Facelift
Conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY
A facelift is a precise surgical approach to restoring youthful definition in the lower face and neck. (1) At her private practice on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Dr. Jennifer Levine offers several advanced facelift options, including the deep plane facelift, SMAS facelift, mini facelift, and revision facelift. These procedures are designed to address sagging skin, jowls, jawline definition, and loose neck tissue, all while avoiding an ‘artificial’ or ‘overdone’ look.
As one of New York’s top facelift surgeons, Dr. Levine is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. She focuses exclusively on facial procedures, offering refined techniques that set her apart—not only in New York, but across the country and beyond.
To learn more about facelifts, call (212) 517-9400 or contact us online and schedule a consultation with Dr. Levine.
Contents
- 1 Before and After Photos
- 2 About Facelifts
- 3 Ideal Candidates
- 4 Personal Consultation
- 5 Preparation
- 6 Procedure
- 7 Recovery
- 8 Results
- 9 Corresponding and Combination Procedures
- 10 Cost of Facelift in NYC
- 11 FAQ
- 11.1 What areas do facelift procedures address?
- 11.2 How long do facelift results last?
- 11.3 When will I see the results of my facelift?
- 11.4 Can twilight anesthesia be used for facelifts?
- 11.5 Can I combine procedures with my facelift?
- 11.6 What makes Dr. Levine one of New York’s leading facelift surgeons?
- 12 References
Before and After Photos
About Facelifts
Facelifts are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States. (2) Although common, Dr. Levine’s meticulous techniques and personalized approach have helped patients achieve superior results. While other surgeons may only specialize in performing one run-of-the-mill type of facelift, Dr. Levine has an extensive background in various facial procedures, giving her a unique understanding of facial anatomy. Her expertise allows her to determine which technique will be most effective for each patient’s goals. Some of the facelift techniques she offers include:
Deep Plane Facelift & Neck Lift
This signature technique lifts the entire facial structure as a unit, including the SMAS, fat pads, fascia, and underlying muscles. (3)
The result is a restored definition with natural movement and balanced volume.
SMAS Facelift
This procedure lifts and repositions the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS), a fibrous layer under the skin responsible for facial structure and expression. (4) Dr. Levine uses this approach to refine the jawline, smooth nasolabial folds, and elevate the lower cheeks. It is particularly effective for patients seeking long-term results without excessive skin tension.
The Levine Lyft
Dr. Levine has an extensive background performing various types of facelift procedures and offers what is known as the Levine Lyft. This is essentially a customized surgical facelift that uses techniques based on your individual needs and anatomy.
Mini Facelift
The mini facelift and best for patients with earlier signs of aging. Using smaller incisions and often resulting in a shorter recovery time, this procedure lifts the jawline and lower face, and can still be combined with a neck lift. It offers subtle yet impactful rejuvenation for patients with milder sagging.
Mini Levine Lyft
Much like the Levine Lyft, a mini Levine Lyft is a less extensive, fully customized version of the mini facelift that is tailored to your anatomy and goals.
Revision Facelift
Patients who have undergone previous facelift procedures and are unsatisfied with the results may benefit from a revision facelift. Dr. Levine can correct irregularities, address tension or scar tissue, and refine facial contours to create smoother, more natural-looking outcomes. Her expertise in both facial plastic surgery and head and neck surgery makes her especially qualified for complex revisions.
Ideal Candidates
Facelift procedures are best suited for patients seeking long-term improvements for signs of aging in the lower face and neck. You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have moderate to severe sagging in the lower face or neck
- Are in good overall health
- Are a nonsmoker or willing to quit before and after surgery
- Have realistic expectations
Your candidacy will ultimately be determined by Dr. Levine during your consultation.
Personal Consultation
A one-on-one personal consultation with you and Dr. Levine will involve an in-depth review of your health history, aesthetic goals, and facial anatomy. During your consultation, you will learn which technique will address your unique concerns.
To schedule yours today, contact our office online or call (212) 517-9400 to schedule a personal consultation.
Preparation
Once your treatment plan is finalized, Dr. Levine and her staff will provide detailed preoperative instructions. These will be customized to your health profile, lifestyle, and medications. Any patients who use nicotine products will need to quit at least several weeks before and after surgery, as nicotine reduces circulation and hinders healing. Blood-thinning medications and certain supplements should be discontinued as instructed. You will also need to arrange for a responsible adult to take you home after the procedure and possibly remain with you for the initial recovery period. Following all preoperative instructions closely supports a safe surgery and smooth recovery.
