Introduction
New York City stands as a global hub for cutting - edge medical advancements and top - notch surgical expertise. In 2025, several classic incision surgeries continue to be highly sought - after due to their effectiveness in addressing various health and aesthetic concerns. This article delves into the top 5 selected classic incision surgeries performed in New York City, exploring the details of each procedure, their benefits, candidates, and the prominent surgeons associated with them.
1. Facelift Surgery
Overview
As we age, our faces undergo significant changes. The skin becomes lax and inelastic, jowls deepen, the neck sags, and the volume in the upper cheek and mid - face areas decreases. A facelift is a cornerstone of facial rejuvenation that addresses these issues by gently repositioning the skin and underlying tissues to create a more youthful appearance. According to research from Dr. Kolker's practice, this surgery aims to re - establish facial harmony and a refreshed look.
Benefits
- Removes up to ten years from one's appearance when performed by a qualified surgeon.
- Repositions 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.
Candidates
The ideal candidates for a facelift have pronounced signs of facial aging that non - surgical treatments cannot address. They should have realistic expectations, be in good health without serious medical issues, not have a history of keloid scarring, refrain from smoking (or be willing to quit), and understand the risks associated with cosmetic surgery.
Procedure
Dr. Kolker, a top facial plastic surgeon in New York City, commonly performs facelift surgeries in his fully accredited office - based ambulatory surgery suite on Park Avenue. The surgery usually takes approximately three to four hours. Anesthesia is either deep sedation (twilight) or general, administered by a board - certified anesthesiologist. Dr. Kolker may tighten the skin, connective tissue, or underlying facial muscle, close the incision, place drains to reduce fluid buildup, and apply a bandage.
Recovery
After the surgery, patients are cared for by a licensed registered nurse in the recovery room. Many patients have a private duty nurse to care for them overnight. Small drain tubes are removed on the first morning after surgery. Bruising and swelling are common and generally last for 7 - 10 days. Most patients can return to work and social activities in about 2 weeks, although this may vary depending on the facelift technique and adjunct procedures. Sutures are typically removed at 7 days, and light exercises can be resumed at 7 days, while unrestricted exercise begins at 4 weeks.
Complementary Procedures
Dr. Kolker may suggest combined procedures to enhance the results of a facelift. These include a neck lift to correct vertical neck bands and slackening of the neck, skin rejuvenation treatments like lasers and chemical peels to improve the vibrancy and texture of the skin, blepharoplasty for heavy eyelids, and a brow lift for patients with deep static wrinkles on their forehead.
2. Liposuction
Overview
Liposuction is the gold - standard method for permanent spot reduction and contour improvement in areas affected by excess fatty deposits. It has been one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States. Dr. David Rapaport, a well - known New York plastic surgeon with over 27 years of experience, is highly regarded for his liposuction procedures in the city.
Benefits
- Provides permanent contour improvement as the removed fat cells cannot come back, even if a patient gains weight.
- Motivates patients to improve their diet and exercise patterns post - operatively.
Candidates
In women, common areas for liposuction include the waist, saddlebags (outer thighs), hips, abdomen, inner thighs, circumferential thighs, knees, arms, and calves. In men, it is often used to treat "love - handles", lower abdomen, under the chin (submental), and chest. Patients are typically close to their ideal weight, but can be a few pounds above it for better results.
Procedure
Dr. Rapaport performs all liposuction procedures using the tumescent technique. This involves injecting a dilute solution of lidocaine as a local anesthetic and epinephrine to control bleeding before suctioning the fatty tissue. The suctioning is done using a 3 to 3.7 - millimeter metallic rod (cannula) inserted via a tiny puncture in the skin. Most procedures are performed while the patient is comfortably sedated by a board - certified anesthesiologist, and some patients with small - area treatments may opt for pure local anesthesia with oral sedation.
