Dr. Westreich Discusses Facelift Surgery

Dr. Westreich with a female patient

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 neck line.
  • 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 address any questions or concerns 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:

  • It’s important to sleep with your head elevated with at least two pillows for a few days and adhere to all prescribed pain medications, although you should start feeling more comfortable by the third day
  • While you can typically resume your regular activities within two weeks, the full results will become increasingly apparent over several months as you heal
  • In certain instances, the final outcome may become fully evident a year after your facelift surgery
  • Adhering to Dr. Westreich’s recovery guidelines diligently is crucial to ensure optimal recovery and healing

Some of our best facelift recovery tips include:

  • Arrange for a friend or relative to stay with you for the first 48 hours after the surgery
  • Don’t sleep on your side or stomach for at least one week
  • Avoid physical activities and exertion for at least 7 to 10 days
  • Place ice packs over the surgical site to reduce and control swelling
  • If you experience mild bleeding, rest up with your head at an inclined angle and apply an ice compress on your face and neck with mild pressure
  • Avoid all activities and medications, such as aspirin, that increase blood pressure and increase the risk of heavy bleeding
  • Don’t bend over or lift heavy things for one week; keep your head elevated at all times
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure for at least one month
  • Clean the incision sites after 48 hours hydrogen peroxide or sterile water at least twice daily and clean the incision with the provided solutions and antibiotic ointments to avoid infections
  • Massage the scars with vitamin E or cocoa butter approximately six weeks after the surgery to minimize their appearance. Some patients will use silicone gel on their incisions, with the doctor’s recommendation.
  • Don’t wear clothes that you have to pull over your head
  • Don’t smoke for at least two weeks after the procedure 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

I’m considering getting a facelift, but I’m also considering using lasers, BOTOX, and fillers to look better without surgery. When is the right time for a facelift?

Are there any risks and side effects?

Will a facelift make me look unnatural or pulled?

Will the scars be visible?

Will I need another facelift down the road?

I’m considering getting a facelift, but I’m also considering using lasers, BOTOX, and fillers to look better without surgery. When is the right time for a facelift?

If you are looking to effectively target moderate to severe signs of aging and rejuvenate your youthful facial structure, a surgical facelift may be recommended. Dr. Westreich will comprehensively assess your facial features and internal structures to determine the most suitable approach. This may involve restoring volume using fillers, addressing wrinkles with BOTOX, and enhancing skin texture using lasers and peels.

Are there any risks and side effects?

Like any surgical procedure, a facelift carries inherent risks. These may include potential complications related to anesthesia, excessive bleeding, nerve damage, scarring, or unsatisfactory results. While these risks are possible, it’s important to note that Dr. Westreich has 2 decades of experience and has performed many many facial procedures during his career. Our surgical center upholds the highest health and safety standards to minimize the likelihood of complications.

Will a facelift make me look unnatural or pulled?

Dr. Westreich strives to ensure that his patients depart from his New York office without noticeable signs of surgery. The incision is usually placed at the hairline and concealed by surrounding hair for a facelift. Additionally, the “pulled” appearance, often associated with overcorrection by inexperienced surgeons, is avoided through Dr. Westreich’s holistic approach but more importantly, the choice of the appropriate procedure. His meticulous attention to detail and skilled techniques are evident when reviewing before and after photos of actual patients from New York City.

Will the scars be visible?

Depending on the surgical technique, Dr. Westreich strategically positions small, minimal scars along the hairline, behind the ears, or under the chin. These scars are discreetly concealed and typically fade as they heal, further reducing their visibility.

Will I need another facelift down the road?

While a facelift can give a more youthful appearance for several decades, it does not halt the natural aging process. As time passes, signs of aging, such as wrinkles and skin laxity, may gradually reappear. For example, if you undergo a mini facelift in your 40s, it may make you appear as if you are in your 30s, but as you enter your 50s, you may begin to look closer to your actual age. Someone having a deep plane facelift in their 50s and 60s will have signs of aging evident 10-20 years later. While additional facelift surgeries are an option in the future, they are often not required if patients receive maintenance treatments in the years following their surgery.

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