Facelift
Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Manhattan, NY, Southampton, NY and Cedar Grove, NJ
A facelift is a procedure designed to combat visible signs of aging by removing excess skin, as well as neck fat, when applicable, and repositioning underlying structures. Over time, the natural processes of aging and other factors can wear on the skin and underlying supportive networks, resulting in facial sagging and volume loss. (1) By lifting the lower face and neck, a facelift allows for dramatic rejuvenation.
Dr. Anthony Berlet of Berlet Plastic Surgery is a double board-certified plastic and general surgeon with more than 30 years of experience. He is well-known for providing transformative yet natural-looking results, helping each patient look and feel like their best self.
To learn more about your facelift options, please submit our online consultation form or call your closest office:
- Manhattan, New York: (332) 232-5630
- Cedar Grove, New Jersey: (973) 857-7757
Contents
- 1 Before and After Photos
- 2 About Facelifts
- 3 Benefits
- 4 Candidates
- 5 Personal Consultation
- 6 Preparation
- 7 Procedure
- 8 Recovery
- 9 Results
- 10 Corresponding Procedures
- 11 Cost of Facelifts in New York City and Cedar Grove, New Jersey
- 12 FAQ
- 12.1 Will a facelift address my entire face?
- 12.2 Will there be any noticeable scarring after my facelift?
- 12.3 How long will the results of my facelift last?
- 12.4 Do facelifts have any risks?
- 12.5 Can I combine my facelift with another surgical procedure?
- 12.6 Am I a good candidate for a facelift?
- 12.7 What is the recovery time after a facelift?
- 13 References
Before and After Photos
About Facelifts
Facelifts have increased in popularity over the last several years, with American surgeons performing more than 79,000 facelifts in 2024 alone. (2) At Berlet Plastic Surgery, Dr. Berlet can perform different variations of the facelift, depending on a patient’s concerns. Traditional facelift techniques address the skin and the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS). (3) The deep plane technique offers a more extensive variation of the facelift that addresses the deeper layers of the face. (4)
Benefits
Facelifts are associated with numerous benefits, including:
- Refined Facial Contours: A facelift can improve the contours of your face, neck, and jawline.
- Tighter-Looking Skin: Dr. Berlet can address facial sagging, creating a smoother look and feel.
- Softened Signs of Aging: This procedure can effectively soften the appearance of wrinkles and creases in the treated areas, resulting in a more refreshed and vibrant appearance.
- Elevated Confidence: Restoring a more youthful look may improve your sense of self-esteem.
- Long-Lasting Effects: Unlike non-surgical alternatives, facelift results last for several years, making it a worthwhile investment.
- Tailored Surgical Plans: Dr. Berlet designs each treatment plan around your specific facial anatomy and goals, ensuring your results appear natural and harmonious.
Candidates
Patients may choose to receive a facelift for a myriad of reasons, but most patients seek these procedures to address visible signs of aging, such as jowls, wrinkles, hollowing, and sagging skin.
Anyone interested in undergoing a facelift should be in good overall health and maintain realistic expectations regarding the results of their procedure. Patients should also be nonsmokers or willing to quit using nicotine for an extended period. (5) Dr. Berlet will determine each patient’s eligibility for a facelift during their personal consultation.
Personal Consultation
One of the first steps to rejuvenating your facial appearance is attending a personal consultation with Dr. Berlet. This consultation allows our team to understand your desired appearance and create the best surgical plan for you. During this consultation, Dr. Berlet will meet with you individually to learn about your medical history, listen to your concerns, and discuss your aesthetic goals. He will also perform a physical examination.
To schedule this consultation, please submit our online consultation form or call the office closest to you:
- Manhattan, New York: (332) 232-5630
- Cedar Grove, New Jersey: (973) 857-7757
Preparation
After scheduling your facelift, Dr. Berlet will give you a set of detailed pre-operative instructions. These instructions may vary according to the details of your surgical plan, but following them closely facilitates a successful procedure and smooth recovery. Guidelines often include:
- Stop taking any medications or supplements that contain blood-thinning properties if we instruct you to do so.
- Avoid alcohol before and after the procedure.
- Stop using nicotine several weeks before the procedure and continue to avoid it throughout your recovery, if applicable.
- Arrange transportation home after the procedure.
- Plan time away from work and other responsibilities for your recovery.
