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Tighten sagging skin and restore youthful contours

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that lifts and tightens sagging facial tissues, smooths deep wrinkles, and restores a youthful contour to your face and jawline. At New York Facial Paralysis, we specialize in the deep plane facelift, an advanced technique that targets deeper layers of your facial structure for natural and long-lasting results. This procedure addresses signs of aging, such as loose skin, jowls, and deep nasolabial folds.

To comprehensively rejuvenate your appearance, a facelift is often paired with a neck lift, which targets age-related wrinkles and creasing in the neck area. A neck lift enhances the results of a facelift by creating a smoother, slimmer neck profile and a more harmonious overall look. While it can be performed as a standalone procedure, combining a neck lift with a facelift allows Dr. O to address multiple areas of concern and customize the surgery to meet your unique goals, helping you feel refreshed and confident.

Facelift corrects:

  • Sagging skin along the face and neck
  • Jowls and loss of jawline definition
  • Deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines
  • Drooping cheeks and midface volume loss
  • Loose skin and muscle laxity in the lower face
  • Imbalanced facial symmetry in cases of paralysis
  • Overall signs of facial aging

Deep plane facelift

The deep plane facelift works by lifting and repositioning the deeper layers of your face, including the skin, muscles, and connective tissue, rather than just tightening the skin. This technique targets the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), a key structural layer responsible for facial support. By releasing and repositioning this layer, Dr. O restores natural contours to your cheeks and jawline while preserving facial harmony. This approach avoids the “pulled” look of traditional facelifts and creates long-lasting, natural results.

Advantages of a deep plane facelift:

  • Addresses deeper facial layers for long-lasting results
  • Restores natural facial contours without a “pulled” look
  • Lifts sagging cheeks and redefines the jawline
  • Smooths deep folds, such as nasolabial lines
  • Preserves skin elasticity and natural expressions
  • Reduces tension on the skin for improved healing and minimal scarring
  • Provides a more comprehensive lift compared to traditional techniques
  • Suitable for both aesthetic rejuvenation and facial asymmetry correction
  • Combines effectively with other procedures for complete facial enhancement

Asymmetric facelift

An asymmetric facelift restores balance and harmony to your face when one side is affected by paralysis or asymmetry. Unlike traditional facelifts, it focuses on lifting and repositioning tissues on the paralyzed side while matching the non-paralyzed side for a balanced appearance. Dr. O adjusts the deeper facial layers, including the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), to create symmetry. This technique addresses drooping, sagging, and imbalanced contours caused by paralysis, providing long-lasting results that improve your appearance and function.

What is the recovery time for a facelift?

Recovery time varies depending on the type of facelift you undergo, but most patients can expect about two weeks of downtime. During this period, you may experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort, which will gradually subside. You can usually return to light activities after one week, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for four to six weeks. Dr. O will provide detailed post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

Will I have visible scars after a facelift?

Dr. O carefully places facelift incisions in discreet locations, such as along the hairline, behind the ears, or in natural skin creases, to minimize visibility. Over time, scars fade significantly and become nearly imperceptible. Dr. O uses advanced surgical techniques and meticulous suturing to ensure your results look natural and refined.

How long do facelift results last?

The results of a facelift are long-lasting, typically around 10 to 15 years, depending on factors like your skin type, age, and lifestyle. While the natural aging process will continue, the improvements made during surgery will always leave you looking more refreshed than if you had not had the procedure. To maintain your results, you can combine your facelift with other treatments, such as laser resurfacing or injectables, offered at our clinic.

Facelift FAQs

Can a facelift improve both sides of my face if one side is paralyzed?

Yes! At New York Facial Paralysis, we specialize in asymmetric facelifts that address facial paralysis. This procedure lifts and repositions tissues on the paralyzed side while harmonizing with the unaffected side for a balanced appearance. Dr. O customizes the technique to your unique anatomy and needs, ensuring improved symmetry and natural results.

Is a facelift only for older patients?

Not at all. While facelifts are popular among patients in their 50s and 60s, younger individuals in their 30s and 40s may also benefit from the procedure, especially if they experience early signs of aging, such as sagging skin or loss of definition in the jawline. A facelift can be tailored to meet your needs at any age for functional and aesthetic concerns.

Will I look like myself after a facelift?

Yes! Dr. O’s approach ensures you look like a more youthful, refreshed version of yourself. By targeting the deeper layers of your facial structure, the facelift achieves natural results without a “pulled” or artificial appearance. Dr. O carefully considers your unique facial features and symmetry to preserve your identity while enhancing your appearance.

Does a facelift address the neck?

A deep plane facelift often improves the jawline and reduces sagging skin near the neck. However, if your primary concern is excess skin or banding in the neck area, Dr. O may recommend combining your facelift with a neck lift for optimal results. This comprehensive approach smooths the neck and enhances your overall facial contour.

Can I combine procedures?

Yes, of course. In order to rejuvenate the entire face, a facelift is often combined with other procedures such as eyelid surgery, browlift, lip lift, and fat grafting as well.

How soon can I return to work after a facelift?

Most patients return to work within 10 to 14 days, depending on the nature of their job. If your work involves strenuous physical activity, you may need to wait longer. Any visible swelling or bruising can be easily concealed with makeup, and Dr. O will guide you on when it’s safe to resume your routine.

Schedule your consultation

New York Facial Paralysis is a premier clinic located in Midtown East, Manhattan, specializing in advanced facial rejuvenation and symmetry restoration. Our team is led by Dr. Teresa O, a board-certified expert in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery who delivers exceptional care tailored to your needs. Whether you seek a facelift for aesthetic enhancement or functional improvement, we provide natural, lasting results. Schedule your consultation to discover how our expertise can help you look and feel your best.

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