Is a Facelift Procedure Painful?

There should be relatively little pain associated with this surgery. Dr. Rabach carefully follows the facial anatomic planes, repositioning the face to provide a more youthful look. During the first night after surgery, patients will wear a firm dressing under the chin, along the cheek, and on the neck. Some patients find this uncomfortable, but it is never painful. Pain medication may be prescribed to manage discomfort after facelift surgery, helping ensure patients are comfortable during recovery. This dressing is designed to hold the skin and underlying tissues in place. No drains are placed. Sutures are removed after 7 days, and most patients notice their neck feels tight but not restricted.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

You will need to come into the office for your consultation, followed by your surgery. After surgery, you will need to attend several follow-up visits with Dr. Rabach, during which she will remove your sutures and ensure that your healing process is progressing smoothly.

How Long Until I See My Facelift Results?

Results after an NYC facelift typically begin to emerge within 2-4 weeks as residual swelling slowly dissipates.

What Will the Scarring Look Like?

Incisions for the facelift are dependent on the patient’s anatomy. Most incisions are located in a hidden crease just in front of the ear, curve around the earlobe, and then along the back of the ear straight to the hairline. This scar is almost completely hidden because Dr. Rabach performs a deep-plane face and neck lift, ensuring the tension is on the muscular layer rather than the skin, unlike an SMAS lift. By reducing tension on the skin, deep plane facelift techniques can help minimize the risk of hypertrophic or keloid scarring.

When Can I Exercise Again After My Facelift?

Most patients can resume exercise within a few weeks after surgery or as recommended by Dr. Rabach. However, you can start taking gentle walks right away, which helps to boost circulation. Based on your healing progress and your typical exercise routine, Dr. Rabach will create a specific timeframe for when you can resume working out.

How Soon Can I Travel After a Facelift?

Most patients should plan to remain in New York City for at least 7 to 10 days after facelift surgery so Dr. Rabach can monitor their early healing and remove sutures if necessary. While light local travel is typically fine during recovery, long-distance travel, particularly flying, should be discussed with Dr. Rabach based on your individual healing progress and treatment plan. Patients traveling from outside the New York City area often find it helpful to arrange nearby accommodations for the first week after surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Rabach and her team will provide personalized guidance regarding travel plans, recovery timelines, and follow-up appointments to help ensure a safe and comfortable recovery.

What Are the Risks Associated With Facial Plastic Surgery?

The most common side effects of facelift surgery are bruising and swelling, which typically resolve in 7-10 days. Rarer side effects include infections, bleeding, hematomas, and nerve damage. Dr. Rabach will discuss the risks of surgery in greater detail during your personal consultation.

How Do I Find the Best Facial Plastic Surgeon in New York City?

It is best to consult top facelift surgeons in New York City and the surrounding areas who are board-certified and well-versed in the anatomical layers of facial tissue. Board certification should be verified through the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Patients are also encouraged to review surgeons’ portfolios to ensure consistent, natural-looking results that align with their desired outcome. The deepest layer of the face contains the muscles that give your face expression and allow you to speak, eat, and drink. Above this, a thinner muscle called the platysma starts on the clavicles, runs up the neck, and then over the face. Above the platysma is the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) fascia. In a deep facelift, the platysma layer, instead of the SMAS, is pulled up. By performing surgery and tightening the muscle, tension is applied to the muscle, which is sturdier than the skin; this difference yields more natural and long-lasting outcomes. What patients should also know is that in this deeper layer, there are more nerves, and therefore only surgeons highly trained in facial surgery have the skill and experience to perform a true extended deep-plane facelift. Dr. Lesley Rabach specializes in extended deep-plane facelifts and encourages all of her patients to take the time to read patient reviews, review before-and-after photos, and schedule consultations with the surgeons they’re considering. Conducting thorough research and meeting with multiple doctors enables you to gain valuable insights into their approach, ethics, and track record. While a surgeon’s personality may not directly affect the procedure’s outcome, many patients find that working with a doctor who is willing to listen, understand their goals, and collaborate on the best course of action helps foster a sense of comfort and trust. This personal connection can make the experience more reassuring and lead to a more satisfying overall result. Dr. Rabach is eager to meet with you for a private consultation, during which she can further elaborate on her innovative and transformative approach.