Procedure
Dr. Berlet typically performs facelifts with local anesthesia paired with an oral sedative; however, they can also be done under general anesthesia if the patient desires. He will make the necessary incisions around the ear or along the hairline near the ears. He will then lift the skin to access the underlying SMAS and deeper structures. (3) He will release ligaments and lift the underlying layers as a unit to ensure stable and cohesive results. (4) Dr. Berlet can also reposition facial fat and remove excess skin and tissue before redraping the skin and closing each incision.
Recovery
Dr. Berlet will provide post-operative instructions to help guide you through your recovery. During this time, it is common to experience swelling, soreness, or bruising in the treated areas. These effects are temporary and will gradually dissipate on their own, but Dr. Berlet may also prescribe medications to enhance your comfort. You may return to light activities and desk work after 1-2 weeks, but you will need to refrain from engaging in strenuous or high-impact activities until Dr. Berlet provides clearance. You should attend all pre-scheduled follow-up appointments so that Dr. Berlet can monitor your progress and let you know when it is appropriate to return to normal activities.
Results
You will be able to enjoy your renewed facial appearance after any residual swelling subsides. Your skin will look and feel tighter and smoother, and the natural contours of your face will appear more sculpted and defined. The results of a facelift can last between 7–10 years, and even after that time, you will continue to look more vibrant and refreshed than you would have without the procedure.
Corresponding Procedures
Brow Lift
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that elevates the position of the eyebrows to diminish deep forehead lines and address sagging in the upper face. Dr. Berlet can perform a brow lift alongside a facelift to address both the upper and lower thirds of the face for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Dermal Fillers (Juvéderm™/Voluma)
While a facelift is effective for addressing facial sagging and creating the appearance of improved volume, the procedure cannot actually add significant volume to specific areas. Juvéderm and Voluma are injectable gel treatments that can be administered beneath the skin to restore lost volume and augment certain features, including the cheeks, lips, temples, under-eyes, chin, and more. Juvéderm and Voluma contain hyaluronic acid, a deeply hydrating substance that helps the skin maintain hydration and supports its structure and volume. Dr. Berlet may suggest pairing this treatment with your facelift to restore a plumper appearance and combat age-related volume loss and hollowing.
Cost of Facelifts in New York City and Cedar Grove, New Jersey
The cost of your facelift can vary depending on the complexity of your procedure, the surgical techniques Dr. Berlet uses, whether he performs any additional procedures to achieve your desired results, and several other factors. During your consultation, Dr. Berlet will provide a comprehensive cost estimate for your procedure.
To learn more about the cost of your personalized facelift procedure, please schedule a consultation online or call the Berlet Plastic Surgery office closest to you.
FAQ
Will a facelift address my entire face?
A facelift typically only targets the lower two-thirds of the face; it will not address the upper portion of the face unless combined with additional procedures.
Will there be any noticeable scarring after my facelift?
Dr. Berlet meticulously places each incision in areas that minimize visibility. Over time, any scars tend to fade until they are barely noticeable. It is important to stay out of the sun and follow aftercare instructions during recovery to ensure scars heal discreetly.
How long will the results of my facelift last?
The results of your facelift are durable and long-lasting, with patients experiencing their results for up to 10 years.
Do facelifts have any risks?
As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks. Dr. Berlet will discuss each of these risks and how to avoid them during your personal consultation so you are fully informed about your procedure.
Can I combine my facelift with another surgical procedure?
Yes, you can combine a facelift with another cosmetic procedure to further enhance your facial aesthetics or address several different cosmetic concerns at once. For more information on combining procedures, please schedule a consultation.
Am I a good candidate for a facelift?
Ideal candidates for a facelift are individuals in good overall health who are experiencing sagging skin, deep facial creases, or loss of definition in the lower face and jawline. A consultation with Dr. Berlet will help determine whether a facelift is the best option for your goals.
What is the recovery time after a facelift?
Most patients can return to light activities within one to two weeks, though swelling and bruising may persist longer. Dr. Berlet will provide detailed recovery guidelines to help ensure proper healing and optimal results.
References
- Swift A, Liew S, Weinkle S, Garcia JK, Silberberg MB. The Facial Aging Process From the “Inside Out.” Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2020;41(10). doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjaa339
- ASPS. 2024 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner; 2024. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
- Whitney ZB, Jain M, Zito PM. Anatomy, Skin, Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) Fascia. Nih.gov. Published January 30, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519014/#article-29691.s6
- Raggio BS, Patel BC. Deep Plane Facelift. Nih.gov. Published April 3, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545277/#article-21526.s9
