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Facelift New York City, NY

Restore Youthful Facial Contours

Introduction to a Facelift in New York City

As people age, the effects of gravity, sun and element exposure, and the stresses of daily life can be seen on their faces and necks. Deep creases form between the nose and mouth, sagging cheeks and jowls soften the jawline, and folds and fat deposits appear around the neck. For adults in New York City—often those in their 35s to 80s—who want to address these changes without looking overdone, a facelift is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck.

A facelift (technically known as rhytidectomy) can’t stop this aging process. What it can do is “set back the clock,” improving the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles, and redraping the skin of your face and neck to create a more youthful appearance and a rejuvenated appearance while preserving natural expression. A facelift can be done alone or in conjunction with other procedures, such as a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, a neck lift, or nose reshaping.

If you’re considering a facelift in New York City, the following information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure: when it can help, how it’s performed, which type of facelift procedure (SMAS, deep plane, traditional, mini, or non-surgical) may be best for you, what recovery and cost considerations to expect, and what results you can realistically achieve. Because a lot depends on you as a patient—your goals and the conditions you present with—it may not answer all your questions or quell all your concerns.

Feel free to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Antell at his New York City office for case-specific advice and answers to any questions you may have.

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What is a Facelift?

A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, can improve the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles, and redraping the skin of your face and neck to address facial aging, reduce skin laxity, and restore a more refreshed overall facial appearance.

According to the ASPS, 94,022 facelift procedures were performed in the United States in 2024, making facelift surgery one of the fastest-growing facial cosmetic procedures.1 It remains a leading surgical procedure within facial plastic surgery.

If you are considering a facelift, this page will help you understand what to expect.

What Types of Facelifts Are Available?

Commonly, when only the term “face-lift” is used, the face and neck are what are being referred to, but different options are selected based on the pattern of facial aging and the level of correction needed through advanced facelift techniques. There are also mini lifts, also called neck-only lifts, face-only lifts, deep face lifts, or regional facelifts, depending on the patient’s particular concern. Some limited approaches may focus on the mid-face or neck when those are the patient’s main concerns, such as a mid-face lift.

Many of our procedures are performed using local anesthesia alone. However, when appropriate, sedation, also known as twilight anesthesia, may be recommended to enhance your comfort. Whether sedation is indicated for your facelift will be discussed with Dr. Antell during your consultation.

For the right person, this method can lead to an easier recovery, less nausea after surgery, and a faster return home. Dr. Antell will review your anatomy, medical history, and goals to see if an awake facelift is right for you.

What Sets Dr. Antell Apart as the Premier Facelift Practice in New York City, NY?

  • Extensive Experience: Dr. Antell is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience performing facial rejuvenation procedures. Throughout his career, he has performed thousands of cosmetic procedures while focusing on natural-looking, individualized results.
  • Nationally Recognized Plastic Surgeon: Dr. Antell is known for his work in aesthetic plastic surgery and has been featured in national media for his skill and results.
  • Exceptional Education and Training: Dr. Antell earned his medical degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences before completing his general surgery training at Stanford University Medical Center and his plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at New York Hospital–Cornell Medical Center.
  • Board Certified Credentials: Dr. Antell is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and is a member of the ASPS and ASAPS, reflecting his standing as a facial rejuvenation surgeon known for natural-looking outcomes and a commitment to high standards in patient care and ongoing education.
  • Customized Surgical Plans: Everyone ages differently, so each facelift is tailored to your facial anatomy, skin quality, and personal goals to choose the best technique for you.
  • Natural-Looking Results: Dr. Antell aims to restore a youthful appearance with every facelift while preserving your natural expressions and unique features.

Facelift Quick Facts

Surgery Time:

3 to 6 hours

Price:

~$15,000 to $35,000+ (For an accurate cost, please ask during your consultation).

Recovery:

10 to 14 days

Results:

Initial results are visible once swelling subsides, with final results developing over the next several months. Results can last 10 years or longer.

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Facelift?

The best candidate for a facelift is a man or woman whose face and neck have begun to sag, but whose skin still has some elasticity and whose bone structure is strong and well-defined.

Most patients are in their 40s to 60s, but facelifts can be done successfully on people in their 70s or 80s as well. The AAFPRS reported that 67% of facial plastic surgeons believe the average age of facelift patients is getting younger, with increasing demand among patients ages 35 to 55.2

A facelift can make you look younger and fresher, and it may enhance your self-confidence in the process. But it can’t give you a completely different look, nor can it restore the health and vitality of your youth. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.

What Are the Benefits of a Facelift?

