Finding the Right Professional for Facial Lifting and Tightening in New York City

Facial lifting and tightening procedures have gained immense popularity as people seek to combat the signs of aging and achieve a more youthful appearance. New York City, being a hub of medical excellence and cosmetic surgery, offers a plethora of options for those looking to undergo such procedures. In this article, we will explore the top hospitals and doctors in New York City known for their expertise in facial lifting and tightening, along with important information about the procedures themselves.

What is Facial Lifting and Tightening?

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgery that aims to restore a more youthful facial appearance. As we age, our skin loses its elasticity, and fat deposits change, leading to sagging and wrinkles. A facelift addresses these issues by lifting and tightening the sagging facial tissue, removing excess skin, and smoothing out wrinkles or folds. It can have a rejuvenating effect on the cheeks, jawline, and areas below the eyes, as well as the deep lines from the corners of the mouth to the sides of the nose. However, it's important to note that a facelift is not a treatment for creases around the nose, superficial wrinkles, and irregularities in skin color, nor can it stop the aging process or change your fundamental appearance.

There are also non - surgical options for facial tightening, such as chemical peels, botulinum toxin (Botox) or collagen injections, radiofrequency skin tightening, non - invasive thread lifts, and LED - light - emitting diode therapy. These non - surgical treatments can be less invasive and have shorter recovery times but may provide less dramatic results compared to surgical facelifts.

Top Doctors in New York City for Facelift

Healthgrades' List of Facelift Doctors

Healthgrades has compiled a list of doctors in New York who perform facelifts. Here are some of the top - rated ones:

Dr. Jacono

Dr. Jacono is hailed as the best facelift surgeon in New York. He was recently featured in Manhattan Magazine’s best of New York City issue, where he was named New York’s leading facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. His extended deep - plane facelift is an innovative approach. Unlike traditional techniques that separate skin and muscle and lift them individually, Dr. Jacono releases key ligaments and lifts the skin and deep muscle as a single unit. He then repositions tissue vertically instead of horizontally, resulting in a smooth, natural - looking face that doesn’t appear tight or pulled. His patients often look like themselves but younger. He has published extensively in medical literature, proving that his technique is the safest and most effective, even more so than the SMAS facelift, which has become the contemporary standard. Dr. Jacono also has two state - of - the - art offices and ambulatory surgical centers certified by the AAAASF, located on Park Avenue in New York City and in Great Neck on the Gold Coast of Long Island, New York.

Dr. Adam Kolker

Dr. Kolker believes that any facial rejuvenation plan should be carefully formulated based on a patient's particular anatomy and unique desires. He offers a step - wise approach, considering non - and minimally invasive techniques first and then more invasive methods as needed. A facelift with Dr. Kolker can address issues 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. He also offers complementary procedures such as neck lift, skin rejuvenation, blepharoplasty, and brow lift in combination with facelifts to achieve the best results. His patients often report a major boost in confidence and enjoy a younger, rejuvenated facial appearance for up to ten years.

Dr. John E. Sherman

Dr. John E. Sherman, MD, FACS specializes in four facelift methods: mini facelift, short - scar facelift, neck lift, and forehead lifts (coronal and endoscopic). A 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 for maximum access with minimal visible marks. The neck lift is effective for smoothing and tightening skin under the chin and across the neck. The forehead lifts address sagging excess skin and wrinkles in the forehead area. Dr. Sherman has over 35 years of experience and has been recognized by various publications and organizations. He performs facelift procedures either at his accredited medical offices or at top - ranking hospitals such as New York Presbyterian’s Weill Cornell Medical Center, Lenox Hill Hospital, or Greenwich Hospital in Connecticut.

Top Clinics and Hospitals for Facelift in New York City

Center Aesthetic & Dermatology

With a rating of 5.0, Center Aesthetic is highly recommended. It is not only known for its gorgeous and clean facilities but also for its friendly staff. Nurse Lynn at the center is skilled at rejuvenating the face without making it look “done.” The price for facelift procedures at this center is available on request.

Sophie Bartsich, MD FACS

Dr. Bartsich is a top - notch cosmetic surgeon in Manhattan. She has excellent surgical skills and takes meticulous care with each step of the operation. Her great bedside manners also contribute to her high patient satisfaction. The cost of facelift at her clinic is on request.

A. Joshua Zimm MD. Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Zimm has a rating of 4.9. A physician colleague recommended him after he performed rhinoplasty on her. Patients who have had facetite and chin augmentation using filler with Dr. Zimm are extremely satisfied with the results. He takes the time to explain the procedures and answers all questions clearly. His staff is also delightful. As with other clinics, the price for facelift is on request.

Aristocrat Plastic Surgery & Medaesthetics

This clinic has a rating of 4.7. Patients have reported a smooth journey with Dr. Kevin and his team. They are happy with their results and the fast healing process. The cost of the facelift is on request.

RR Plastix NY Plastic Surgery Center

Located in Brooklyn, this center offers facelift procedures among its 31 available procedures across 2 different specialties. All procedures are undertaken by the lead specialist, and the center is accredited by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. However, pricing information for facelift procedures is available on request only.

Leonard Grossman, M.D.

