Facelift Overview

What is a Facelift?

A Facelift involves lifting the skin, removing excess, and tightening muscles to enhance facial contours, reduce wrinkles, and rejuvenate the skin. This creates a smoother, firmer profile and a more defined jawline, effectively reversing signs of aging for a more youthful appearance. Despite common misconceptions, a Rhytidectomy, or Facelift, focuses on the lower face, jawline, and neck. Lifting the entire face would require multiple procedures, including a Lower Facelift, Brow Lift, Eyelid Lift, and possibly a Midface Lift.

Choosing a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Westreich, recognized as a “Top New York Plastic Surgeon” by NY Magazine, is crucial for achieving natural results. He specializes in a range of facelift techniques, offering personalized options to meet individual goals and concerns. Through detailed consultations, Dr. Westreich tailors the ideal facelift procedure for each patient’s specific needs.

Facelift Before & Afters

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Dr. Westreich Discusses Facelift Surgery

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What Areas Does a Facelift Target?

Specific areas targeted by a facelift may include the following:

  • Jowls: The sagging skin and excess fat along the jawline and lower cheeks.
  • Cheeks: Lifts and repositions sagging cheeks to restore youthful fullness and contours.
  • Neck: Addresses loose skin, muscle banding, and excess fat to create a smoother, more defined neckline.
  • Midface: Elevates the tissues in the midface region to reduce deep creases and restore a more youthful appearance.
  • Jawline: Tightens and defines the jawline, reducing the appearance of jowls and creating a more sculpted look.
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What Are the Benefits of a Facelift?

Some of the key benefits of a facelift include the following:

  • Lifts and repositions facial tissues to improve contours and reduce sagging
  • Minimizes the appearance of wrinkles, creases, and fine lines for a smoother, more refreshed look
  • Tightens and defines the jawline, reducing the appearance of jowls and creating a more sculpted profile
  • Addresses loose skin and muscle banding in the neck area, creating a smoother and more defined neck contour
  • Helps individuals regain a more youthful and vibrant appearance, leading to increased self-assurance and satisfaction with their overall look
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Am I a Good Candidate for a Facelift?

Facelift candidacy is typically determined by several factors related to overall health and aesthetic goals. Ideal candidates for a Facelift in New York City with Dr. Westreich include the following:

  • Individuals in good overall health
  • Those with moderate to significant skin laxity and loss of overall firmness
  • Patients whose skin is in good condition
  • Individuals with concerns such as sagging skin, deep creases, jowls, and other visible signs of aging in the lower face and neck area
  • People who do not smoke or are willing to quit smoking for a certain period before and after the procedure
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Your Facelift Consultation with Dr. Westreich

Your consultation will take place in our luxurious and welcoming Manhattan office. This private, one-on-one meeting allows you to discuss any questions or concerns you have with Dr. Westreich regarding your cosmetic goals, procedural specifics, recovery process, and more.

Next, he will conduct a thorough review of your medical history, assess your facial skin, and engage in a discussion about your aesthetic objectives to personalize a treatment plan.

He will meticulously explore all available treatment options, various facelift techniques, and potential complementary procedures to tailor an optimal treatment strategy that aligns with your individual requirements.

Dr. Westreich is dedicated to attentively listening to each patient and establishing a supportive relationship that extends from the initial consultation to subsequent follow-up visits.

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Facelift Options at New Face NY

What to expect during the surgical procedure depends on the type of facelift Dr. Westreich performs.

Traditional Facelift

Dr. Westreich customizes various facial rejuvenation techniques to meet individual needs and preferences. Typically, the underlying muscles and deeper supportive tissues are vertically elevated, the skin is then redraped, and the excess skin is removed to enhance your overall facial appearance. In order to reposition and tighten, an incision is required. The specific incision length is tailored to address specific corrective needs, and will vary based upon the type of lift being performed. Dr. Westreich offers a range of advanced techniques, such as:

  • Endoscopic Midface and facelifts
  • S-lifts or Minilifts
  • Standard or extended SMAS lifts
  • Deep Plane Facelifts

Dr. Westreich will provide a comprehensive explanation of these techniques, including their potential benefits and considerations, during your consultation. Incision marks are strategically concealed along the hairline, under the chin, behind the ears, or in other discreet locations to minimize their visibility.

Mid Facelift

The Endoscopic Midface Lift is well-suited for individuals experiencing the following:

  • Sagging cheeks
  • Hollows beneath the eyelids
  • Deep nasolabial folds
  • Increased jowls

This procedure aims to rejuvenate the lower eyelids and cheeks, diminish nasolabial folds, and promote a fuller, more youthful appearance. Dr. Westreich utilizes small incisions in the temporal hairline to lift and adjust the midface tissues. To maintain the new position until the structures are securely reattached, an Endotine® absorbable implant is employed. Additionally, the mid-facelift can be combined with an endoscopic brow lift or a face or neck lift to address multiple aesthetic concerns simultaneously.

