Top Facial Facelift Hospitals in New York City

In 2025, if you're considering a facial facelift in New York City, it's crucial to choose a reputable hospital with experienced surgeons. Here are three hospitals that are well - known for their facelift procedures and are often found on strength ranking lists.

1. Columbia University's Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Department

Hospital Overview

Columbia University's plastic surgery department is one of New York’s best and is recognized as a top - tier medical center globally. The hospital has a long - standing reputation for delivering high - quality care in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Each plastic surgeon on their clinical staff is proficient in multiple areas of specialization, ranging from routine non - surgical cosmetic procedures to complex reconstructive operations and body contouring surgery after significant weight loss.

Facelift Expertise

The hospital offers a face lift (rhytidectomy) as part of its cosmetic procedures. Their surgeons are well - versed in the latest facelift techniques. For example, they can address the concerns of patients such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and jowls. The hospital's commitment to research also means that their surgeons may be using innovative methods to improve the results of facelift surgeries. Their facelift procedures may include tightening the skin, repositioning underlying fat deposits, and repairing loose facial muscles to create a more youthful appearance.

Surgeon Team

The hospital boasts a team of highly skilled surgeons. For instance, Christine Rohde, MD, is the chief of the division of plastic surgery. She is trained in the full range of plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, specializing in microsurgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, and cosmetic surgery, including facelifts. Jeffrey A. Ascherman, MD, has extensive experience and has been included in prestigious lists of top doctors. He is well - equipped to handle facelift cases with his wealth of knowledge and skill.

2. New York - Presbyterian's Weill Cornell Medical Center

Hospital Overview

New York - Presbyterian's Weill Cornell Medical Center is rated as the best hospital in NY by US News and World Report. It has a comprehensive range of medical services and a long - standing history of excellence in healthcare. The hospital is well - equipped with state - of - the - art facilities and a team of highly trained medical professionals, including plastic surgeons.

Facelift Offerings

Dr. John E. Sherman, a renowned plastic surgeon, often performs facelift procedures at this hospital. A facelift at this hospital involves tightening facial tissue, gently repositioning underlying muscles, and removing sagging excess skin to provide a more youthful appearance. The hospital offers different types of facelift methods. For example, the mini facelift is ideal for younger patients looking to correct moderate signs of aging, focusing on the mid - face and jawline. The short - scar facelift uses small incisions to access and adjust the underlying structures of the face, minimizing visible surgical marks.

Patient Experience

Patients at New York - Presbyterian's Weill Cornell Medical Center can expect a high - level of care. Before the surgery, patients have a personal consultation where the surgeon listens to their aesthetic concerns and performs a brief examination of the face and neck. The hospital also provides clear preoperative instructions, and after the surgery, patients have the option to recover in the hospital or a hotel room, with the surgeon attending to them for follow - up appointments.

3. The New York Group for Plastic Surgery

Hospital Profile

The New York Group for Plastic Surgery has been satisfying patients with successful and natural - looking facelift results for over 27 years. Women and men from all over the NYC, Tarrytown, and tri - state areas trust their exceptional cosmetic surgeons for their facelift procedures. Their board - certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Salzberg and Dr. Jacobs, are highly regarded in the field and offer an impressive combination of training, experience, and aesthetic sensibility.

Facelift Approach

Facelift cosmetic surgery at this center, medically known as a rhytidectomy, improves the lower facial regions. The surgeons trim away excess skin tissues, tighten the skin, remove unwanted fat tissues, and tighten the underlying muscle structure. This results in firm contours with smooth and wrinkle - free skin, taking years off the patient's face. They offer customized treatment planning, tailoring each facelift to the client to preserve unique features and organic expression. They also help patients explore additional procedures like neck lifts or brow lifts to maximize results.