Addressing Your Concerns: Common Questions and Emotional Considerations

When considering facelift surgery in New York City, it’s completely normal to have a range of questions and emotions. Many patients are curious about the cost of a facelift and what factors influence the price of their procedure. Factors such as the complexity of the facelift technique, whether you opt for a deep-plane facelift or a mini facelift, and your plastic surgeon’s experience all contribute to the final cost. While a deep plane facelift may require a greater investment due to its comprehensive nature and longer-lasting results, a mini facelift can be a more budget-friendly option for those seeking subtle improvements. Another common concern is the recovery process. Following a facelift, Most patients experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the days following their procedure, but these effects typically subside within a couple of weeks. By following your facial plastic surgeon’s aftercare instructions and attending all follow-up appointments, you can help ensure a smooth recovery and the best facelift results. It’s important to remember that every individual heals at their own pace, and your surgeon will be there to support you throughout the recovery process. Emotionally, deciding to undergo a facelift can bring a mix of excitement and apprehension. Many people look forward to achieving a more youthful appearance and renewed self-confidence, but it’s also natural to feel anxious about surgery and the changes it brings. Open communication with your facial plastic surgeon during your consultation in New York City can help address these feelings. Your surgeon will answer your questions, explain the facelift procedure in detail, and help you set realistic expectations for your results. This collaborative approach ensures you feel informed, comfortable, and empowered as you move forward with your facial rejuvenation journey.

Facelift In New York City | Rhytidectomy At Rabach Aesthetics

Introduction

Introduction to Facelift in New York City

As we age, we often feel like we have become the best versions of ourselves — wiser, more confident, and at peace with our lives and ourselves. We feel happy and energetic, but when we look in the mirror, we don’t see an outward appearance that reflects all the vitality we feel inside, and we wish we could turn back the hands of time and look the way we used to ten to fifteen years ago. A facelift, also referred to as a face lift (which includes both surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures), can’t make you look exactly the way you used to, but it can substantially help restore youthful facial contours while preserving your beauty and making you look completely natural, thanks to the advancements of the extended deep plane facelift technique, which is Dr. Lesley Rabach’s specialty.

Dr. Rabach is highly skilled in deep-plane facelift surgery, an advanced, specialized procedure known for delivering superior, natural-looking, and long-lasting results. The benefits of an advanced deep plane facelift include providing long-lasting, ultra-natural results, preserving blood flow to the skin, reducing the likelihood of detectable scarring, and improving healing and recovery times. Patient safety is a top priority throughout every stage of the treatment process.

No two faces are alike, and therefore, no two facelifts are alike. Our award-winning and internationally recognized facial rejuvenation surgeon, Dr. Lesley Rabach, is recognized as a top facial plastic surgeon in New York City and tailors each facelift to the individual needs of each patient she sees. The process begins with an initial consultation to assess your needs, answer your questions, and determine your suitability for the procedure. As a top facial rejuvenation surgeon, Dr. Rabach is renowned for her extensive training, expertise, and reputation in advanced facial procedures, including deep plane facelift surgery. While many patients may require an extended deep-plane facelift that lifts the facial muscular substructure to restore the beautiful contours of the jawline, cheeks, and neck, others may need or choose a less comprehensive procedure. Dr. Lesley offers a variety of facelift options and complementary procedures—including eyelid lift and fat grafting, which are common adjuncts to facelift for comprehensive facial rejuvenation—that can help you achieve a more youthful appearance and look as good as you feel.

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What is a Facelift?

A facelift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that addresses signs of facial aging, including sagging cheeks, drooping jowls, nasolabial folds, and loss of jawline definition. The term ‘face lift’ encompasses various surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures, including deep-plane, mini, and short-scar facelifts. It primarily improves the appearance of facial skin by tightening and lifting it, resulting in a more youthful look. Unlike energy-based treatments and topical skincare products, facelift results can be dramatic and long-lasting. They restore balance and harmony among the features while allowing patients to experience heightened self-confidence.

Dr. Lesley Rabach in New York City has numerous cutting-edge techniques and can tailor your surgery to your unique goals and aesthetic preferences. While a facelift can be performed independently with outstanding results, combining it with a neck lift, blepharoplasty, brow lift, facial fat transfer, fat grafting, or an eyelid lift is common to enhance your outcome. The short scar facelift is a minimally invasive option, sometimes called a “ponytail-friendly procedure,” that appeals to those seeking less extensive techniques. Laser skin resurfacing is a minimally invasive option that can improve skin quality. While facelifts address sagging, procedures such as laser skin resurfacing enhance skin texture and smooth fine lines. Other facial rejuvenation procedures can also be performed for comprehensive results. A nose job (rhinoplasty) can be performed in conjunction with a facelift to achieve overall facial harmony. Patients in New York City often seek these combined procedures for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. The types of facelift procedures include deep-plane, mini, and short-scar facelifts.

