Introduction

In the bustling metropolis of New York City, concerns about facial sagging and the desire for a more youthful appearance are prevalent. A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, has become a popular solution for those looking to address these issues. As 2025 unfolds, the demand for high - quality facelift procedures is on the rise, and finding the right hospital or surgeon is crucial. This article aims to provide an in - depth look at the top hospitals and surgeons for facial sagging lifting in New York City, along with important information about the procedure, costs, recovery, and more.

Understanding Facial Sagging and Facelift Procedures

The Causes of Facial Sagging

As we age, several natural processes contribute to facial sagging. Our skin loses its elasticity and becomes looser over time due to a decrease in collagen and elastin production. Fat deposits also shift and redistribute, decreasing in some areas and increasing in others. Additionally, factors such as sun damage, weight fluctuations, and genetic predisposition can accelerate the appearance of sagging skin, wrinkles, and folds on the face.

How Facelift Procedures Work

A facelift is a surgical procedure designed to restore a more youthful facial appearance. It involves tightening the sagging facial tissue, removing excess skin, and sometimes repositioning fat deposits. There are different types of facelift procedures, each tailored to address specific concerns and degrees of sagging.

• Traditional Facelift: The incision for a traditional facelift starts at the temples in the hairline, continues around the ear, and ends behind the neck in the lower scalp. An additional incision may be made under the chin to improve the neck's appearance. This procedure addresses significant sagging and can have a dramatic effect on the lower face and neck.
• Limited Incision Facelift: This type of facelift has a shorter incision that starts in the hairline just above the ear, continues around the ear, but does not extend to the lower scalp. It is suitable for patients with less severe sagging and offers a quicker recovery time.
• Neck Lift: Neck lift incisions begin in front of the earlobe, continue around the ear into the lower scalp. This procedure focuses on tightening the skin and muscles under the chin and across the neck, reducing sagging and improving the jawline.

Top Doctors for Facelift in New York City

List of Renowned Surgeons

Healthgrades has identified several doctors in New York who perform facelift procedures. Here is a detailed look at some of them:

Surgeon Spotlights

Dr. John E. Sherman, MD, FACS

Dr. Sherman specializes in various facelift methods, including the mini facelift, short - scar facelift, neck lift, coronal forehead lift, and endoscopic forehead lift. He repositions shifted fat deposits, tightens underlying muscles, and removes sagging excess skin for a fully rejuvenated appearance. His procedures are performed either at his accredited medical offices or at top - ranking hospitals such as New York Presbyterian’s Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Dr. Jordan Jacobs

Dr. Jacobs has received training from globally acclaimed medical leaders. He is part of the New York Group for Plastic Surgery. His expertise and experience allow him to provide personalized facelift procedures. Patients appreciate his thoroughness and his ability to address their concerns, as evidenced by his recent award as a top doctor featured in New York Magazine.

Dr. Adam Kolker

Dr. Kolker believes in formulating a facial rejuvenation plan based on each patient's particular anatomy and desires. He offers a range of facelift techniques, including short - scar facelift, classical facelift, and facelift with neck lift. He also suggests complementary procedures such as blepharoplasty and brow lift to achieve the best results for his patients.

Dr. Philipp Franck

Dr. Franck is a board - certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with advanced training. 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, minimizing scarring and ensuring a quick recovery. He offers different facelift techniques such as the mini facelift, deep plane facelift, and SMAS lift.

Top Clinics and Hospitals for Facelift in New York City

Clinics Offering Facelift Procedures

There are several clinics in New York City that are well - known for their facelift services:

• Center Aesthetic & Dermatology: Known for its friendly staff and excellent work. It has a rating of 5.0, and patients praise Nurse Lynn for her ability to rejuvenate the face without an over - done look. The price for facelift procedures is available on request.
• Sophie Bartsich, MD FACS: Dr. Bartsich is a top - notch cosmetic surgeon in Manhattan. She has excellent surgical skills and great bedside manners. Her services are highly recommended, and the price is on request.
• A. Joshua Zimm MD, Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: Dr. Zimm is considered the "doctor's doctor" by his peers. He takes the time to explain procedures and answer patients' questions. His patients are extremely satisfied with the results of facelift and other cosmetic procedures, and the price is available on request.
• Aristocrat Plastic Surgery & Medaesthetics: Patients have had a great experience at this clinic. Dr. Kevin and his team make the facelift journey smooth, and patients love their results. The price for facelift is on request.
• RR Plastix NY Plastic Surgery Center: Located in Brooklyn, this center offers facelift procedures among its 31 available procedures. The prices are on request, and all procedures are carried out by the lead specialist, who is accredited by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
• Leonard Grossman, M.D.: Based in Brooklyn, this clinic provides facelift procedures as part of its 36 available procedures across 3 different specialties. The prices are on request, and the clinic is not accredited by any recognized institutes.
• New York Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery: Situated in Manhattan, this center offers facelift procedures among its 39 available procedures. The prices are on request, and it is not accredited by recognized accreditation institutes.