A facelift does more than just tighten loose skin. Repositioning the deeper facial support structures and removing excess skin where needed can give you smoother contours and a younger look while preserving your natural expressions. Benefits may include:

  • Softens deep facial folds and wrinkles that develop with age.
  • Restores a firmer, more defined jawline.
  • Smooths deep folds and helps correct sagging cheeks throughout the lower face.
  • Improves loose skin and fullness beneath the chin and neck.
  • Repositions underlying facial tissues for natural-looking rejuvenation.
  • Creates a more youthful facial appearance while preserving your unique facial features and supporting facial harmony.
Dr Antell consulting with patient walking together in modern medical office hallway - in New York, NY

Planning Your Facelift Plastic Surgery

Facelifts are very personalized procedures. In your initial consultation, Dr. Antell will evaluate your face, including the skin and underlying bone, as part of facial surgery planning and an assessment of your overall facial aging patterns, and discuss your goals for the surgery. He will check for medical conditions that could cause problems during or after surgery, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood clotting problems, or the tendency to form excessive scars. Be sure to mention if you smoke or are taking any drugs or medications, particularly aspirin or other drugs that affect clotting.

If you decide to have a facelift, your surgeon will explain the techniques and the anesthesia method he will use, and the type of facelift he recommends for your needs, such as a deep plane facelift, a mini facelift, or another type. When needed for a balanced result, the plan may also include other facial rejuvenation procedures. He will also review details of the facility where the surgery will be performed, along with the associated risks and costs. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.

Preparing for Your Facelift Plastic Surgery

Dr. Antell will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly. If you smoke, it’s especially important to stop at least a week or two before and after surgery; smoking inhibits blood flow to the skin and can interfere with the healing of your incisions.

Whether your facelift is being done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two if needed.

What Will Be Discussed During My Consultation for a Facelift?

Dr. Antell will ask you what concerns you most about your appearance and address that region first and foremost. He will walk you through the facial rejuvenation process, including candidacy, technique selection, the facelift surgery and the deep plane facelift technique, the risks and potential complications, your recovery period, how much downtime you should allow yourself, the operating room, and the anesthesia, and some patients may also discuss combining a facelift with other facial rejuvenation procedures depending on their goals.

He will show you in a mirror how much improvement you can expect from facelift surgery by simulating the amount of tension with his hands. He believes that computer imaging gives false expectations as it does not take into account the texture, thickness, and elasticity of your skin, or your ability to heal.

Dr. Antell spends as much time as necessary with you to ensure you fully understand all aspects of the procedure. Dr. Antell has undergone cosmetic surgery himself and speaks from experience as both a patient and a doctor.

Where Your Facelift Surgery Will Be Performed

A facelift may be performed in a surgeon’s office-based facility, an outpatient surgery center, or a hospital. It’s usually done on an outpatient basis, although certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, may require additional monitoring after surgery. Dr. Antell does most of his surgeries in his state-of-the-art surgical facility in New York.

Types of Anesthesia for a Facelift

Many facelifts are performed using local anesthesia alone. However, when appropriate, sedation, also known as twilight anesthesia, may be recommended to enhance your comfort. Whether sedation is indicated for your procedure will be discussed with Dr. Antell during your consultation.

Some surgeons prefer general anesthesia. In that case, you’ll sleep through the operation.

Short Scar Facelift

Short-scar facelift surgery can be performed under local anesthesia alone. In some cases, sedation may be recommended to enhance your comfort. Sedation can range from mild to deeper levels depending on the individual procedure and patient. Dr. Antell will discuss the appropriate approach with you during your consultation.

What to Expect On the Day of Facelift Surgery

A facelift usually takes several hours, sometimes longer if you’re having more than one procedure done. For extensive procedures, we may schedule two separate sessions.

Every surgeon approaches the procedure in their own way. Some complete one side of the face at a time, and others move back and forth between the sides. The exact placement of incisions and the sequence of events depend on your facial structure and the selected technique best suited to you. If the neck needs work, a small incision may also be made under the chin. Careful incision placement is used to minimize scarring and reduce the risk of visible scarring.

In general, whether the facelift is traditional, mini, deep-plane, or SMAS, the surgeon typically separates the skin from the underlying fat and muscle. Fat may be trimmed or suctioned from around the neck and chin to improve the contour. The surgeon then works on the deeper support layers and trims skin only as needed to reduce tension on the closure. Stitches secure the layers of tissue and close the incisions; metal clips may be used on the scalp. This helps refine facial contours and, when included, improve lax neck skin.

Following surgery, a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin behind your ear to drain any blood that might otherwise collect there. Your head may also be wrapped loosely in bandages to minimize bruising and swelling.

