Discovering the Plastic Hospitals for Facelift Surgery in New York City
In the vibrant and ever - evolving city of New York, the demand for facelift surgery has been on the rise. As people age, the signs of time on their faces can take a toll on self - confidence. Facelift surgery offers a way to reverse these effects, restoring a more youthful and refreshed appearance. This article will explore the plastic hospitals in New York City that offer top - notch facelift procedures, along with the different aspects of facelift surgery.
Understanding Facelift Surgery
Facelift surgery, also known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic procedure designed to address the signs of aging in the mid to lower face and neck. Over time, the skin loses its elasticity, leading to sagging, wrinkles, and the appearance of jowls. A facelift works by tightening the facial muscles, removing excess fat and skin, and repositioning the underlying tissues to create a more youthful and rejuvenated look.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Facelift?
The ideal candidates for facelift surgery are generally healthy individuals with significant signs of facial aging. According to David P. Rapaport, MD, from Park Avenue Plastic Surgery, most patients seeking a facelift are in their forties to sixties, but it can also be performed on people in their seventies or eighties as long as they are in good health. The best candidates have skin laxity, especially in the lower face and jowl area, as well as neck sagging. Younger patients in their thirties or forties may be suitable for a mini - facelift if they have mild to moderate signs of aging.
Candidates should also have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery. It's important to note that a facelift does not stop the aging process, but it can make a person look and feel more youthful. For example, a twin who has a facelift will always appear younger than the twin who does not, even as the years pass.
Types of Facelift Procedures
| Type of Facelift | Description | Benefits | Ideal Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Full Facelift | Addresses the face, jowls, and neck by lifting and repositioning the muscles and deeper tissues, removing excess fat and trimming excess skin. Incisions are typically made in the hairline near the temples, around the ears, and sometimes under the chin. | Provides comprehensive rejuvenation of the lower face and neck. It can significantly reduce sagging skin and deep wrinkles. | Patients with severe signs of aging, such as deep jowls, significant skin laxity, and loose neck skin. |
| Mini Facelift | Focuses on the mid - face and jawline, with incisions usually concealed behind the ears. It is a less invasive procedure compared to the full facelift. | Has a shorter recovery time and less scarring. It can be a good option for younger patients with mild to moderate signs of aging. | Younger patients in their thirties or forties who want to address early signs of aging, like slight jowling or mild sagging in the lower face. |
| Short - Scar Facelift | Uses small incisions made on the facial skin that borders the ear and along the back of the ear. It allows for repositioning of fat deposits and skin in the mid - face area without leaving obvious surgical marks. | Minimizes scarring while still providing effective results. Good for patients who are concerned about visible scars. | Patients who want a facelift with less obvious scarring and have moderate signs of aging in the mid - face. |
| Deep Plane Facelift | Involves lifting the SMAS (superficial musculo - aponeurotic system) from the underlying muscles and releasing the ligaments that anchor the SMAS near the folds around the mouth. It lifts a major part of the SMAS while connected to the skin. | May allow for better preservation of blood supply to the skin and can create a more comprehensive rejuvenation. It can produce more natural and long - lasting results. | Patients with significant facial aging who want a more long - term and natural - looking solution. |
| Midface Lift | Performed via the lower eyelid and lifts the soft tissues in an upward direction. It mainly addresses the mid - face area, including the cheeks and under - eye area. | Can improve the appearance of the mid - face, reducing under - eye bags and sagging cheeks. However, it may involve more swelling and a longer recovery period. | Patients with specific concerns in the mid - face area, such as deep nasolabial folds and sagging cheeks. |
Top Plastic Hospitals for Facelift Surgery in New York City
Park Avenue Plastic Surgery
David P. Rapaport, MD, at Park Avenue Plastic Surgery is one of Manhattan's most sought - after facelift surgeons. His approach to facelift surgery is nuanced and skillful, creating results that look natural and beautiful. Dr. Rapaport strongly prefers "twilight" anesthesia (IV sedation) over general anesthesia. With this form of anesthesia, the patient is breathing on their own, responds to verbal commands, and typically has no memory of the procedure. He believes it is safer and leads to a smoother and more rapid recovery.