Top - Ranking Hospitals

Some of the top - ranking hospitals in New York City that are equipped to perform facelift procedures are:

• Mount Sinai Hospital: Nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties. It is high - performing in 20 procedures/conditions. The hospital has a team of skilled surgeons and advanced facilities for facial plastic surgery.
• New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell: Nationally ranked in 14 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties. It is high - performing in 1 specialty and 20 procedures/conditions. This hospital offers comprehensive medical care and has a reputation for excellence in plastic surgery.
• North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health: Nationally ranked in 9 adult specialties. It is high - performing in 15 procedures/conditions. The hospital provides state - of - the - art facilities for facelift procedures and has a team of experienced surgeons.
• NYU Langone Hospitals: Nationally ranked in 13 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties. It is high - performing in 1 specialty and 21 procedures/conditions. The hospitals offer a wide range of plastic surgery services, including facelifts, with a focus on patient safety and satisfaction.
• Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health: Nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties. It is high - performing in 1 specialty and 16 procedures/conditions. The hospital has a well - trained team of surgeons who are experienced in facial rejuvenation procedures.

Cost of Facelift in New York City

Factors Affecting the Cost

The cost of a facelift in New York City can vary significantly. Several factors influence the final price:

• Surgeon's Experience: Highly experienced and well - known surgeons often charge more for their services. Their expertise and reputation can provide patients with greater confidence in the outcome of the procedure.
• Complexity of the Case: Patients with more severe facial sagging or additional concerns may require a more complex facelift procedure, which can increase the cost.
• Hospital or Clinic Fees: Different hospitals and clinics have different fee structures. High - end facilities with advanced equipment and a luxurious environment may charge more.
• Anesthesia Costs: The type of anesthesia used (general or local) and the anesthesiologist's fees are part of the overall cost. General anesthesia typically costs more than local anesthesia.
• Pre - operative Diagnostics: Any necessary pre - operative tests, such as blood tests or imaging, add to the total cost of the procedure.

Price Range

While there is no fixed price for a facelift in New York City, the national average price is approximately $13,380. However, prices can range widely depending on the factors mentioned above. Some clinics may offer price packages or financing options to make the procedure more affordable for patients.

What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure

Before the Procedure

Before undergoing a facelift, patients will have a consultation with their surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will discuss the patient's goals, medical history, and examine the patient's face to determine the best approach. The patient may also need to undergo some routine health screenings to ensure they are in good health for the surgery. The surgeon will provide a list of preoperative instructions, which may include stopping smoking, avoiding certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, and filling prescriptions for pain medication.

During the Procedure

The facelift procedure usually takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the type of facelift and the complexity of the case. The patient will be given either general anesthesia or intravenous (IV) anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable during the surgery. The surgeon will make the appropriate incisions, lift and tighten the facial tissues, remove excess skin, and reposition fat deposits. In some cases, facial fat grafting may be performed to restore lost volume. Once the procedure is complete, the incisions will be closed, and a bandage may be applied.

After the Procedure

After the facelift, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. They may have drains installed to collect extra fluid, which are usually removed 1 - 3 days after the surgery. A compression garment may be worn around the lower face and neck for about a week. Most patients can return to light activities and work within 1 - 2 weeks, but strenuous activities should be avoided for about 5 - 6 weeks. It may take 2 - 3 months for the face to feel normal in terms of texture and sensibility. The surgeon will provide detailed post - operative instructions, including avoiding direct sun exposure, not wearing clothing that pulls over the head, and following a healthy lifestyle to maintain the results of the facelift.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery Time

The recovery time for a facelift varies from patient to patient. In general, patients should expect the following:

• Initial Days: The first 3 - 5 days are usually the most uncomfortable, with significant swelling, bruising, and some pain. Patients are advised to rest, keep their head elevated, and follow the pain medication schedule as prescribed by the surgeon.
• Return to Work: Most patients can return to work and light activities within 7 - 14 days. However, this may depend on the nature of their work and the extent of the surgery.
• Full Recovery: It may take 2 - 3 months for the swelling to completely subside and for the face to feel normal. During this time, patients should avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sun exposure, and follow all post - operative instructions.

Aftercare Instructions

Proper aftercare is essential for a successful facelift recovery and long - lasting results:

• Medication: Take all prescribed medications, including painkillers and antibiotics, as directed by the surgeon.
• Wound Care: Keep the surgical wounds clean and dry. Follow the surgeon's instructions on how to care for the incisions and when to remove any sutures or staples.
• Sun Protection: Avoid direct sun exposure for at least three weeks after the surgery and use a high - SPF sunscreen thereafter. Sun exposure can cause scarring and uneven skin pigmentation.
• Skincare: Use gentle, non - irritating skincare products as recommended by the surgeon. Moisturize the face regularly to keep the skin hydrated.