Facelift NYC
Conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY
A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure performed to restore a more youthful-looking facial appearance by tightening and repositioning the underlying facial structures, as well as removing excess skin. (1) This procedure has significantly grown in popularity over time, with more than 79,000 procedures performed in 2024 alone. (2)
Dr. George Lefkovits is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and the director of Park Plaza Plastic Surgery. He has more than 30 years of experience performing a variety of plastic surgery procedures and is a widely recognized leader in both women’s and men’s cosmetic surgery.
To learn more about what you can achieve with a facelift, please schedule a consultation online or call (212) 750-9494.
Contents
- 1 Before and After Photos
- 2 About Facelifts
- 3 Types of Facelifts
- 4 Candidates
- 5 Personal Consultation
- 6 Preparation
- 7 Recovery
- 8 Results
- 9 Cost of a Facelift in NYC
- 10 FAQ
- 10.1 How will I know what type of facelift is right for me?
- 10.2 What can I expect after a facelift?
- 10.3 Will a facelift rejuvenate the entirety of my face?
- 10.4 How long will the results of my facelift last?
- 10.5 How can I avoid an “overpulled” or “overly-tightened” appearance?
- 10.6 Can I combine my facelift with another procedure?
- 11 References
Before and After Photos
About Facelifts
Over time, the natural effects of aging, gravity, and your lifestyle can affect your appearance. Patients often experience sagging skin, a general loss of facial definition, deep wrinkles, and more. Dr. Lefkovits can perform a facelift to combat these effects of aging, allowing you to achieve a more youthful yet natural-looking appearance.
Facelifts are performed on an outpatient basis, using either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous (IV) sedation. Dr. Lefkovits will discuss the exact details of your procedure ahead of time so you understand what to expect, as the duration of your facelift can vary depending on the method performed.
Types of Facelifts
Dr. Lefkovits can perform several different types of facelifts to address a wide range of concerns. At Park Plaza Plastic Surgery, he offers classic facelifts, short scar facelifts, and extended facelifts.
Traditional Facelift
The classic facelift offers comprehensive results that revitalize your appearance without causing an artificial or “overdone” look.
A classic facelift begins with incisions being placed around the ears or hidden along the hairline to minimize visibility. Dr. Lefkovits will then lift the skin and adjust the underlying muscular layer (SMAS). (1)
Short Scar Facelift
A short scar facelift focuses on rejuvenating the lower third of the face. This procedure is designed to address concerns around the cheeks and jawline. Short scar facelifts are less extensive than other variations and are often reserved for younger patients with earlier or milder signs of aging.
A short scar facelift begins with incisions being placed around the ears, typically hidden within natural creases. Through these incisions, Dr. Lefkovits can carefully lift, tighten, and reposition the underlying facial tissues and muscles in the lower face.
Extended Facelift
An extended facelift is a variation of the facelift that involves making an additional incision underneath the chin and is typically reserved for more extensive corrections and deeper rejuvenation. This procedure lifts the skin and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). It involves a more extensive dissection, which allows for correction of the neck bands or “turkey gobbler deformity”.
This results in more durable and natural-looking effects, while avoiding the “overtightened” appearance that many patients tend to be worried about.
Candidates
There are several reasons why someone may choose to undergo a facelift. This procedure is highly effective for addressing wrinkles, creases, sagging skin, volume loss, and jowls.
Anyone interested in this procedure should be in good overall health without any underlying medical conditions that may affect their recovery or results. Patients should be nonsmokers or willing to quit using nicotine and hold realistic expectations regarding the results of this procedure. Patients also tend to be above the age of 40, but age is not a strict determining factor. Dr. Lefkovits will determine each individual’s candidacy during their consultation.
Personal Consultation
The first step to refreshing your appearance is attending a personal consultation. During this consultation, Dr. Lefkovits will meet with you individually to ask about your medical history, current prescriptions, concerns, and treatment goals. He will also perform a physical examination to evaluate the condition and quality of your skin, as well as your overall facial structure and anatomy.
