Facelift / Neck Lift

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the face by tightening and repositioning facial tissue. As signs of aging evident on the face often extend to the neck, a facelift is often complemented by a neck lift for optimal results that look natural and complete. From a mini facelift to a deep plane lift, various degrees of facelifts can be performed to ensure your individual aesthetic goals are met.

Before and After Photos

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Procedure

Dr. Jennifer Levine, renowned facelift specialist in New York City, is one of few facial plastic surgeons to be double board certified through the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, giving her a unique knowledge of the face and its underlying structures.

From the comfort of our fully accredited private surgical suite on the Upper East Side of NYC, Dr. Levine uses the latest surgical facelift techniques to restore patients’ youthful contours and confidence.To start your transformation, book a facelift consultation with Dr. Jennifer Levine online, or call (212) 517-9400 to speak to one of our team members.

Facelift Types

Mini Facelift

A Mini Facelift is typically suited for individuals who are beginning to notice signs of aging but do not yet have significant sagging or deep wrinkles. It primarily targets the mid-face and jawline, aiming to correct moderate sagging and enhance the definition of these areas. The incisions are usually smaller and hidden behind the ears, leading to a shorter recovery time. A mini facelift offers subtle rejuvenation and is often ideal for patients in their 40’s or those looking for preventative measures against aging.

SMAS Lift

The SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) lift focuses on the layer of tissue that covers, surrounds, and attaches to the deeper tissues and structures of the face and neck. This procedure involves repositioning and tightening the SMAS layer to achieve a more youthful appearance. The SMAS lift can effectively improve the appearance of sagging skin, jowls, and nasolabial folds by elevating the facial structure. The incisions are typically made along the hairline and around the ears, similar to a traditional facelift, but the primary focus is on manipulating the SMAS layer.

Lower Facelift

A lower facelift targets more pronounced signs of aging in the lower third of the face, including jawline contouring. This procedure is designed to address significant sagging skin and jowls. The incisions for a lower facelift can be similar to those of a mini facelift but could extend further to allow for more extensive skin removal and tissue adjustment. While a lower facelift includes some degree of neck improvement, especially concerning jowls and jawline definition, its primary focus is on the lower third of the face.

Deep Plane Lift

The Deep Plane Lift repositions and tightens the entire facial framework, including the SMAS and the deeper muscular layers, to restore a naturally youthful contour. Renowned for its ability to address more pronounced facial sagging, jowls, and deep-set nasolabial folds, the Deep Plane Lift offers significant enhancements by lifting the deeper layers of the face in unity. Incisions are strategically made along the hairline and around the ears to allow for deep structural enhancements while keeping changes discreet.

Neck Lift

A neck lift addresses aging signs in the neck and under the chin, offering a more toned and slender neck profile. Often performed in conjunction with a facelift, a neck lift addresses loose skin and muscle banding in the neck (platysmas bands), effectively correcting the appearance of “turkey neck.” A neck lift may also include neck liposuction, which removes excess fat from under the chin.

Understanding The Procedure

Dr. Levine prioritizes patient safety and comfort, ensuring the facelift and neck lift procedures are pain-free, performed under general anesthesia. Post-procedure, medication may be prescribed to manage any discomfort effectively.

During the procedure, strategic incisions are made to minimize visible scarring—typically along the hairline and around the ears, possibly extending to the lower scalp. These incisions allow for the repositioning and tightening of facial muscles and the removal of excess skin, achieving a more youthful contour. The procedure may also include neck liposuction for optimal sculpting and balance. Depending on the extent of the procedure, a facelift procedure can take 2 to 6 hours.

Following surgery, sutures are typically removed within 5 to 9 days, based on individual healing and Dr. Levine’s assessment. A bandage is applied to minimize swelling and support the new facial contours for about 24 hours, with most patients reporting minimal discomfort, easily managed with prescribed medications.