Recovery
Patients typically leave the office within 30 - 60 minutes after the procedure. Most can return to work within 3 days and to the gym within a week. Liposuction scars are very small, ranging from 2 - 5 mm, and are usually hidden in inconspicuous places. Dr. Rapaport generally places a single suture in each incision to allow it to heal as a fine line while enabling fluid drainage.
Advanced Techniques
Over the years, various liposuction techniques and technologies have been developed. Dr. Rapaport believes that among these, bodytite, vaser, and power - assisted liposuction (PAL) are beneficial. Bodytite offers true bipolar radiofrequency energy delivery for skin tightening, vaser helps emulsify dense tissues or areas that have previously undergone liposuction, and PAL can enhance fat removal and sculpting.
3. Female - to - Male (FTM) and Non - Binary Top Surgery
Overview
Top surgery is the most commonly performed gender - affirming surgery, allowing patients to live more comfortably and improving their psychological and social functioning. In New York City, several practices specialize in FTM and non - binary top surgery, including procedures at Upper East Side Plastic Surgery and Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery.
Benefits
- Helps patients achieve a more masculine chest appearance, reducing "female" characteristics and increasing self - confidence.
- Improves the psychological well - being of transgender and non - binary individuals.
Candidates
Patients must be at least 18 years of age. They should have a clear desire to masculinize their chest and be in good physical and mental health. Most practices require a referral letter from a qualified mental health professional in line with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) criteria.
Procedure
At Upper East Side Plastic Surgery, the gender plasty™ surgical procedure involves three main components. First, a bilateral chest masculinizing breast reduction leaves a flat but not "scooped out" chest without the need for drains. Second, an intra - operative nerve block eliminates the need for postoperative prescription pain medicine. Third, cosmetic liposculpting enhances the aesthetic softness of the chest by smoothing contour irregularities and adding definition. At Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, techniques such as the "keyhole" (using liposuction and a small incision in the areola) and "double incision and free nipple grafting" are used based on breast size.
Recovery
Patients return home the same day with an elastic garment placed over the chest. Bruising and swelling are normal and may take a few weeks to resolve. Dressings and the compression vest must stay on and remain dry for one week. Patients can resume normal daily activities immediately but should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for two weeks. They typically return to work that doesn’t require manual labor in about a week and get back to their preoperative activity level in one to two months.
4. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Overview
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to flatten and contour an abdomen that has not responded to diet or exercise. It involves removing excess fat and skin, repairing the abdominal muscles, and tightening sagging skin. Dr. Mark H. Schwartz, a board - certified plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience, is a trusted name for tummy tuck surgeries in New York City.
Benefits
- Improves the overall contour of the abdominal region by removing excess skin and tightening underlying muscles.
- Can reduce or eliminate the incidence of stress urinary incontinence and improve posture.
- Helps with weight management as shown by a 2013 study in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, which found evidence of short - and long - term weight loss in women who underwent a tummy tuck.
Candidates
Most candidates have noticed changes in their abdomen due to pregnancy, weight fluctuation, age, or the effects of gravity. They should be physically and psychologically healthy, non - smokers, free of uncontrolled medical issues, at or close to their goal weight, not planning to become pregnant or gain weight in the future, aware of all possible surgical outcomes, and committed to maintaining the results through a good diet and regular exercise.
Procedure
Dr. Schwartz performs tummy tuck surgeries on an outpatient basis in his personal operating suite. He makes a horizontal incision across the lower abdomen (just beneath the pubic area). Through this incision, he corrects loose, separated, or weakened abdominal muscles, removes loose skin, and tightens the remaining skin. He may also use liposuction to remove surplus fat deposits around the abdomen, flanks, and other areas. After making the necessary surgical modifications, he closes the incisions with absorbable sutures, dresses the area with sterile gauze, and places a supportive compression garment over the lower abdomen.