Procedure
Dr. Levine performs all facelift surgeries in her accredited, state-of-the-art surgical suite on the Upper East Side—right across the hall from her practice—often using twilight anesthesia with IV sedation. Dr. Levine is one of the only surgeons in NYC with the expertise to perform a lower facelift with twilight anesthesia.
The details of each facelift Dr. Levine performs depend on the patient’s facial anatomy, the chosen technique, and their overall goals.
Recovery
Recovery experiences may vary depending on the technique used and individual healing responses. Most patients experience swelling and bruising for the first one to two weeks. Patients undergoing the Mini Levine Lyft typically resume light activity within one week. Those undergoing SMAS or deep plane facelifts may return to non-strenuous routines after about two weeks, with increased physical activity allowed after four to six weeks, or until Dr. Levine approves. Full healing tends to take about one year. Dr. Levine provides detailed care instructions and schedules follow-up appointments to monitor your healing.
Results
As swelling diminishes, patients begin to notice improvements in jawline definition, cheek appearance, and neck contour. The repositioning of deeper tissues results in a refreshed appearance without stiffness or an unnatural ‘pulled’ look.
Because these procedures adjust more than just the skin, they produce results that last longer. Patients regularly enjoy their facelift outcomes for 10 to 15 years, depending on the technique used and personal skin care. Dr. Levine’s goal is to preserve one’s unique beauty while refining proportions, structure, and balance.
Corresponding and Combination Procedures
Many patients who seek facelifts also choose to have additional treatments performed to achieve more complete results. Depending on their concerns, many patients will include:
Neck Lift
A neck lift is almost always combined with facelift procedures to improve sagging skin, vertical banding, and excess fat beneath the chin. This combination ensures a seamless contour between the jawline and neck and provides a more comprehensive rejuvenation. The two regions age together, so it is optimal to address both during the same appointment for the best results.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
In most cases, facelifts alone do not address the upper face or eye area. Patients with under-eye puffiness or sagging upper eyelids can benefit from eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) in conjunction with their facelift. This combination enhances the overall impact of each procedure and restores an alert, youthful look to the eyes. Dr. Levine can perform an upper or lower blepharoplasty separately, or she can combine both for what is known as a quad blepharoplasty.
Brow Lift
When drooping brows or deep forehead lines contribute to an aged appearance, a brow lift can be performed alongside a lower facelift. Lifting the brow area helps align the upper and lower facial regions and creates a more cohesive, refreshed look. A brow lift can also offer a subtle lift above the upper eyelid area.
Cost of Facelift in NYC
The total cost of a facelift varies based on the technique selected and the extent of the procedure. After your consultation, Dr. Levine will provide a personalized cost estimate that includes relevant surgical fees, anesthesia, and postoperative care.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Levine today to begin exploring your facelift options. If you have any questions or prefer to schedule over the phone, please call our Manhattan office at (212) 517-9400.
FAQ
What areas do facelift procedures address?
Facelift procedures target the lower face and neck. Concerns in the upper facial regions must be addressed with different procedures.
How long do facelift results last?
Techniques such as the Levine Lyft or deep plane facelift can create results that last 10 to 15 years. Longevity depends on skin quality, aging, and lifestyle.
When will I see the results of my facelift?
Initial improvements begin to appear as swelling subsides in the first few weeks. Full results develop gradually over several months as healing continues.
Can twilight anesthesia be used for facelifts?
Yes. Twilight anesthesia is administered intravenously and keeps patients relaxed and comfortable. It has fewer risks than general anesthesia and is performed on-site in Dr. Levine’s accredited facility. She is one of the only surgeons to offer this in NYC!
Can I combine procedures with my facelift?
Yes. Many patients combine facelift surgery with a neck lift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery for balanced, complete rejuvenation.
What makes Dr. Levine one of New York’s leading facelift surgeons?
Dr. Levine is double-board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. She has dedicated her practice exclusively to facial procedures and has decades of experience performing structural facelifts.
References
- Yang AJ, Hohman MH. Rhytidectomy. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564338/
- 2024 ASPS Procedural Statistics Report. plasticsurgery.org. Published June 2024. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
- Raggio BS, Patel BC. Deep Plane Facelift. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545277/
- Whitney ZB, Jain M, Zito PM. Anatomy, Skin, Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) Fascia. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519014/