Ideal Candidates

Deciding to undergo a facelift or neck lift is a personal journey, and understanding who stands to benefit the most from these procedures can guide you toward making an informed decision. Ideal candidates for facelift and neck lift surgeries typically include individuals who:

• Experience Moderate to Severe Facial Aging: Those who notice significant sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of facial volume are excellent candidates. These procedures can dramatically rejuvenate the face and neck by tightening loose skin and redefining facial contours.
• Have Good Skin Elasticity: Ideal candidates possess some degree of skin flexibility. Good skin elasticity helps achieve smoother, more natural-looking results post-surgery.
• Maintain a Stable Weight: Patients should be at a stable weight to ensure the longevity of the surgical results. Significant weight fluctuations post-surgery can affect the outcome.
• Are in Good Overall Health: Undergoing any surgical procedure requires good physical health. Candidates should be free from any medical conditions that might impair healing or increase surgery risks.
• Have Realistic Expectations: Understanding what facelift and neck lift surgeries can and cannot do is crucial. Ideal candidates have a positive outlook and realistic expectations about the surgery’s outcomes.
• Non-smokers or Willing to Quit: Smoking can significantly impair healing and increase the risk of complications. Non-smokers, or those willing to quit before and after surgery, are ideal candidates.
• Are Seeking Long-term Solutions: While non-surgical treatments offer temporary benefits, individuals looking for more enduring results may find facelift and neck lift surgeries to be ideal solutions.

Dr. Levine will evaluate your candidacy during your facelift consultation, which you can schedule online or by calling (212) 517-9400.

Day of Your Facelift and Neck Lift Procedure

•  Avoid eating or drinking anything, including water, on the morning of your surgery.
•  Please do not wear contact lenses to your surgery; glasses are acceptable.
•  Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that buttons or zips rather than clothing that needs to be pulled over your head.

Post-Surgery: What to Expect

Waking up from anesthesia, you may feel disoriented, similar to waking from a deep sleep, with possible temporary chills or nausea—common reactions that quickly subside.

Post-operative swelling, soreness, and bruising are normal and expected to gradually diminish over the following days. Dr. Levine is available to address any concerns, especially if symptoms intensify.

Recovery involves rest and minimal stress; however, keeping moderately active is beneficial. The visible improvements from your facelift or neck lift will evolve as swelling reduces, with initial results noticeable within a week and more significant outcomes developing over the following months.

Facelift Recovery Instructions

• Refrain from strenuous activities for at least 3 weeks; light exercise may be resumed as advised.
• Protect your skin with sunblock and avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds post-surgery.
•  Keep bandages intact until your follow-up appointment for removal.
• Swelling and bruising are typical, usually subsiding within 7-10 days; contact us with any prolonged concerns.
•  Follow all medication guidelines provided by Dr. Levine to aid your healing process.

Platysmaplasty: Surgical Neck Contouring

What is Platysmaplasty?

Platysmaplasty is a specialized surgical procedure focused on the platysma muscle, which extends from the lower face to the collarbone. Dr. Levine regularly combines this surgery with a neck lift to address neck banding, sagging, and other signs of aging in the neck area. By tightening the platysma muscle, platysmaplasty can significantly enhance the contour and appearance of the neck, providing a more youthful and defined profile.

Why Consider Platysmaplasty?

• Improved Neck Contour: Platysmaplasty effectively tightens and smooths the neck muscles, reducing the appearance of vertical bands and loose skin.
• Enhanced Facelift and Neck Lift Results: When combined with a facelift or neck lift, platysmaplasty enhances the overall results by ensuring a cohesive, youthful appearance from the face down to the neck.
• Long-Lasting Results: The procedure addresses the underlying muscle structure, providing longer-lasting results compared to skin-only treatments.

The Platysmaplasty Procedure

During a platysmaplasty, an incision is typically made under the chin or behind the ears. Through these incisions, Dr. Levine will access and tighten the platysma muscle. The muscle may be sutured together to create a smoother neck contour. Excess skin is also removed, and the incisions are carefully closed to minimize scarring.

Recovery and Results

• Recovery Time: Initial recovery from platysmaplasty usually takes about 1-2 weeks, with most patients returning to normal activities within this period. Swelling and bruising are common but typically subside within a few weeks. However, as this procedure is often combined with a neck lift, recovery times can differ depending on the extent of the overall procedure.
• Results: Patients will notice an immediate improvement in neck contour, with results continuing to enhance as swelling decreases over the following months. The final outcome is a smoother, more youthful neck appearance that complements the results of a facelift or neck lift.

Ideal Candidates for Platysmaplasty

Ideal candidates for platysmaplasty are individuals experiencing neck sagging, vertical bands, or a lack of definition in the neck area. This procedure is particularly beneficial for those who want comprehensive rejuvenation that includes both the face and neck. A consultation with Dr. Jennifer Levine will determine if platysmaplasty is the right choice for your specific aesthetic goals.

Exploring Your Options

During your initial consultation, Dr. Levine may also discuss non-surgical alternatives, such as Ultherapy or a liquid facelift, offering a range of treatments tailored to your specific needs and goals.