In Brooklyn, this practice offers facelift procedures as part of its 36 available procedures across 3 different specialties. The lead specialist performs all treatments, but the center is not accredited by any recognized accreditations institutes. The price for facelift is on request.

New York Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery

Based in Manhattan, this center offers facelift procedures as part of its 39 available procedures across 4 different specialties. Like some of the other clinics, it does not have publicly available pricing information for facelift, and it is not accredited by recognized institutes. All procedures are carried out by the lead specialist.

Considerations Before Choosing a Hospital or Doctor

Credentials and Experience

It is crucial to choose a doctor who is board - certified in plastic surgery. Look for doctors with extensive experience in performing facelift procedures. Doctors like Dr. Jacono, Dr. Kolker, and Dr. Sherman have decades of experience and a proven track record of successful surgeries. Experience often translates into better surgical skills and the ability to handle any complications that may arise during the procedure.

Patient Reviews and Testimonials

Reading patient reviews and testimonials can give you an idea of the doctor's bedside manner, the quality of care provided, and the satisfaction level of previous patients. For example, Dr. Kolker has many positive testimonials from patients who are extremely happy with their results, including those who had their concerns addressed after other surgeons had said it was not possible.

Technique and Approach

Different doctors may use different techniques for facelift procedures. It's important to understand the doctor's approach and how it aligns with your goals. For instance, Dr. Jacono's extended deep - plane facelift offers a more innovative and natural - looking result compared to some traditional methods.

Cost

The cost of a facelift can vary significantly depending on the doctor's experience, the complexity of the procedure, and the location of the clinic or hospital. While it's important to consider the cost, it should not be the only factor in your decision. Cheaper options may not always guarantee the best results or the highest level of safety. Many clinics in New York City offer the price on request, allowing you to get a personalized quote based on your specific needs.

The Facelift Procedure

Pre - operative Preparation

Before the facelift, you will have a consultation with your surgeon. During this consultation, you will discuss your goals and what you expect to accomplish. Your medical history will be carefully reviewed to ensure that the procedure is safe for you. You may also need to get some routine health screenings to make sure you're in good health overall. It is important to avoid anything that thins the blood for two weeks prior to surgery, such as certain medications and supplements. Maximizing skin "fitness" prior to surgery, using an at - home regimen that usually incorporates a retinol or retin - A, is also encouraged. In some cases, other preoperative treatments like chemical peels, fraxel, or laser may be recommended to enhance the postoperative results.

Types of Incisions

There are three main types of incisions used in a facelift:

• Traditional facelift incision: It starts at your temples in the hairline, continues around the ear, and ends behind your neck in the lower scalp. An incision may also be made under your chin to improve the look of the neck.
• Limited incision: Shorter than the traditional facelift incision, it starts in your hairline just above the ear, continues around the ear but does not extend to the lower scalp.
• Neck lift incisions: Begin in front of the earlobe, continue around your ear into the lower scalp. This type of incision addresses the sagging jowls, fat accumulation under the chin, and loose neck skin.

During the Procedure

Once you're under anesthesia (either deep sedation or general, depending on the doctor's recommendation), the surgeon will make the appropriate incisions. The surgeon will then elevate the skin and tighten the underlying tissues and muscles. Fat in your face and neck may be removed, sculpted, or redistributed. Finally, the incision is stitched. The duration of the facelift surgery is approximately three to four hours, but it can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure.

Post - operative Recovery

After the surgery, you will have bandages applied to your surgical wounds, and a drain may be installed to collect extra fluid. Swelling and bruising are normal postoperative side effects, but these should progressively go away over a few weeks. You should be able to leave the hospital on the same day of the surgery if local anesthetic is used. However, if the surgery is done under general anesthetic, you may need to stay in the hospital for about 1 to 2 days. You should plan to stay in New York City for around 7 to 10 days following the surgery because you will have to attend follow - up checkups. During the checkups, your surgeon will monitor your healing and remove your stitches. You may experience bruising, swelling, and some discomfort for the first 3 to 5 days. You may be able to return to work and some light activities within 7 to 14 days, but avoid any vigorous activities for about 5 to 6 weeks. It may take 2 to 3 months until your face feels normal in terms of texture and sensibility.

Alternatives to Facelift

If you're not ready for a surgical facelift or prefer a less invasive option, there are several alternatives available:

• Mini - facelift: A less invasive procedure that aims to lift the wrinkles and sagging skin in the lower part of the face. It involves a smaller, S - shaped incision around the ear and cannot address neck sagging or excess skin.
• Botox: Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and usually takes about 24 to 72 hours to take effect. A Botox injection uses botulinum toxin to temporarily paralyze muscle activity.
• Fillers: Fill the line, crease, or the general facial area with different kinds of substances. These fillers can be used as “volumizers,” plumping and lifting your cheeks, jawline, and temple.
• Laser skin resurfacing: Works to give you a younger - looking facial skin by removing some skin layer by layer. Patients can get rid of scars, wrinkles, acne marks, and blotches.
• Ultherapy: Uses ultrasound to heat targeted tissue under the surface of your skin. The heat will then trigger the natural production of collagen. This procedure can be repeated 6 to 12 months because collagen usually takes very long to develop.
• LED - light - emitting diode therapy: Uses a variety of