What Sets Dr. Lesley Rabach Apart as the Premier Facelift Practice in New York City?

Dr. Lesley Rabach has performed hundreds of successful plastic surgeries and is widely regarded as a top facial plastic surgeon in New York City, known for her expertise in advanced and minimally invasive facelift procedures. She stands out as a leading facial plastic surgeon in New York City, renowned for her expertise in advanced facelift techniques and her commitment to delivering natural, long-lasting results.
Dr. Rabach is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, specializing exclusively in facial procedures. Board certification should be verified through the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. She has performed numerous deep plane facelifts, a technique for which she is particularly known, providing patients with rejuvenated appearances that retain their natural expressions. Patients are encouraged to review surgeons’ portfolios to ensure consistent, natural-looking results that align with their desired outcome.
Her exceptional skills and dedication to patient care have earned her numerous accolades, including being named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor (2023, 2024, 2025), a New York Times Super Doctor (2025), a Super Doctors Rising Star (2018–2020, 2023), one of the Top 10 Best Plastic Surgeons by the American Institute of Plastic Surgeons, and is a member of Persana, a peer inducted award for excellence in Facial Plastic Surgery.
As a Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU/Bellevue, Dr. Rabach has spent over a decade training facial plastic surgery fellows and otolaryngology residents, contributing to the advancement of the field through education and mentorship.
Dr. Rabach’s practice, LM Medical NYC, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including two AAAA-certified operating suites, ensuring the highest safety standards and a strong commitment to patient safety for her patients. She is dedicated to providing personalized care, focusing on achieving results that align with each patient’s unique aesthetic goals while maintaining a natural and refreshed appearance.

Facelift Quick Facts

Surgery Time: Approximately 3–5 hours, depending on the complexity and whether complementary procedures are performed.
Price: Approximately $35,000–$50,000 (For an accurate cost, please inquire during your consultation).

Recovery: Most patients can return to normal activities within 7 to 14 days. Swelling and bruising typically resolve within 2–3 weeks, with final results continuing to improve over several months.
Results: Natural-looking, long-lasting rejuvenation that can make you look 10–15 years younger. Results typically last 10–15 years, depending on skin type, genetics, and lifestyle.

Facelifts We Perform

Mini-Facelift

The “weekend facelift,” or mini facelift surgery, is a popular option for individuals seeking to address the early signs of facial aging without the extensive recovery associated with a full facelift. This mini facelift procedure is minimally invasive and is especially suitable for those seeking subtle improvements. Another minimally invasive surgical option is the short scar facelift, sometimes called the “ponytail-friendly procedure,” which uses a smaller incision and can be performed under local anesthesia. Mini facelifts are performed by experienced plastic surgeons specializing in facial cosmetic surgery. Facelift patients who opt for the mini facelift procedure often do so for a quicker recovery and natural-looking results.

This minimally invasive procedure targets the early stages of facial sagging, such as mild jowls or loose skin along the jawline, which often appear in patients in their late 30s and 40s. The mini facelift is characterized by its use of a shorter incision, typically made around the ear or along the hairline, which minimizes the risk of visible scarring and complications. Mini facelifts and short-scar facelifts are less invasive options with minimal scarring and a shorter recovery period than traditional facelifts, making them especially suitable for younger patients. This approach shortens the duration of surgery and speeds recovery, allowing many patients to resume normal activities within just a few days.

Because the procedure is ideal for those with good skin elasticity and minimal excess skin, the results appear natural, providing a rejuvenated, refreshed look. It’s a great option for those looking for subtle enhancements, as the mini facelift focuses on tightening and lifting the skin rather than removing large amounts of tissue. On some occasions, Dr. Lesley may suggest a SMAS lift (SMAS stands for superficial muscular aponeurotic system and refers to the layer of tissue and fascia between the skin and the muscles of the face), depending on your age, skin condition, and facial anatomy, but she most often performs a deep plane facelift, even when it is a mini lift.

