Top 5 Facial Lifting and Tightening Departments in New York City
In 2025, the pursuit of a youthful and vibrant appearance through facial lifting and tightening procedures remains a popular trend in New York City. With numerous hospitals and clinics offering these services, it can be challenging to determine the best options. This article will highlight the top 5 selected departments on the ranking list of facial lifting and tightening hospitals in New York City, providing detailed information about each facility, their procedures, and the expertise of their medical staff.
1. Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery
Surgeon: Dr. Steven Pearlman
Dr. Steven Pearlman is a board - certified facial plastic surgeon in New York City, with dual certification in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, as well as head and neck surgery. He has over 30 years of experience treating a wide range of facial plastic surgery patients in his Manhattan practice.
Facelift Techniques Offered
- Deep Plane Facelift: This is Dr. Pearlman's favorite technique. It addresses the muscle layer (SMAS) beneath the skin. By releasing, tightening, and securing this musculature, he can drape the skin into a more youthful contour. It repositions sagging cheeks, produces longer - lasting results than a standard facelift, and gives a more natural appearance as all the tension is placed on the underlying muscle layer.
- Mini - Facelift: Also known as a “short flap” facelift, it is suitable for younger patients with minimal sagging, early jowls, and excess skin in the lower face and neck. It uses short incisions around the ears to tighten the underlying muscular system and provide an uplifted and smoother facial contour.
- SMAS Facelift (Rhytidectomy): Targets the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS). Through this procedure, the underlying musculature is lifted and tightened, and excess fat and skin are trimmed, helping patients with more advanced signs of aging in the face.
- Male Facelift: Specifically curated for the male facial anatomy. Incision placement is carefully considered to minimize visibility, as men typically have shorter hair than women. It addresses male - specific concerns such as a “turkey neck,” jowls, and wrinkled skin.
- Neck Lift: Surgically tightens the neck by addressing platysmal bands, removing excess skin, reducing fat deposits, and eliminating banding. It can be performed alone or in combination with a facelift.
Patient Experience
Patients at Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery often praise Dr. Pearlman for his meticulous approach and natural - looking results. He takes the time to understand each patient's aesthetic goals and formulates a personalized treatment plan. The recovery process is carefully managed, and patients are provided with detailed after - care instructions.
Cost
The cost of a facelift at Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery varies from patient to patient, depending on factors such as the technique used and the patient's unique facial anatomy. Generally, it ranges from $20,000 to $50,000. Dr. Pearlman determines the personal quote after a consultation.
2. New York Group for Plastic Surgery
Surgeons: Dr. Salzberg and Dr. Jacobs
Dr. Salzberg and Dr. Jacobs are board - certified plastic surgeons highly regarded in the field. They offer an impressive combination of training, experience, aesthetic sensibility, and a wide range of specialties.
Facelift Procedures
- Traditional Facelift: Improves the lower facial regions by trimming excess skin tissues, tightening the skin, removing unwanted fat tissues, and tightening the underlying muscle structure. It can correct deep wrinkles, smooth nasolabial and marionette lines, reduce jowls, and remove excessively sagging skin.
- Mini - Facelift: For individuals with minimal skin sagging, it has shorter scars and a quicker recovery period. It focuses on smaller problem areas of the face.
Customized Treatment Planning
During the initial consultation, the surgeons thoroughly discuss the patient's concerns and goals, review their medical history, and answer all questions. They tailor each facelift to the client to preserve unique features and organic expression. Some patients may benefit from additional procedures such as a neck lift or brow lift, and the surgeons will help explore these options.
Avoiding the “Wind Tunnel” Appearance
The surgeons at New York Group for Plastic Surgery are experts in concealing incision marks and ensuring natural - looking results. They correct the underlying fat tissues and muscles to prevent the “wind tunnel” appearance that can occur with poorly - performed facelifts.
