Facelift

What is a facelift?

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is cosmetic surgery to improve evidence of facial aging, such as wrinkles or sagging skin on the face, brow, and neck.

Where is the incision made for a full facelift?

A full-facelift incision begins in the hairline of the temple area, continues down just inside the tragus—the part of the ear just in front of the hole in your ear—and proceeds around the earlobe and along the hairline in the back of the neck. This longer incision allows a much greater degree of lift in the neck than is possible with a Naturalift℠.

How is a full facelift performed?

After I’ve made the incision, I undermine the skin of the face so I can gain access to the deeper tissues. This is when the real magic of a facelift happens. By working with the deeper tissues, I can eliminate jowls, increase fullness in the cheek and midface and reduce the appearance of skin folds on the corners of the mouth.

After this work is done, I lay the skin down gently without any tension so it looks natural. If I’ve done my job well, nobody should ever know that my patients have had a facelift. They should look younger and refreshed—but not have that “operated on” look.

How is your full facelift technique different from other plastic surgeons’?

There are as many methods for facelifts as there are plastic surgeons…maybe more. Each of us does the best we can to achieve a nice result. I happen to be very proud of my facelift results because I think they look more natural than many others.

How does a full facelift help correct a sagging neck?

Because the incision for a full facelift extends to the hairline behind the ears, it facilitates pulling back on the neck skin to tighten and smooth it. The excess skin is then eliminated. Result: a smoother, younger-looking neck.

Do you ever use liposuction in conjunction with a facelift?

Yes, liposuction can be very helpful in eliminating jowls and getting the neck contour I want.

When is a full facelift a better choice than a Naturalift?

In your personal consultation, I will evaluate you and help you to understand the difference between a Naturalift and a full facelift. However, the final decision is yours. The best choice for you will also depend on your exact goals.

Where is a full facelift performed?

I typically perform full facelifts on an outpatient basis at Mount Sinai Hospital or in a surgery center close to my office.

How long does a full facelift take?

A full facelift takes about three hours or longer, depending on what the patient needs. For example, if a patient has a lot of hanging skin on his or her neck, the surgery will take more time.

What kind of anesthesia is used for a full facelift?

A facelift is done under general anesthesia; you will be asleep for the entire procedure. Or you may choose to have the procedure done under sedation.

How long does recovery from a full facelift take?

Most patients can go out in public with some cover-up makeup in about a week. You should be back to work in 10 days to two weeks.

What results can you expect from a full facelift?

My goal is to make you look good, not operated upon. A natural result should mean that you look like yourself, just fresher and maybe a little more enthusiastic. The most important part of a facelift is that no one who sees you on the street should be able to tell that you’ve had something done.