Facelift NYC to Reduce the Signs of Aging

Facelift (Rhytidectomy) is the gold standard when it comes to maximum facial rejuvenation. The goal of facelift surgery is not only to lift and tighten loose and sagging skin, but also to elevate the underlying soft tissue of the face into a more natural and youthful position. Over time, gravity, sun exposure, and stress can take their toll on the aging face. A facelift can reverse these effects for a more youthful appearance. At Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, we understand that facial changes occur across a broad spectrum, ranging from loss of youthful volume, to sagging in the mid-face and cheeks, to the development of jowls, creases, lines, and wrinkles. In many cases, the jaw line will soften and lose definition, while changes in the neck can contribute to an aged appearance. No two faces age alike, and patients may exhibit some, most, or even all of these changes. That’s why we take a truly customized approach for each facelift so that it is tailored to the specific needs of each patient.

In the hands of a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Levine, dramatic, long-lasting, and natural-looking results can be achieved. With years of advanced aesthetic training, Dr. Levine appreciates and understands the nuanced relationships between facial structure, soft tissue, and skin. He can employ a variety of surgical techniques to reduce the signs of aging, while restoring natural balance and proportion to the face and neck.*

At Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, we understand that achieving the best results often involves looking beyond just traditional facelift surgery.  As experts in both the plastic surgery and dermatology arenas, our doctors take an artistic approach that combines the most sophisticated facelift surgical procedures with a wide range of advanced facial rejuvenation techniques.  Dr. Elie Levine and Dr. Jody Levine will work together to develop a customized plan that can help enhance skin tone and texture, tighten sagging skin, improve overall facial contours, mitigate wrinkles and other signs of aging, and restore youthful fullness.  Many procedures can be combined with facelift surgery to achieve transformative results.*  These include other surgical procedures, such as eyelid lift, browlift, neck lift, or chin augmentation, as well as minimally invasive techniques, such as laser skin resurfacing, fat grafting, dermal fillers, and medical grade chemical peels.

WHAT CAN A FACELIFT DO FOR ME?*

Reduce the signs of aging in the face

Tighten loose and sagging skin

Improve overall facial contours

Elevate skin and soft tissue to a more youthful position

Smooth wrinkles, folds, and creases

Restore youthful volume

Correct jowling

Improve jaw line definition

Give the face a more youthful, refreshed look

Who is a good candidate for facelift surgery?

Facelift surgery may be an excellent option for people who wish to reduce the signs of aging in the face and neck.  Candidates may exhibit skin laxity and sagging, a loss of youthful fullness, the development of jowls and wrinkles, and an overall tired or aging appearance.  Dr. Levine will meet with you to discuss whether you are a good candidate for facelift surgery. 

FACELIFT AT A GLANCE
Procedure*	Recovery*	Post-Op Care*
Performed in our accredited in-office surgical facility	Go home same day	Dressings removed the next day
Surgery time approximately 3-5 hours	Back to work in 1-2 weeks	Most sutures removed in 5 days; sutures in hairline removed in 7-10 days
Local, twilight, or general anesthesia, depending on extent of procedure	Light cardio 10-14 days
	More strenuous exercise in 3 weeks

Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?

A facelift is often combined with other procedures as part of a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation.  Since many people will benefit from improvements in both the face and neck, a facelift and neck lift are often combined as part of one integrated surgery.  Other common procedures that may be combined with facelift include eyelid lift (blepharoplasty), browlift, neck liposuction, chin augmentation, laser skin resurfacing, fat grafting, dermal fillers, and chemical peels. These cosmetic procedures can be performed before, during, or after your facelift surgery. Dr. Levine will discuss with you what procedures or combination of procedures may best suit your specific needs. 

How is facelift surgery performed?