Recovery
The first day or two of recovery are the most challenging, with limited mobility and feelings of tightness and soreness. Short walks are encouraged to promote circulation. Patients must refrain from bending, lifting, or straining during the initial recovery. Most return to work after about two weeks and can start exercise after six to eight weeks. Regular exercise and a healthy diet help the results last for many years.
Combined Procedures
Other procedures are frequently combined with a tummy tuck, such as liposuction of the flanks and thighs to enhance contours, breast implants depending on the extent of the tummy tuck, and hernia repair or gynecologic surgery in conjunction with other specialists in New York City.
5. Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Overview
A breast lift surgery creates a more lifted, youthful appearance by reshaping breast tissue, tightening or removing skin, and in some cases adding volume. Breast changes can occur due to weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or age - related decreases in skin elasticity and collagen. Dr. Daniel Maman, a Harvard fellowship - trained and board - certified plastic surgeon, specializes in breast lift surgeries in New York City.
Benefits
- Restores the shape and elevation of breast tissue, increasing breast firmness.
- Resizes and repositions the areola, correcting concerns such as enlarged, asymmetrical areolas with downward - pointing nipples.
- Can be combined with breast augmentation or reduction procedures to meet individual goals.
Candidates
Good candidates for a breast lift have ptosis (sagging breasts) with enlarged areolas, a loss of breast volume due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging, or congenital conditions resulting in abnormally shaped breasts.
Procedure
Breast lift surgeries are performed using different types of incisions based on the patient's personal goals and anatomy. These include circumareolar incisions for mild ptosis, lollipop incisions for moderate ptosis, and anchor incisions for significant ptosis. During the procedure, the nipple - areolar complex can be resized and repositioned as needed. The surgery usually takes 2.5 - 3 hours and is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.
Recovery
Patients are advised to rest for at least 3 to 5 days before returning to work or other activities. Stiffness and soreness will lessen significantly after one to two weeks, but strenuous activity should be avoided for four to six weeks. Lower body exercising can be resumed in one or two weeks, while significant upper body workouts should be postponed for four to six weeks.
Comparison of the Surgeries
| Surgery | Main Purpose | Recovery Time | Common Associated Risks | Typical Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facelift | Restore facial youthfulness by repositioning tissues | 2 weeks for work return, 4 weeks for unrestricted exercise | Bruising, swelling, scarring | Those with signs of facial aging not treatable non - surgically |
| Liposuction | Permanent spot reduction and contour improvement | 3 days for work return, 1 week for gym | Contour irregularities, small scars | Individuals with excess fatty deposits |
| FTM/Non - Binary Top Surgery | Masculinize the chest for gender affirmation | 1 week for non - manual work return, 1 - 2 months for full activity | Bruising, swelling, possible breast cancer risk | Transgender and non - binary individuals |
| Tummy Tuck | Flatten and contour the abdomen | 2 weeks for work return, 6 - 8 weeks for exercise | Scarring, tightness, soreness | Those with abdominal issues due to pregnancy, weight change, etc. |
| Breast Lift | Reshape and lift the breasts | 3 - 5 days rest, 4 - 6 weeks for strenuous activity | Scarring, temporary loss of sensation | Women with sagging breasts and related concerns |
Conclusion
In 2025, New York City remains at the forefront of surgical excellence with these top 5 classic incision surgeries. Whether it's achieving a more youthful face through a facelift, contouring the body with liposuction, affirming one's gender through top surgery, flattening the abdomen with a tummy tuck, or lifting the breasts for a more youthful appearance, patients have access to highly skilled surgeons and advanced techniques. Each surgery offers unique benefits and is suitable for specific candidates, but it's crucial for individuals to have in - depth consultations with qualified surgeons to understand the procedures, risks, and expected outcomes.
If you're considering any of these surgeries, we encourage you to research further, read patient testimonials, and schedule a consultation with a board - certified surgeon in New York City. Share this article with friends or family who might be interested in these surgical options to spread the valuable information.