This procedure can also be combined with other treatments, such as fat transfer or laser therapy, to address fine lines, wrinkles, and texture, further enhancing the youthful appearance. The mini facelift offers an effective solution for those seeking to restore their jawline but are not ready for or do not want a more comprehensive facelift.
Deep-Plane Facelift

The deep plane facelift procedure is comprehensive, targeting sagging skin and addressing the underlying structural changes in the face, including the repositioning of fat, muscles, and connective tissue in the lower face and upper neck. Deep plane facelift surgery is considered an advanced technique that offers superior, natural-looking, and long-lasting results due to its technical nuances and the expertise required. Unlike traditional facelifts, which primarily focus on pulling the skin, a deep plane facelift works at a deeper level by repositioning the underlying muscular layers, resulting in a more lasting, natural outcome. The procedure also addresses neck muscles, lifting and tightening them to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Another benefit of the deep plane facelift is that it allows the skin and SMAS to remain attached, thereby preserving capillaries and maintaining blood flow to the skin. This approach enables a more harmonious, balanced, and aesthetically pleasing rejuvenation, restoring volume and contour where it has been lost over time. Fat grafting is often used in combination with deep-plane facelifts to restore facial volume and achieve natural-looking results, offering a minimally invasive option for facial rejuvenation. By working with the facial muscles, rather than just pulling the skin tight, the procedure achieves a result that feels integrated with the patient’s natural facial structure, avoiding a “stretched” or artificial look.

Dr. Lesley’s patients often report looking significantly younger—sometimes by 10 years or more—after undergoing a deep-plane facelift, with results that enhance their natural features while preserving facial expression and movement. The deep-plane facelift technique offers a comprehensive solution for the visible signs of aging, addressing deep folds, loose skin, and jowls while restoring youthful contours to the face and neck. The surgery also lifts and tightens the neck skin to improve the jawline and neck contours, further enhancing overall rejuvenation. Because it works with the face’s natural anatomy, the outcome is subtle yet dramatic, leaving patients with a refreshed, revitalized, and timeless appearance.

Whether for a major life event or simply to look as young as you feel inside, many patients find that a deep-plane facelift gives them the refreshed, youthful look they’ve been missing, without appearing “done.”
Male Facelift

There are significant differences between female and male facelifts, largely due to the distinct anatomical structures of their faces. Men and women have unique facial characteristics that require different approaches to facelift surgery. For instance, a man’s face is generally more angular and square-shaped, with a stronger, more pronounced jawline. Male facial skin is typically thicker and oilier, which can affect both surgical technique and healing. As a result, when performing a facelift on a man, lifting the deeper tissues in a more vertical direction is essential to preserve the masculine contour and maintain the face’s natural structure. This technique ensures that the rejuvenation is subtle yet effective, enhancing the face’s natural masculinity without making it appear overly softened or unnatural.

In contrast, women typically have a more oval or almond-shaped face with softer, more rounded contours. The approach to lifting facial tissue in a woman should preserve her feminine shape while addressing signs of aging. Additionally, a woman’s facial skin tends to be thinner and more delicate than a man’s, which influences the procedure in several ways. Thinner skin leads to less trauma during surgery, typically resulting in less bleeding, bruising, and swelling compared to a male facelift. This difference allows for a quicker recovery time and a more refined aesthetic outcome, as the skin responds more easily to the lifting techniques.

Dr. Lesley, with her expertise and personalized approach in New York City, tailors each facelift to meet the specific needs and goals of each patient. Whether male or female, she takes into account the patient’s unique facial anatomy, ensuring a nuanced, balanced result that enhances their natural features. In male facelift patients, skin laxity is carefully assessed to determine the optimal surgical approach and achieve the best possible tightening of the facial skin. By customizing the surgery, Dr. Lesley achieves both rejuvenated and authentic outcomes, restoring a youthful appearance while maintaining the patient’s identity. This tailored approach ensures that each patient is left with a result that not only meets but exceeds their expectations.
Non-Surgical Facelift

Many people begin to notice facial aging changes as early as their late 20s and early 30s. The term ‘face lift’ can refer to both surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures, including mini lifts, regional lifts, and non-surgical alternatives. While surgery may not be recommended for facial lifting in the early stages, cosmetic treatments can improve facial firmness and appearance. At LM Medical NYC, our Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Morgan Rabach, specializes in non-surgical cosmetic treatments that deliver incredible anti-aging results.