A facelift can address a broad spectrum of issues in the upper, mid, and lower face, as well as in the neck and jaw line.  Consequently, every facelift operation is unique and precisely tailored to the specific needs and anatomy of each patient. Dr. Levine integrates a variety of advanced techniques for facelift surgery, including:

• Extended SMAS Facelift                  
• SMAS Plication Facelift
• SMASectomy Facelift
• Limited Incision Facelift
• Short Scar Facelift
• Endoscopic Facelift
• MACS Facelift
• Deep Plane Facelift
• Classical Facelift

There are two main components addressed in each facelift procedure. First, the connective tissue beneath the skin (known as the SMAS) may be elevated, repositioned, and tightened to create a more youthful foundation.  Next, any excess skin will be removed, and the skin will be redraped to restore a firm, natural, and youthful-looking appearance.* Dr. Levine takes meticulous care to ensure that incisions are well-concealed in the hairline or within natural creases.   Dr. Levine will discuss with you which facelift techniques will best suit your specific needs.   

How can I prepare for facelift surgery?

During your initial consultation, Dr. Levine will examine your face and neck, paying particular attention to facial structure, skin quality, and the signs of aging in the face and neck.  He and Dr. Jody Levine will work together to create a customized skincare regimen for both before and after your procedure, which will help maximize overall facial rejuvenation.*  Dr. Levine will thoroughly discuss your goals and expectations, including possible risks and the best way to prepare for your surgery.  He will let you know what to expect before, during, and after your procedure, and he will answer any questions that you may have.

What type of anesthesia will be used?

We recommend local, twilight, or general anesthesia for facelift surgery, depending on the extent of the procedure.  You will discuss your procedure thoroughly with both Dr. Levine and our board-certified anesthesiologist to determine the best type of anesthesia for your needs. 

What should I expect during facelift surgery?

Facelift surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in our state-of-the-art, in-office operating suite, which is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).  The length of your procedure will depend on many factors, but on average, the procedure usually takes about 3-5 hours.*  After your procedure, you will wake up in our warm and caring recovery suite, where our licensed, registered nurse will make sure you are comfortable and assist in your recovery.  While some patients may elect to go home the same day with a friend or family member, we offer a number of recovery options, depending on your specific wishes.  For example, we can arrange for private nursing care for your first night after surgery, whether you choose to recover at home, at one of the Upper East Side luxury hotels near our office, or here in our comfortable office suites.  We would be happy to assist in making whatever arrangements suit you best.     

What can I expect after facelift surgery?

Every surgery is different, and you will receive detailed post-operative instructions for your specific needs.  In general, you may expect to have mild to moderate swelling and bruising for 1-2 weeks after your procedure.  Most patients report mild to moderate pain after the surgery, which is usually well-controlled with medications.*  At Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, our concern for you doesn’t end when you go home.  We’re dedicated to providing ongoing care to ensure a fast, safe, and smooth recovery.  Dr. Levine will see you for post-operative visits, and he and our staff stand ready to answer any questions you may have about your recovery, as well as your overall health and well-being. 

Is there anything I can do before and after my procedure to maximize results?

One of the many wonderful qualities that sets us apart at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC is our ability to use a multidisciplinary approach to optimize results.  With expertise in both plastic surgery and dermatology, Dr. Elie Levine and Dr. Jody Levine work together to help prepare, protect, and treat the skin before, during, and after your procedure.  As one of New York’s leading dermatologists, Dr. Jody Levine will customize a skincare regimen that includes pre-surgical measures to optimize your skin, as well as post-surgical skincare that can help prevent irritation, alleviate bruising and inflammation, and promote faster healing.   Unlike other practices, we include these unique pre- and post-surgery skincare packages as part of your surgical plan.  Our pre-surgery facials and microdermabrasion treatments help prepare your skin for surgery and ensure the best recuperation. Post-operative packages include lymphatic massage with our skilled medical aesthetician in order to enhance circulation, support healing and improved immunity function, and leave the skin looking radiant and healthy.*  With our extensive array of lasers, we are able to provide post-surgical laser treatments to best accelerate your healing.  The Drs. Levine will be happy to discuss with you the best skincare approach for your specific needs. 

How can I find out more about facelift surgery?

Dr. Elie Levine will be happy to meet with you to discuss facelift surgery.  Please call our office at 212-988-1800, or make an appointment online for a personal consultation in our New York City offices.