Recovery
The recovery time depends on the extent of the surgery. Patients can expect bruising, swelling, and stiff facial movements for the first few weeks. Most can return to light activity, including work, after two weeks, and more strenuous activities a few weeks later. Sun exposure should be limited for several months to promote proper healing.
3. Dr. Adam Kolker's Practice
Surgeon: Dr. Adam Kolker
Dr. Adam Kolker is a double - board certified plastic surgeon. He believes in formulating a personalized facial rejuvenation plan based on the patient's particular anatomy and desires, aiming to provide the best facelift in New York City.
Facelift Techniques
- Short Scar Facelift: A minimal - incision approach that allows for the repositioning of deeper facial tissues with more limited incisions.
- Classical Facelift: Involves deep tissue repositioning and more skin removal.
- Facelift with Neck Lift: An incision is added beneath the chin, and the platysma muscles are repaired to address both facial and neck aging.
- SMAS Plication: Tightens the SMAS to lift the jowl and cheek.
- SMASectomy: A strip of SMAS is removed and then tightened.
- SMAS Flap: The SMAS is elevated and tightened.
- MACS Lift: Associated with short - scar facelifts, purse - string sutures tighten the cheek and facial SMAS planes.
Complementary Procedures
Dr. Kolker may suggest combined procedures such as a neck lift, skin rejuvenation (using lasers or chemical peels), blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), or a brow lift, depending on the patient's needs. He also offers non - surgical options like fillers or fat transfer in select cases.
Patient Testimonials
Patients frequently praise Dr. Kolker for his expertise, professionalism, and the natural - looking results of their facelifts. They appreciate his attention to detail and the support provided throughout the recovery process.
Recovery and Results
After a facelift, patients are cared for by a licensed registered nurse in the recovery room. Bruising and swelling usually last for 7 - 10 days. Many can return to work and social activities by 2 weeks, depending on the procedure. Sutures are typically removed at 7 days, and light exercises can be resumed at 7 days, with unrestricted exercise starting at 4 weeks. Most patients report a major boost in confidence and enjoy a younger, rejuvenated facial appearance for up to ten years.
4. Dr. Benjamin Paul's Clinic
Surgeon: Dr. Benjamin Paul
Dr. Benjamin Paul is a dual - board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgery. He is solely focused on the face and is a leading expert in the deep plane facelift.
Types of Facelifts Offered
- Mini - Facelift: Less invasive than a traditional facelift, it helps minimize loose skin around the lower portion of the face. Discreet incisions are made around the ears, and the skin and facial muscles are tightened, with excess tissue removed. It has a shorter recovery time compared to a full facelift and is suitable for younger patients.
- Mid - Facelift: Targets the mid and lower face through incisions in front of the ears to restore volume to the cheeks and improve jowling. It may also have a mild effect on the neck.
- Neck Lift with Submentoplasty: Focuses on the neck, making incisions under the chin and behind the ears. It tightens the platysma muscle to improve neck contour.
- Deep Central Neck Lift: An excellent option for younger patients to tighten the central neck. It brings the midline platysma together with sutures and may involve direct fat removal.
- Deep Plane Facelift: Considered the gold standard of facelifts, it lifts the platysma muscle in both the face and the neck, along with the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS). This technique produces long - lasting results, with many patients seeing improvements for up to 15 years, and gives a natural appearance without a “pulled” look.
Facelift Timeline
The process starts with a consultation where Dr. Paul examines the face, understands the patient's goals, and creates a surgical plan. Pre - operative instructions are provided, and on the day of surgery, the patient is anesthetized, and the procedure is performed. After surgery, a private duty nurse provides care in the first few days. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common in the initial days, but patients can expect to return to work in 1 - 2 weeks and fully resume normal activities in a few months. The final results improve over six to eight months.
Cost
The cost of a facelift at Dr. Benjamin Paul's clinic depends on the various facial rejuvenation procedures and techniques used, as well as anesthesia fees and the surgeon's fees. A personalized surgical plan is created during the consultation, and the patient coordinator can then provide a price breakdown.
5. Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice
Surgeon: Dr. John E. Sherman, MD, FACS
Dr. John E. Sherman is an accomplished plastic surgeon with over 35 years of experience. He has performed thousands of procedures and has been recognized by various prestigious publications and organizations, such as Castle Connolly Top Doctors, New York Magazine Best Doctors, and The New York Times Super Doctors.
Facelift Methods
- Mini Facelift: Ideal for younger patients looking to correct moderate signs of aging or take preventative measures. It focuses on the mid - face and jawline, with incisions concealed behind the ears. It can address sagging tissue in the lower half of the face and offer mild improvement to the upper neck.
- Short - Scar Facelift: Dr. Sherman has over 20 years of experience with this technique. It uses small incisions on the facial skin bordering the ear and along the back of the ear, allowing for optimal access to reposition fat deposits, skin, and underlying structures in the mid - face area without leaving obvious surgical marks or affecting the hairline.
- Neck Lift: An effective solution for smoothing and tightening the skin under the chin and across the neck. It corrects loose neck skin, neck banding, and can re - define the chin and jawline, making it particularly appealing for male patients.
- Coronal Forehead Lift: Designed to address sagging excess skin along the brow. Incisions are hidden above the hairline, allowing Dr. Sherman to access and address lax muscles, remove fat deposits, and tighten the loose skin of the forehead, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
- Endoscopic Forehead Lift: Can be performed with minimal incisions using an endoscope. It addresses brow furrows and forehead creases by repositioning sagging skin and repairing loose facial muscles.
Added Benefits
Patients can expect lifted and tightened skin, a restored youthful and energetic facial appearance, the removal of wrinkles and frown lines, elimination of excess tissue around the jawline for better definition, repositioning and remodeling of fat pads in the face, and natural - looking, long - lasting results.
Recovery
Recovery time varies depending on the patient's age, health status, and the specific procedure. Drains, if used, are removed 1 - 3 days after surgery. A compression garment may be worn for about a week. Most patients can return to normal activities and work within 1 - 2 weeks, and mild bruising, swelling, and discomfort can be managed with prescription medication.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Facial Lifting and Tightening Hospital
When selecting a hospital or clinic for facial lifting and tightening procedures in New York City, several factors should be taken into account:
- Surgeon's Expertise: Look for board - certified surgeons with extensive experience in facial plastic surgery. Check their credentials, training, and the number of successful procedures they have performed.
- Facelift Techniques Offered: Different techniques are suitable for different levels of facial aging and patient needs. Ensure that the hospital offers a range of options and that the surgeon can recommend the most appropriate one for you.
- Patient Testimonials and Before - After Photos: Reading patient testimonials and viewing before - after photos can give you an idea of the quality of results and the patient experience at the hospital.
- Hospital Reputation: Consider the hospital's overall reputation, including its safety record, quality of care, and any awards or recognitions it has received.
- Cost and Financing: Understand the cost of the procedure, including all associated fees. Check if the hospital offers financing options to make the treatment more affordable.
- Recovery and After - Care: A good hospital will provide detailed instructions on the recovery process and offer adequate after - care support to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
Conclusion
In 2025, the top 5 selected departments on the ranking list of facial lifting and tightening hospitals in New York City - Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, New York Group for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Adam Kolker's Practice, Dr. Benjamin Paul's Clinic, and Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice - offer a wide range of high - quality facelift procedures performed by experienced and skilled surgeons. Each hospital has its unique strengths, whether it's in the type of facelift techniques offered, personalized treatment planning, or patient care. By carefully considering the factors mentioned above, patients can make an informed decision and choose the hospital that best meets their aesthetic goals and needs.
If you're considering a facial lifting and tightening procedure, we encourage you to schedule consultations with the surgeons at these top - ranked hospitals. During the consultations, you can discuss your concerns, goals, and expectations in detail, and get a better understanding of the treatment process. Don't hesitate to ask questions and request more information about the procedures, recovery, and costs. By taking these steps, you can be on your way to achieving a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.