In the early stages of facial aging, the skin begins to lose its firmness and tightness. Lines and wrinkles can form, and the jowls and cheeks begin to sag. Addressing these signs of aging early can help slow the aging process. Skin-tightening treatments using radiofrequency or ultrasound heat can stimulate collagen production, improving the firmness and elasticity of the face and neck. Cosmetic and regenerative injections can be combined with skin treatments to provide a customized, non-surgical facelift. Non-surgical facelifts utilize injectable liquids and offer minimal downtime and subtler, temporary improvements. Non-surgical procedures, such as laser skin resurfacing, can also improve skin texture, helping restore a more youthful appearance.

Dr. Morgan also offers the following:
- Stem cell facelift: Stem cell injections can slow skin aging and loss of elasticity, reducing lines, wrinkles, and laxity.
- Laser skin resurfacing improves skin quality, reduces signs of aging, and addresses issues such as uneven skin texture.

What Are the Benefits of a Facelift?

When performed with precision and care by double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Lesley Rabach in New York City, a facelift comes with the following key benefits:

Rewinds the clock on aging
Smooths wrinkles and folds
Trims excess drooping skin
Reshapes the cheeks and lower face
Restores youthful facial contours
Eradicates jowls
Enhances facial balance and harmony
Boosts self-confidence
Restores the coveted V-shaped jawline

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Facelift?

Ideal candidates for a facelift have notable skin sagging in the mid and lower face, with significant skin laxity being a primary factor in determining suitability for the procedure, especially when these concerns no longer respond to non-surgical or topical solutions. They may also be unhappy with the appearance of their jowls and notice diminishing jawline definition. As with any cosmetic procedure, patients need to be non-smokers and in overall good health.

They should have realistic expectations for their results, understanding that a facelift can dramatically improve their appearance but cannot make a person look like a celebrity or a 20-year-old. Dr. Rabach will conduct a detailed consultation at her New York City offices to ensure that a facelift is the right solution for your goals and that you will be happy with your results. Patients in New York City are carefully evaluated during this consultation to determine their suitability for facelift procedures.

What’s the first step?

The first step in your facelift journey is the initial consultation with Dr. Lesley Rabach, a double-board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, New York, who specializes exclusively in the delicate regions of the face and neck. During this initial consultation, Dr. Rabach will assess your suitability for facelift surgery, discuss your goals, answer your questions, and provide preoperative instructions. All facelift patients receive a thorough evaluation and a customized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs.

Dr. Rabach will conduct a detailed physical evaluation and review your medical history, carefully noting your current medication schedule, allergies, and any pre-existing conditions. She will then begin curating a customized treatment plan to help you achieve the refreshed, vibrant appearance you envision.

How Do I Prepare for My Facelift?

To ensure the best possible outcome, Dr. Rabach provides all patients with detailed pre-operative instructions, including:

Medical Clearance: You may need to undergo lab work or obtain medical clearance from your primary care physician.
Medication Adjustments: Avoid aspirin, NSAIDs, blood thinners, and certain supplements (such as vitamin E and fish oil) that can increase the risk of bleeding.
Smoking Cessation: If you smoke, you must stop at least 4–6 weeks before and after surgery to avoid complications and promote healing.
Arrange Support: Plan for someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours post-surgery.
Pre-Surgical Photos: Taken to help guide your surgery and track your transformation.
Skin Preparation: Use any recommended skincare protocols to optimize your skin health prior to surgery.

What to Expect on the Day of Facelift Surgery

All deep plane face and neck lifts, as well as other surgical procedures, are performed in a Quad A-accredited surgical suite under twilight sedation with local anesthesia and occasionally general anesthesia. Patient safety is prioritized at every stage of the procedure, from anesthesia administration to surgical technique and postoperative care. Safety is of the utmost importance to our patients, so we work closely with board-certified anesthesiologists who optimize each procedure to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Dr. Rabach will create incisions according to your unique treatment plan, carefully concealing them within the hairline and folds of the ears, where scarring will be unnoticeable. She will then trim excess skin, tissue, and fat, repositioning the deeper facial layers to achieve a naturally rejuvenated and revitalized look. Once all changes are complete, Dr. Rabach will close the incisions using state-of-the-art suturing techniques.

Combining My Facelift with Other Procedures

A facelift addresses sagging skin, facial laxity, and loss of definition, but many patients choose to combine additional procedures to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. During your consultation, Dr. Rabach will evaluate your anatomy, concerns, and goals to create a customized treatment plan designed to deliver balanced, natural-looking results.

