. Another patient's daughter had a chin implant and had a flawless experience from start to finish.
- Procedure Expertise: Although the text mainly mentions his work on rhinoplasty and chin implants, his expertise in creating natural - looking results indicates his ability to handle facelift procedures with similar precision and care.
Dr. Steven Pearlman at Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery
Dr. Pearlman has decades of experience in facial plastic surgery. His aim is to provide a natural, beautifully revitalized version of the patient.
- Facelift Types: He offers deep plane facelift, mini - facelift, smas facelift, male facelift, neck lift, and non - surgical "facelift" options such as liquid lift, facetite, and morpheus8. The deep plane facelift is his favorite as it addresses the muscle layer beneath the skin, producing longer - lasting and more natural - looking results.
- Patient Experience and Recovery: Dr. Pearlman will thoroughly assess the patient's specific aesthetic needs during the consultation. The recovery process varies by the type of facelift, but he provides detailed guidelines. For example, after a mini - facelift, patients can often return to work in about a week and a half, while a deep plane facelift may take up to two weeks.
- Patient Testimonials: Patients have commended Dr. Pearlman for his caring approach and the amazing results of their procedures. One patient had a rhinoplasty septoplasty and deep plane face lift and was thrilled with the outcome.
Dr. Konstantin Vasyukevich
Dr. Vasyukevich is a double board - certified facial plastic surgeon and a premier facelift expert on New York City’s upper east side. He performs more than 1,000 plastic surgery procedures each year at his AAAASF - accredited office - based surgical center.
- Patient Reviews: Patients have given high praise to Dr. Vasyukevich and his staff. Many have reported natural - looking results, minimal bruising, and a smooth recovery process. For example, a patient who had a deep plane facelift and neck lift with him looked 10 - 15 years younger and felt great about the results.
- Procedure Expertise: He is well - versed in various facelift procedures such as smas facelift, deep plane facelift, and mini facelift. He provides detailed answers to patients' questions regarding different facelift techniques and helps them determine the best option based on their facial aging concerns.
Types of Facelift Procedures
Full Facelift
A full facelift addresses significant signs of aging in the face and neck. It typically involves incisions in the hairline near the temples, around the ears, and sometimes under the chin. The surgeon tightens the underlying muscles, repositions fat, and removes excess skin to create a more youthful appearance. This procedure is suitable for patients with severe sagging and wrinkles.
Mini Facelift
As mentioned earlier, a mini facelift is less invasive than a full facelift. It is ideal for younger patients or those with mild to moderate signs of aging. It focuses on the mid - face and jawline, with incisions usually made in front of the ears. It can effectively address jowls, marionette lines, and mild sagging of the cheeks.
Deep Plane Facelift
The deep plane facelift targets the deeper muscle layer beneath the skin, known as the SMAS. By releasing, tightening, and securing this musculature, the surgeon can drape the skin into a more youthful contour. This technique produces longer - lasting results and a more natural appearance compared to some other facelift methods.
SMAS Facelift
The SMAS facelift addresses the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS), a layer of tissue beneath the skin. It lifts and tightens the underlying musculature before trimming excess fat and skin, helping to relieve more advanced signs of aging in the face, such as drooping cheeks and pronounced jowls.
Neck Lift
A neck lift focuses on tightening the skin and muscles of the neck. It can correct loose neck skin, neck banding, and re - define the chin and jawline. It may be performed alone or in combination with a facelift to achieve a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Preparing for a Facelift
Preparing for a facelift is an important step to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery. Here are some general guidelines:
- Medical Consultation: Consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns. The surgeon will perform a physical examination and may recommend additional tests or procedures.
- Lifestyle Changes: Stop smoking at least a few weeks before and after the surgery as smoking can affect blood flow and healing. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to improve your overall health.
- Medication Adjustments: Avoid taking medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, anti - inflammatories, and some herbal supplements. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on which medications to stop.
- Pre - operative Treatments: In some cases, your surgeon may recommend preoperative treatments such as chemical peels, fraxel, or laser to enhance the postoperative results.
The Facelift Procedure
The facelift procedure typically takes several hours, depending on the type of facelift and the extent of the work. Here is a general overview:
- Anesthesia: The patient will be under either general anesthesia or deep sedation (twilight) administered by a board - certified anesthesiologist.
- Incision Placement: The surgeon will make incisions in strategic locations, usually in the hairline or around the ears, to minimize scarring. The type of incisions will depend on the type of facelift and the patient's individual needs.
- Tissue Manipulation: The surgeon will lift and reposition the underlying tissues, such as muscles and fat, and remove excess skin. They may also tighten the SMAS layer if necessary.
- Closure: After the tissue manipulation is complete, the incisions will be closed with sutures, and drains may be placed to reduce fluid buildup at the wound site. A bandage will be applied to the incision.
Recovery after a Facelift
Recovery time varies depending on the type of facelift and the individual patient. Here are some common aspects of the recovery process:
- Initial Care: After the surgery, the patient will be monitored in a recovery room by a licensed registered nurse. Most patients will have a private duty nurse to care for them overnight. Small drain tubes are usually removed on the first morning after surgery.
- Bruising and Swelling: Bruising and swelling are normal after a facelift and typically last for 7 - 10 days. Patients may be prescribed pain medication to manage any discomfort.
- Return to Normal Activities: Many patients can return to work and social activities within 2 weeks, although this may vary depending on the facelift technique and adjunct procedures. Sutures are usually removed at 7 days, and light exercises can be resumed at 7 days, while unrestricted exercise can begin at 4 weeks.
- Long - Term Recovery: It may take several months for the swelling to completely subside and for the final results to be visible. Patients should follow their surgeon's instructions regarding skin maintenance, such as using moisturizer, serum, sunblock, and retinol.
Cost of a Facelift in New York City
The cost of a facelift in New York City can vary widely depending on several factors, including the surgeon's experience, the type of facelift, the complexity of the case, and the facilities used. On average, a facelift can range from $20,000 to $50,000. Some clinics may offer financing options to help patients manage the cost.
Potential Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, a facelift carries some potential risks and complications, although they are relatively rare. These may include:
- Hematoma: A collection of blood under the skin, which can cause swelling and may require further treatment.
- Scarring: Although efforts are made to minimize scarring, there may be visible scars, especially if not properly cared for. However, most scars become less noticeable over time.
- Hair Loss: Temporary hair loss near the incision site may occur, but it usually grows back.
- Nerve Injury: There is a risk of nerve injury, which can cause temporary or permanent changes in facial sensation or difficulties in moving facial muscles.
- Skin Loss: In rare cases, skin loss near the incision site may occur due to interrupted blood supply.
Non - Surgical Alternatives
For those who are not ready for a surgical facelift or have mild signs of aging, there are non - surgical alternatives available:
- Botox: Botulinum toxin injections can reduce the appearance of wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing muscle activity. It takes about 24 to