Recovery and Results

Recovery time at the New York Group for Plastic Surgery depends on the extent of the surgery. Patients can expect bruising, swelling, and stiff facial movements for the first few weeks. Medications are prescribed to assist with postoperative discomfort if needed. After the initial healing period, improvements gradually become visible. Most patients can return to light activity, including work, after two weeks, and more strenuous activities a few weeks later. Once the recovery is complete, patients enjoy smoother and firmer skin with a reduced appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and jowls.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Facelift Hospital

Surgeon Experience

One of the most important factors is the experience of the surgeons. Surgeons with years of experience in performing facelift surgeries are more likely to produce better results. Look for surgeons who have a proven track record of successful facelift procedures. For example, at Columbia University, surgeons like Christine Rohde have in - depth knowledge and skills in plastic surgery, including facelifts. In addition, experience can also help surgeons handle any complications that may arise during or after the surgery.

Hospital Reputation

A hospital's reputation speaks volumes about the quality of care it provides. Hospitals like New York - Presbyterian's Weill Cornell Medical Center, which are highly rated in national rankings, are generally more reliable. A good reputation is often built on factors such as patient satisfaction, success rates of surgeries, and the hospital's compliance with safety and ethical standards. You can research online reviews, ask for patient testimonials, or look at awards and accreditations received by the hospital.

Range of Services

It's beneficial to choose a hospital that offers a wide range of services related to facelifts. For example, the New York Group for Plastic Surgery not only performs traditional facelifts but also offers mini - facelifts and can suggest complementary procedures like neck lifts or brow lifts. This allows patients to have a more comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. Additionally, hospitals with a broader range of services may have more advanced techniques and technologies at their disposal.

Cost

The cost of a facelift can vary significantly depending on the hospital, the surgeon, and the type of procedure. While it's important not to compromise on quality for cost, it's still necessary to consider your budget. Some hospitals may offer financing options to help patients manage the cost. For example, when getting a facelift in New York City, costs can be influenced by the complexity of the case, the surgeon's experience, and the facility fee. Make sure to get a detailed quote and understand all the components of the cost before making a decision.

Types of Facelift Procedures

Traditional Facelift

A traditional facelift is a comprehensive procedure that addresses multiple signs of aging in the lower face and neck. It involves making incisions in the hairline near the temples, around the ears, and sometimes under the chin. The surgeon then elevates the skin, tightens the underlying tissues and muscles, removes excess skin, and repositions fat deposits. This type of facelift is suitable for patients with significant sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and jowls. It can provide long - lasting results but usually requires a longer recovery time compared to other types of facelifts.

Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is a less invasive option. It focuses on the mid - face and jawline and is ideal for younger patients who are looking to correct moderate signs of aging or take preventative measures. The incisions are smaller and are typically placed behind the ears. This procedure addresses sagging tissue in the lower half of the face and can restore definition to the chin and jawline. Recovery time is usually shorter than a traditional facelift, and the results are more subtle but still effective.

Short - Scar Facelift

The short - scar facelift uses small incisions made on the facial skin that borders the ear and along the back of the ear. This technique allows the surgeon to access and reposition fat deposits, skin, and underlying structures in the mid - face area while minimizing visible surgical marks. It's a good option for patients who want to avoid large incisions and a long recovery period while still achieving a noticeable improvement in their facial appearance.

Neck Lift

A neck lift is a procedure specifically designed to address sagging skin and muscle in the neck area. It can correct loose neck skin, neck banding, and re - define the chin and jawline. Incisions are usually made in front of the earlobe, around the ear, and into the lower scalp. A neck lift can be performed alone or in combination with a facelift for a more comprehensive rejuvenation of the face and neck.

Coronal Forehead Lift

This lift is designed to address sagging excess skin along the brow and signs of aging in the forehead area. Incisions are hidden above the hairline, allowing the surgeon to access and address lax muscles, remove fat deposits, and tighten the loose skin of the forehead. By repositioning the skin of the forehead to a higher location, wrinkles and creases are smoothed, and patients can achieve a more youthful appearance and a confident expression.