Eyelid Surgery

The eyes are often among the first areas to show signs of aging. Combining a facelift with upper or lower eyelid surgery can reduce excess skin, address puffiness, and create a more refreshed, youthful appearance.

Brow Lift

A brow lift can elevate a heavy or drooping brow, helping to open the eye area and soften forehead lines. When performed alongside a facelift, it can create a more harmonious rejuvenation of the upper and mid-face.

Neck Lift

Many facelift patients also experience skin laxity or excess fullness beneath the chin and along the neck. Combining a neck lift with a facelift can enhance jawline definition and create smoother, more youthful contours.

Facial Fat Transfer

Facial fat transfer uses your own fat to restore volume lost to aging. When paired with a facelift, fat grafting can improve facial balance, soften hollow areas, and enhance long-term rejuvenation.

Lip Lift

A lip lift can improve lip shape, increase upper lip show, and create a more youthful appearance around the mouth. Combining a lip lift with a facelift can help rejuvenate the lower face while maintaining natural facial harmony.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing improves skin texture, tone, fine lines, and sun damage. While a facelift addresses deeper structural aging, laser treatments enhance the skin’s quality, creating more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Facelift Recovery

A facelift is a gentle procedure. Minimal bruising and swelling should be expected, but they typically last only 7 to 14 days. After 7 days, sutures are removed, and most patients feel comfortable going out in public. Dr. Rabach will provide a detailed aftercare plan covering care, showering and bathing, sleeping, exercising, and returning to work. Special attention is given to facelift patients, with tailored aftercare and support throughout their recovery process to ensure optimal comfort and results. She will also ensure that your healing process is seamless and comfortable by prescribing the appropriate postoperative medications, including pain medication to manage any discomfort during recovery.

Most patients can resume normal activities within a month after a facelift, with full recovery typically taking about four to six weeks.

If any questions or concerns arise during your recovery process, Dr. Rabach is on hand to address them, providing ongoing support and guidance long after you leave the office.

6 Tips for Recovery

Before you leave, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to optimize your healing, but below, we have included six tips that you should follow:

Keep Your Head Elevated: Sleep with your head elevated to minimize swelling.
Follow Your Medication Plan: Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed.
Apply Cold Compresses: Use cold packs in the initial days post-op to reduce swelling and bruising.
Avoid Strenuous Activities: For at least 3–4 weeks, avoid intense exercise or heavy lifting.
Eat Soft, Nutritious Foods: A healthy, nutrient-rich diet supports healing and boosts collagen production.
Attend All Follow-Up Visits: Regular check-ins with Dr. Rabach ensure optimal healing and allow for timely intervention if needed.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost in New York City, NY?

The cost of a facelift in New York City can vary depending on the specific surgical techniques employed and the extent of the work required to achieve your anti-aging goals. After your in-depth consultation and skin analysis, Dr. Rabach will provide a complete and transparent quote for surgery.

Why Choose Dr. Rabach?

Dr. Lesley Rabach is an award-winning, double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon and is recognized as a top facial plastic surgeon in New York City. She is one of the few elite surgeons specializing in the advanced extended deep-plane facelift. Dr. Rabach completed her internship and residency in head and neck surgery at Yale New Haven Hospital, followed by an ABFPRS-accredited fellowship in facial plastic surgery. With the most cutting-edge surgical techniques, an artistically trained eye, and a gentle bedside manner, Dr. Lesley sculpts the face and neck area to achieve a natural, youthful look. Patient safety is always a top priority in every stage of the facelift process, from surgical planning to postoperative care.

Dr. Rabach is affiliated with the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS), and the American Board of Otolaryngology (ABO) and is a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and Super Doctor award recipient.