Lower Facelift

A lower facelift targets the rejuvenation of the lower third of the face, encompassing the area from below the ears to beneath the chin. Dr. Westreich performs this procedure for patients primarily concerned with:

  • Jowl laxity
  • Loose skin along the jawline
  • Deepening nasolabial folds extending from the nose to the corners of the mouth

Incisions are typically made around the ears, commencing at the temple, behind the tragus and extending around the earlobe behind the ear. In certain instances, an incision under the chin may also be necessary.

Complementary Procedures

The following techniques can be paired with a facelift to enhance results:

  • Facial implants and fillers may be used during surgery to restructure your face and create a more defined look. The implants can be inserted into the cheek, jaw, or chin to augment your appearance.
  • Chemical peels, laser resurfacing, non-ablative skin tightening, and daily strategies can be incorporated to improve overall skin health.
  • Facial fat transfer can fill in dark areas and hollows under the eyes that may not be corrected by a traditional facelift.
  • Eyelid surgery can help you look more awake and energized by smoothing bags concentrated under the eyes and wrinkles around the area.
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What Should I Know About Facelift Recovery?

Following a facelift, you can expect swelling and bruising, which usually peak around the third day before gradually subsiding. Here’s what you can expect during facelift recovery:

  • Sleep and Comfort: Keep your head elevated with at least two pillows for a few days and take prescribed pain medications. Comfort usually improves by the third day.
  • Activity Resumption: Regular activities can typically resume within two weeks. Full results will become apparent over several months, with final outcomes possibly visible up to a year after surgery.
  • Recovery Guidelines: Follow Dr. Westreich’s recovery guidelines for optimal healing.

Top Facelift Recovery Tips:

  • Support: Have a friend or relative stay with you for the first 48 hours.
  • Sleeping Position: Avoid sleeping on your side or stomach for at least a week.
  • Physical Activity: Avoid exertion for 7-10 days.
  • Swelling Control: Use ice packs on the surgical site.
  • Bleeding: If mild bleeding occurs, rest with your head elevated and apply a mild pressure ice compress.
  • Activity Restrictions: Avoid activities and medications that increase blood pressure, such as aspirin. Don’t bend over or lift heavy objects for a week.
  • Sun Exposure: Avoid excessive sun for at least a month.
  • Incision Care: Clean incision sites after 48 hours with hydrogen peroxide or sterile water twice daily. Use provided solutions and antibiotic ointments to prevent infection.
  • Scar Management: Massage scars with vitamin E or cocoa butter about six weeks after surgery, or use silicone gel if recommended by your doctor.
  • Clothing: Don’t wear clothes that require pulling over your head.
  • Smoking: Avoid smoking for at least two weeks to ensure smooth healing and recovery.
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Why Choose Dr. Westreich for a Facelift?

Dr. Westreich is a highly skilled, empathetic, and experienced cosmetic surgeon specializing in facelifts and various facial cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. He completed advanced training in Facial Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology at the renowned Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City and has been consistently recognized year after year as one of the top plastic surgeons in New York City. Additionally, he has earned the distinction of being named a Regional Top Doctor by the esteemed Castle Connolly group. What truly distinguishes Dr. Westreich is his compassionate approach and commitment to personalized surgery.

Rather than employing standard treatments, he prioritizes tailored procedures that align with your specific cosmetic objectives, long-term aspirations, and concerns. The same patient centered approach is used when determining the right type of Facelift for each patient. With a deep understanding of facial anatomy and aesthetics, he delivers natural-looking results that impart a noticeably younger appearance without any signs of cosmetic intervention. If you want to rediscover a more youthful version of yourself, we encourage you to arrange a private consultation with Dr. Westreich today.

Facelift FAQ

When is the right time for a facelift versus lasers, BOTOX, and fillers?

Can non-surgical facelifts deliver the same results?

How long will my facelift last?

Will I need another facelift later?

What are the risks and side effects?

Will a facelift make me look unnatural or pulled?

Will the scars be visible?

When is the right time for a facelift versus lasers, BOTOX, and fillers?

For moderate to severe aging signs, a surgical facelift may be best. Dr. Westreich will assess your facial features to decide if fillers, BOTOX, lasers, or a combination will work.

Can non-surgical facelifts deliver the same results?

Despite technological advancements, no non-surgical option can match the results of a facelift, which remains the best choice for rejuvenating the midface and lower neck. Non-surgical procedures offer mild improvements, but a facelift is the most effective solution for more noticeable signs of aging.

How long will my facelift last?

Facelift results tend to be more long-lasting than other options. A deep plane facelift generally lasts around 10 years, while a mini facelift can last between 5 and 10 years. The longevity of the results varies depending on factors like skin type, genetics, and overall health.

Will I need another facelift later?

A facelift provides a youthful look for decades but doesn't stop aging. Signs of aging may reappear, but maintenance treatments can delay the need for another facelift.

What are the risks and side effects?

Risks include anesthesia complications, excessive bleeding, nerve damage, scarring, and unsatisfactory results. Dr. Westreich's two decades of experience and high safety standards minimize these risks.

Will a facelift make me look unnatural or pulled?

No, Dr. Westreich’s techniques avoid the “pulled” look, ensuring natural results with incisions typically concealed at the hairline.

Will the scars be visible?

Scars are strategically placed along the hairline, behind ears, or under the chin, making them discreet and less visible as they heal.

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