Dr. Lefkovits will explain the differences between each type of facelift, recommending the best variation for your concerns. He will personalize your treatment plan to your specific goals and facial structure. You will also receive a set of pre- and post-operative instructions so that you can know what to expect ahead of time.
Preparation
You will receive a set of detailed pre-operative instructions before undergoing your facelift. These instructions will be tailored to your medical history and treatment plan.
- You may be asked to discontinue taking blood-thinning medications and supplements under medical guidance.
- Patients are also advised to fully cease alcohol consumption and nicotine use several weeks before treatment.
- Transportation home should be prearranged, as well as time away from your career and other commitments.
- It is also recommended to fill any prescriptions ahead of time.
Recovery
After a facelift, it is common to experience swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the treated area. As soon as you have permission to do so, we advise walking around your home for at least 20 minutes each day to help support healthy blood flow that will be beneficial for your healing process. However, you will need to take time away from work and strenuous activities; Dr. Lefkovits will let you know when you can return.
Dr. Lefkovits will ask you to return for a follow-up appointment after one or two days to remove your bandaging. He will also remove your stitches approximately five to seven days after the procedure. Once he removes your stitches, you can start wearing makeup again.
Results
After swelling has diminished, you will be able to experience the results of your facelift. You will be able to enjoy more sculpted and defined facial contours and tighter, smoother skin. In general, you will look more refreshed and youthful. The results of your facelift are designed to last for up to a decade, but it is important to continue using proper sun protection and follow healthy skincare routines.
Cost of a Facelift in NYC
Dr. Lefkovits tailors each treatment plan around your specific concerns and goals, meaning the cost of a facelift can vary. We consider several factors, including the type of facelift performed, the extent of the corrections, whether any additional procedures are included, and more. Dr. Lefkovits will provide a comprehensive cost estimate for your facelift during your consultation, once the details of your treatment plan are established. Park Plaza Plastic Surgery also offers financing options for those who qualify.
To learn more about the cost of your personalized procedure, please schedule a consultation online or call (212) 750-9494.
FAQ
How will I know what type of facelift is right for me?
During your consultation, Dr. Lefkovits will evaluate your medical history, the quality and health of your facial skin, and the extent of your sagging skin involving your face and neck to determine whether a facelift is right for you and what variation is most suitable.
What can I expect after a facelift?
You will receive a set of post-operative instructions to help guide your recovery. Each patient’s recovery timeline will vary, but you can expect to return to work after approximately two weeks. Dr. Lefkovits will let you know when you can return to more strenuous activities.
Will a facelift rejuvenate the entirety of my face?
A traditional facelift only addresses the mid-face and lower-face, leaving the portion of your upper face untouched and preserved. Combining your procedure with another can help you achieve more comprehensive results.
How long will the results of my facelift last?
The results of your facelift are designed to last for several years, with many patients experiencing effects lasting for up to 10 years.
How can I avoid an “overpulled” or “overly-tightened” appearance?
Choosing to work with a double board-certified doctor, such as Dr. Lefkovits, can help you avoid these adverse results. His background in otolaryngology (head and neck surgery), in addition to plastic surgery, provides him with a deeper understanding of the underlying structures of the face and neck, allowing him to achieve natural-looking yet transformative results. His techniques target the underlying layers of the face and neck, encouraging long-lasting stability and an exceptionally natural look.
Can I combine my facelift with another procedure?
Yes, you can combine a facelift with another procedure for more comprehensive and cohesive results. For more information or personalized suggestions, we recommend discussing combined procedures during your personal consultation.
References
- Yang AJ, Hohman MH. Rhytidectomy. Nih.gov. Published March 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564338/#article-28568.s4
- ASPS. 2024 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner; 2024. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
- Barrett DM, Casanueva FJ, Wang TD. Evolution of the rhytidectomy. World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. 2016;2(1):38-44. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wjorl.2015.12.001