Facelift FAQ’S

There should be relatively little pain associated with this surgery. Dr. Rabach carefully follows the facial anatomic planes, repositioning the face to provide a more youthful look. During the first night after surgery, patients will wear a firm dressing under the chin, along the cheek, and on the neck. Some patients find this uncomfortable, but it is never painful. Pain medication may be prescribed to manage discomfort after facelift surgery, helping ensure patients are comfortable during recovery. This dressing is designed to hold the skin and underlying tissues in place. No drains are placed. Sutures are removed after 7 days, and most patients notice their neck feels tight but not restricted.
Incisions for the facelift are dependent on the patient’s anatomy. Most incisions are located in a hidden crease just in front of the ear, curve around the earlobe, and then along the back of the ear straight to the hairline. This scar is almost completely hidden because Dr. Rabach performs a deep-plane face and neck lift, ensuring the tension is on the muscular layer rather than the skin, unlike an SMAS lift. By reducing tension on the skin, deep plane facelift techniques can help minimize the risk of hypertrophic or keloid scarring.
Most patients should plan to remain in New York City for at least 7 to 10 days after facelift surgery so Dr. Rabach can monitor their early healing and remove sutures if necessary. While light local travel is typically fine during recovery, long-distance travel, particularly flying, should be discussed with Dr. Rabach based on your individual healing progress and treatment plan.

Patients traveling from outside the New York City area often find it helpful to arrange nearby accommodations for the first week after surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Rabach and her team will provide personalized guidance regarding travel plans, recovery timelines, and follow-up appointments to help ensure a safe and comfortable recovery.
It is best to consult top facelift surgeons in New York City and the surrounding areas who are board-certified and well-versed in the anatomical layers of facial tissue. Board certification should be verified through the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Patients are also encouraged to review surgeons’ portfolios to ensure consistent, natural-looking results that align with their desired outcome. The deepest layer of the face contains the muscles that give your face expression and allow you to speak, eat, and drink. Above this, a thinner muscle called the platysma starts on the clavicles, runs up the neck, and then over the face. Above the platysma is the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) fascia. In a deep facelift, the platysma layer, instead of the SMAS, is pulled up. By performing surgery and tightening the muscle, tension is applied to the muscle, which is sturdier than the skin; this difference yields more natural and long-lasting outcomes.

What patients should also know is that in this deeper layer, there are more nerves, and therefore only surgeons highly trained in facial surgery have the skill and experience to perform a true extended deep-plane facelift. Dr. Lesley Rabach specializes in extended deep-plane facelifts and encourages all of her patients to take the time to read patient reviews, review before-and-after photos, and schedule consultations with the surgeons they’re considering. Conducting thorough research and meeting with multiple doctors enables you to gain valuable insights into their approach, ethics, and track record.

While a surgeon’s personality may not directly affect the procedure’s outcome, many patients find that working with a doctor who is willing to listen, understand their goals, and collaborate on the best course of action helps foster a sense of comfort and trust. This personal connection can make the experience more reassuring and lead to a more satisfying overall result.

Dr. Rabach is eager to meet with you for a private consultation, during which she can further elaborate on her innovative and transformative approach.
When considering facelift surgery in New York City, it’s completely normal to have a range of questions and emotions. Many patients are curious about the cost of a facelift and what factors influence the price of their procedure. Factors such as the complexity of the facelift technique, whether you opt for a deep-plane facelift or a mini facelift, and your plastic surgeon’s experience all contribute to the final cost. While a deep plane facelift may require a greater investment due to its comprehensive nature and longer-lasting results, a mini facelift can be a more budget-friendly option for those seeking subtle improvements.

Another common concern is the recovery process. Following a facelift, Most patients experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the days following their procedure, but these effects typically subside within a couple of weeks. By following your facial plastic surgeon’s aftercare instructions and attending all follow-up appointments, you can help ensure a smooth recovery and the best facelift results. It’s important to remember that every individual heals at their own pace, and your surgeon will be there to support you throughout the recovery process.

Emotionally, deciding to undergo a facelift can bring a mix of excitement and apprehension. Many people look forward to achieving a more youthful appearance and renewed self-confidence, but it’s also natural to feel anxious about surgery and the changes it brings. Open communication with your facial plastic surgeon during your consultation in New York City can help address these feelings. Your surgeon will answer your questions, explain the facelift procedure in detail, and help you set realistic expectations for your results. This collaborative approach ensures you feel informed, comfortable, and empowered as you move forward with your facial rejuvenation journey.

Rabach Aesthetics NYC

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If you’re ready to explore cosmetic surgery to achieve a more youthful facial appearance, contact us at LM Medical NYC. We can schedule an initial consultation with expert facial surgeon Dr. Lesley Rabach at our Upper East Side or Greenwich Village clinics. During your initial consultation, you can discuss your goals, receive preoperative instructions, determine your suitability for facelift surgery, and explore other anti-aging treatments.

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Facelift