The surgeons at Park Avenue Plastic Surgery perform multiple types of facelift procedures, including the two - layer lift (SMAS facelift) and the deep plane facelift. The SMAS facelift addresses the connective tissue that surrounds the facial muscles, which becomes lax over time. By restoring the SMAS and re - draping the skin, a more natural and long - lasting result can be achieved. The deep plane facelift is recommended for patients with more severe signs of aging, as it involves lifting the SMAS from the underlying muscles for a more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Gotham Plastic Surgery
At Gotham Plastic Surgery in New York City, Dr. Miller offers facelift surgery. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis at his JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility. General anesthesia or IV sedation may be used, and the surgical time averages two to three hours.
The incisions for the facelift at Gotham Plastic Surgery are concealed in areas in front of and behind the ears and in the hairline. A traditional full facelift addresses the face, jowls, and neck, while patients requiring less extensive rejuvenation may be candidates for the limited - incision facelift, also known as an "awake facelift." After surgery, patients can expect some swelling and bruising, which typically subside over time. The clinic also offers a range of complementary procedures, such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), earlobe repair, and chin enhancement, which can be combined with a facelift for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery, with board - certified plastic surgeons Dr. Salzberg and Dr. Jacobs, has been satisfying patients with successful and natural - looking facelift results for over 27 years. They discuss each patient's unique goals and concerns to provide a customized treatment plan.
The facelift at NY GPS is performed in their 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, minimizing visible scarring. Their surgeons are experts in the art of concealing incision marks, ensuring that patients don't have to worry about obvious scars. Depending on the patient's needs, a "mini - facelift" with shorter scars and a quicker recovery period may be recommended for those with minimal skin sagging.
Dr. John E. Sherman
Dr. John E. Sherman, MD, FACS, specializes in various facelift methods. He offers mini facelifts, short - scar facelifts, neck lifts, coronal forehead lifts, and endoscopic forehead lifts. The mini facelift is ideal for younger patients looking to correct moderate signs of aging or take preventative measures, as it focuses on the mid - face and jawline.
The short - scar facelift, which Dr. Sherman has been performing for over 20 years, uses small incisions to reposition fat deposits and tighten the mid - face area without leaving obvious surgical marks. His facelift procedures are performed either at his accredited medical offices or at one of three top - ranking hospitals in the United States, including New York Presbyterian’s Weill Cornell Medical Center, Lenox Hill Hospital, or Greenwich Hospital in Connecticut.
Dr. Andrew Jacono
Dr. Andrew Jacono, MD, FACS, is considered one of the best plastic surgeons in New York, specializing in mini facelifts, rhinoplasties, and eyelid lifts. He is a pioneer in facelifting techniques and uses advanced methods to provide results that appear completely natural.
Dr. Jacono offers a variety of facelift procedures, including neck lifts, deep plane facelifts, ponytail facelifts, and mini facelifts. The deep plane facelift, in particular, avoids the tight, overfilled look that some modern facelifts can create by addressing the deeper muscle layers. He also uses digital photography, 2D and 3D Vectra computer imaging software during consultations to simulate the changes patients can expect after plastic surgery, and provides vitamin supplementation and homeopathic therapies to maximize healing.
The Facelift Process
Pre - operative Consultation
The pre - operative consultation is a crucial step in the facelift process. During this appointment, the surgeon will discuss the patient's goals and expectations, review their medical history, and perform a physical examination of the face and neck. The surgeon will then recommend the most appropriate type of facelift procedure based on the patient's individual needs and anatomy.
For example, at the New York Group for Plastic Surgery, the surgeons thoroughly discuss the patient's concerns and goals during the initial consultation. They also review the patient's medical history to ensure that the procedure is safe for them. If necessary, they may suggest additional procedures to complement the facelift, such as a neck lift or brow lift.
