Facelift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY

Ranked #1 in NYC for facelifts, Dr. Jennifer Levine specializes in deep plane facelifts for natural, lasting results. Schedule a consultation today!

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 neck lift can often complement a facelift 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.

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.

If you are considering a facelift in NYC, contact our Upper East Side office today at (212) 517-9400 to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Jennifer Levine. During your consultation, Dr. Levine will listen to your goals, assess your unique facial anatomy, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan to achieve your desired outcome.

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VIDEO: Facelift Overview

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Types of Facelifts

The Levine Lyft: Deep Plane Facelift & Neck Lift in NYC

The Deep Plane Facelift is an advanced surgical technique that addresses the deeper structural layers of the face, offering comprehensive rejuvenation that looks natural and lasts longer than traditional facelift methods. Unlike other facelift techniques that primarily target the skin and superficial layers, the deep plane lift repositions and tightens the entire facial framework, including the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) and the deeper muscular layers.

By addressing these deeper structures, the deep plane lift restores facial contours without creating the overly tight or pulled appearance that can sometimes result from more superficial facelift techniques. ⁽¹⁾

Why Choose a Deep Plane Facelift?

One of the main advantages of the deep plane facelift is its ability to lift the mid-face, lower face, and neck simultaneously, creating a more harmonious and naturally youthful appearance. The procedure is particularly renowned for its ability to address pronounced facial sagging, jowls, and deep-set nasolabial folds—the lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth—which are often more difficult to treat with other facelift methods.

Because the deep plane lift works at a deeper level of the face, it enhances facial volume and provides more long-lasting results. By lifting the skin and underlying muscles in unison, rather than pulling the skin separately, patients benefit from structural rejuvenation that looks soft and natural rather than overdone.

Comprehensive Face and Neck Rejuvenation

The deep plane technique also delivers exceptional results for the neck area, making it a go-to choice for patients seeking both face and neck rejuvenation in one procedure. By addressing the platysma muscles in the neck and repositioning the deeper layers, this technique provides a smoother, more toned neck contour, effectively eliminating issues like neck banding and loose skin.

Dr. Jennifer Levine performs the Deep Plane Face and Neck Lift as a comprehensive solution to restore youthful contours and resolve sagging across the face and neck. The incisions are strategically placed along the hairline and around the ears to allow for deep structural enhancements while keeping scars well-hidden. These incisions give Dr. Levine access to the deeper layers of the face, enabling her to lift and reposition the tissue at its source for subtle, yet profound improvements.

Deep Plane Lift vs. SMAS Lift: Are they the same?

While both the Deep Plane Lift and SMAS Lift are advanced facelift techniques that target deep facial structures, they are not the same.

SMAS Lift: Focuses on lifting and tightening the SMAS layer (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System), which is a layer of muscles and connective tissues beneath the skin. In this technique, the skin is separated from the SMAS, which is then lifted and repositioned to create a more youthful contour.
Deep Plane Lift: Goes deeper by releasing and repositioning both the SMAS and deeper muscular layers together as a single unit. This technique allows for more dramatic lifting of the mid-face, jawline, and neck, providing more natural and long-lasting results, especially for those with more advanced signs of aging.

A SMAS lift (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System lift) is a facelift technique that focuses on tightening the SMAS layer, a network of muscles and connective tissues beneath the skin. By lifting and repositioning this deeper layer, a SMAS lift achieves a more natural and longer-lasting result than skin-only facelifts. Dr. Levine expertly performs the SMAS lift to address sagging, jowls, and deep wrinkles, restoring youthful contours to the face.

Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is a popular request in NYC from individuals beginning to notice signs of aging, particularly in the mid-face and jawline, without significant sagging or deep wrinkles. 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. ⁽²⁾ A mini facelift offers subtle rejuvenation and is often ideal for patients in their 40s or those looking for preventative measures against aging.

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.

Candidates

Ideal candidates for facelift surgery typically:

Exhibit moderate to severe facial aging: Significant sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of facial volume.
Maintain good skin elasticity: Some degree of skin flexibility helps achieve natural-looking results.
Are in good overall health: Free from medical conditions that might impair healing or increase surgical risks.
Have realistic expectations: Understanding the potential outcomes and limitations of the procedure.

Schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Levine to determine if a facelift is right for you.

Recovery

Adhering to post-operative care instructions is essential for optimal healing and results. Post-operative recovery typically includes:

Swelling and bruising: Expected to diminish gradually over the following days.
Suture removal: Usually occurs within 5 to 9 days, based on individual healing and Dr. Levine’s assessment.
Activity restrictions: Avoid strenuous activities for at least 3 weeks; light exercise may be resumed as advised.
Sun protection: Use sunblock and avoid direct sunlight post-surgery to protect your skin.

Corresponding and Complementary Procedures

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 (platysmal bands), effectively correcting the appearance of a “turkey neck.” A neck lift may also include neck liposuction, which removes excess fat from under the chin.

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 facelift and 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. ⁽³⁾

Non-Surgical Alternatives

While non-surgical options offer less invasive treatments, they are more temporary and better suited for mild to moderate signs of aging. Non-surgical alternatives to a traditional facelift include:

Liquid Facelift: Uses dermal fillers and injectables to restore facial volume and reduce wrinkles.
Ultherapy Prime: Uses ultrasound energy to boost collagen production, lifting and tightening the skin, stimulating collagen production.

Cost of a Facelift in NYC

The cost of a facelift varies depending on factors such as the extent of the procedure, any additional treatments, and the practice’s location. During your consultation, Dr. Levine will provide an accurate estimate based on your personalized treatment plan. We prioritize transparency and will address any questions about costs during your visit.

FAQ

Facial nerve injury: Rare, but can temporarily affect facial movement.
Hematoma: Accumulation of blood under the skin, which may require drainage.
Infection: A possible but uncommon complication.
Scarring: Dr. Levine strategically places incisions to minimize scarring, which is typically minimal and well-concealed.

What is a deep plane facelift, and how does it differ from a traditional facelift?

A deep plane facelift is an advanced technique that targets the deeper layers of the face, including the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and underlying muscles, to lift and reposition sagging tissues. This approach offers longer-lasting, natural results compared to traditional facelifts, which typically address more superficial layers. Dr. Jennifer Levine specializes in deep plane facelifts, providing comprehensive facial rejuvenation for patients in NYC and the Upper East Side.

How long do the results of a facelift last?

The results of a facelift can last for many years, depending on factors such as your skin type, age, and lifestyle. While the procedure can significantly reduce the visible signs of aging, it does not stop the natural aging process. However, the enhancements made by Dr. Levine’s facelift techniques are long-lasting and designed to provide a youthful appearance for years to come.

What are the potential risks associated with a facelift?

Potential risks include: Choosing an experienced, double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Levine minimizes the risk of complications.

How can a facelift provide natural results without looking overdone?

A well-performed facelift enhances your natural facial structure, preserving your unique features while rejuvenating your appearance. Dr. Levine uses advanced techniques like the deep plane facelift to reposition and tighten the deeper layers of the face, achieving a refreshed, youthful look. Part of achieving natural results means maintaining key facial characteristics—such as defined jawlines for men or softer contours for women—ensuring you look like a more youthful version of yourself without appearing overdone or “pulled.”

References

Raggio BS, Patel BC. Deep Plane Facelift. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545277/
Van Pham T, Truong KHTN. Short or Minimum Incision Deep Plane/Extended Deep Plane Facelift/Rhytidectomy. Facial Plastic Surgery. 2020;36(04):376-385. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1714118
Alexander L, Patel BC. Platysmaplasty Facelift. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563291/

Facelift