Endoscopic Forehead Lift

An endoscopic forehead lift is a minimally invasive alternative to the coronal forehead lift. It uses an endoscope, a long, thin instrument with a camera, to access and lift the underlying structures of the forehead through 3 - 5 short incisions near the hairline. This procedure can address brow furrows and forehead creases by repositioning sagging skin and repairing loose facial muscles with less scarring and a shorter recovery time.

What to Expect Before, During, and After a Facelift

Before the Facelift

Before the facelift, patients typically have a consultation with the surgeon. During this consultation, the patient discusses their goals and concerns with the surgeon, and the surgeon performs a physical examination of the face and neck. The surgeon will also review the patient's medical history to ensure that the procedure is safe. Patients may be asked to stop smoking, certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, and follow a specific skincare regimen before the surgery. For example, they may be advised to use products containing retinol to improve the skin's condition.

During the Facelift

The facelift procedure is usually performed under general or IV anesthesia, depending on the patient's preference and the type of procedure. The surgeon makes incisions according to the chosen facelift technique, and then proceeds to tighten the skin, reposition fat, and repair muscles. The procedure can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on its complexity. After the surgeon has completed the necessary adjustments, the incisions are closed with sutures, and drains may be inserted to collect excess fluid.

After the Facelift

After the surgery, patients will have bandages applied to their surgical wounds, and a drain may be in place to collect extra fluid. Swelling and bruising are normal postoperative side effects and usually subside over a few weeks. Patients may experience some discomfort, which can be managed with prescription medication. They will need to follow the surgeon's postoperative instructions carefully, which may include avoiding certain activities, keeping the head elevated, and refraining from wearing makeup or direct sun exposure for a period of time. Most patients can return to light activities within 1 - 2 weeks and gradually resume normal activities over the next few weeks.

Potential Risks and Complications of Facelifts

Hematoma

A hematoma is a collection of blood under the skin. It can occur after a facelift due to bleeding during or after the surgery. If a hematoma develops, it may cause pain, swelling, and a change in skin color. In some cases, it may require additional treatment, such as draining the blood. Surgeons take precautions to minimize the risk of hematomas, such as using careful surgical techniques and monitoring the patient closely after the surgery.

Scarring and Skin Loss

Scarring is a possible complication of any surgical procedure, including facelifts. However, experienced surgeons make every effort to place incisions in discreet locations and use techniques to minimize scarring. Skin loss can occur if there is insufficient blood supply to the skin after the surgery. This is a rare but serious complication that may require further treatment or surgical repair.

Hair Loss

Some patients may experience hair loss around the incision sites after a facelift. This can be temporary or permanent. Temporary hair loss is usually due to the trauma of the surgery and may grow back over time. Permanent hair loss is less common but can occur if the hair follicles are damaged during the procedure.

Nerve Injury

Nerve injury is another potential risk. It can cause temporary or permanent changes in facial sensation or difficulties in moving facial muscles. Temporary nerve injuries usually resolve over time, but permanent nerve damage is rare. Surgeons are very careful to avoid nerve injury during the surgery, but it is still a possible complication that patients should be aware of.

Conclusion

In 2025, New York City offers a plethora of options for those seeking facial facelift procedures. Columbia University's Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Department, New York - Presbyterian's Weill Cornell Medical Center, and The New York Group for Plastic Surgery are three hospitals that stand out on the strength ranking lists. Each hospital has its own unique advantages, whether it's the expertise of the surgeon team, the hospital's reputation, or the range of services offered. However, it's important to thoroughly research and consider various factors such as surgeon experience, cost, and potential risks before making a decision. By choosing the right hospital and surgeon, patients can achieve a more youthful and confident appearance.

If you're considering a facelift in New York City, we encourage you to take the next step. Contact one of these top - ranked hospitals to schedule a consultation. Discuss your goals and concerns with the surgeon, and learn more about the specific procedures and what you can expect. Share this article with others who may be interested in facelift procedures, and explore other related topics to make an informed decision about your facial rejuvenation journey.