Pre - operative Preparation
Patients are usually given a list of pre - operative instructions to follow. These instructions typically include avoiding all blood - thinning medications and supplements, such as aspirin, Advil, naprosyn, motrin, and herbal medications like St. John’s wort and vitamin E in excess of 400 meq. This is to reduce the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.
Some surgeons also recommend maximizing skin "fitness" prior to surgery, using an at - home regimen that usually incorporates a retinol or retin - a. In certain cases, other preoperative treatments, such as a chemical peel, fraxel, or laser, may be recommended to enhance the postoperative results. Additionally, patients may need to fast for a certain period before the surgery, depending on the type of anesthesia to be administered.
The Procedure
The facelift procedure typically takes a few hours, depending on the type of facelift and the extent of the work required. Most facelift surgeries are performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation to ensure the patient's comfort. During the procedure, the surgeon makes incisions in strategic locations, usually in the hairline, around the ears, and sometimes under the chin.
The surgeon then elevates the skin, tightens the underlying muscles and tissues, removes excess fat, and trims the excess skin. The skin is then re - draped over the restored facial structure and sutured closed. In some cases, drains may be placed at the incision sites to collect excess fluids, and a compression garment may be applied to the face and neck to reduce swelling.
Recovery
Recovery after a facelift can vary depending on the individual and the type of facelift performed. Most patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days following surgery. Pain medication may be prescribed to manage any discomfort.
Patients are usually advised to rest with their head elevated for the first few days to reduce swelling. They may also need to avoid strenuous activities for several weeks and refrain from smoking, as it can impede the healing process. Bandages are typically removed the day after surgery, and drains (if used) are usually removed within a few days. Sutures or surgical clips are removed after about a week. Most patients can return to work and light activities within two weeks, but it may take several months for the swelling to completely subside and the final results to be visible.
Benefits of Facelift Surgery
There are several benefits to undergoing facelift surgery. The most obvious benefit is the improvement in appearance. A facelift can reduce the signs of aging, such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and jowls, making the patient look and feel more youthful. This can have a positive impact on self - confidence and self - esteem.
Facelift surgery can also improve the overall quality of life. Patients who are satisfied with their appearance may be more social and active, and may feel better about themselves in both personal and professional settings. For example, a person who was previously self - conscious about their appearance may now feel more confident attending social events or job interviews.
Potential Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, facelift surgery carries some risks and potential complications. The most common complication is hematoma, which is a collection of blood under the skin. This may require intervention, such as drainage or re - operation, depending on its size. According to the literature, the incidence of hematoma is about 3% in female facelifts and higher in males due to the more vascular nature of men’s bearded skin.
Other potential complications include skin loss, nerve injury (which can cause temporary or permanent changes in facial sensation or difficulties in moving facial muscles), unfavorable scars, and anesthesia - related complications. However, these complications are relatively rare, especially when the surgery is performed by a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon. To minimize the risk of complications, patients should follow their surgeon's pre - operative and post - operative instructions carefully.
Cost of Facelift Surgery in New York City
The cost of facelift surgery in New York City can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of facelift, the surgeon's experience and reputation, the location of the surgical facility, and any additional procedures that may be performed. On average, the cost of a facelift in the United States is around $13,380, but in New York City, it may be higher due to the high cost of living and the expertise of the surgeons.
Most facelift costs include the surgeon's fee, the facility fee, the cost of anesthesia, and any required pre - operative diagnostics. It's important to keep in mind that the cost of the procedure is an investment in one's self - worth and personal fulfillment, as it can have a significant impact on the patient's quality of life.
Conclusion
New York City is home to some of the best plastic hospitals and surgeons for facelift surgery. These institutions offer a wide range of facelift procedures, from traditional full facelifts to less invasive options like mini facelifts. The process of getting a facelift involves a thorough pre - operative consultation, careful preparation, a surgical procedure, and a recovery period.
While facelift surgery can provide significant benefits in terms of appearance and self - confidence, it also comes with some risks and potential complications. Therefore, it's essential to choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon and to follow all pre - operative and post - operative instructions. If you're considering a facelift, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City to discuss your options and determine the best course of action for you.