Dr Antell in navy suit and tie having serious discussion in office setting - in New York, NY

After Your Facelift Surgery

There usually isn’t significant discomfort after surgery; if there is, it can be reduced with the pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. (Severe or persistent pain or a sudden swelling of your face should be reported to Dr. Antell immediately.) Some numbness is quite normal; it usually disappears within a few weeks.

Dr. Antell will have you keep your head elevated and as still as possible for a couple of days after surgery to help reduce swelling. If you’ve had a drainage tube inserted, it will be removed 1-2 days after surgery. Bandages, when used, are usually removed after 1-5 days. Don’t be surprised at the pale, bruised, and puffy face you see—it is part of the healing process. Most of your stitches will be removed after about 1 week. 

Your scalp may take longer to heal, and the stitches or metal clips in your hairline could be left in for a few more days.

Combining My Facelift with Other Procedures

Often, patients combine facelift surgery with a brow lift or an eyelid lift at the same time for more complete rejuvenation. If the surgery is warranted, the final result is uniform and balanced, and there is only one recovery period.

Some patients also combine a facelift with a lip lift or neck lift to improve overall facial harmony.

Some patients ask that their nose be touched up, because as we age, the tip of the nose can start to sag as well.

Other patients find that they have lost volume in their lips as they’ve gotten older and request a fat transfer to bulk up their lips for a more youthful, pouty appearance. Depending on anatomy and goals, a combined plan may also include other facial rejuvenation procedures.

Facelift Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Facelift Care

You should be up and about in a day or two, but plan on taking it easy for the first week after surgery. Be especially gentle with your face and hair, since your skin will be both tender and numb, and may not respond normally at first.

Your surgeon will give more specific guidelines for gradually resuming your normal activities. They’re likely to include these suggestions:

  • Avoid strenuous activity, including sex and heavy housework, for at least 10 to 14 days (walking and mild stretching are fine).
  • Avoid alcohol, steam baths, and saunas for several months.
  • Above all, get plenty of rest and allow your body to spend its energy on healing.

Most patients are back at work about 10 to 14 days after surgery. Those having a mini facelift or a deep plane facelift in NYC generally may have a shorter recovery period. If you need it, special camouflage makeup can mask most bruising that remains.

7 Tips for Recovery From Facelift

Following your postoperative instructions is one of the most important parts of achieving an excellent result. While every patient’s recovery is different, these guidelines can help support healing, reduce swelling, and make your recovery as easy as possible.

1.

Keep your head elevated, even while sleeping, to help reduce swelling.

2.

Take all your medications as prescribed and attend every follow-up appointment.

3.

Avoid hard exercise, heavy lifting, and bending over until cleared by Dr. Antell.

4.

Protect your incisions from direct sun exposure to encourage optimal scar healing.

5.

Stay hydrated to support your recovery.

6.

Be patient with swelling. Your appearance will continue to improve during the following weeks and months.

7.

Avoid smoking and nicotine products, as they can notably delay healing.

Your New Look After Facelift Surgery

Having a facelift doesn’t stop the clock. Your face will continue to age with time, and you may want to repeat the procedure one or more times, perhaps 10 years down the line. So while you will continue to age naturally, you can still expect a more youthful appearance over time; if you had an identical twin who did not have a lift, you would always look better than your twin.

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

The cost of a facelift in New York City varies depending on a number of factors, including the surgical technique, the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia, facility fees, and whether additional procedures are performed at the same time.

During your consultation, Dr. Antell will evaluate your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and create a personalized surgical plan before giving a detailed cost estimate. His team can also discuss financing options that may help make treatment more manageable.

Why Choose Dr. Antell?

A facelift should restore what time has changed while preserving the features that make you look like yourself. Dr. Darrick E. Antell approaches every facelift with an individualized surgical plan tailored to your facial anatomy, the pattern of aging, and your personal goals, rather than relying on a single technique for every patient.

As a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience in facial rejuvenation, Dr. Antell has built a reputation for refined, natural-looking results. His philosophy emphasizes subtle enhancement, balanced facial proportions, and long-lasting improvement rather than an overcorrected appearance.

During your consultation, Dr. Antell will carefully evaluate your concerns, explain the available treatment options, and recommend the approach that best aligns with your anatomy and desired outcome.

Dr. Antell is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). With decades of experience performing facial rejuvenation procedures, he has built a reputation for creating refreshed, balanced results that help patients look younger without appearing overly tight or overdone, drawing on advanced facelift techniques.

Dr. Antell will also be recognized among Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026, adding to his longstanding reputation in aesthetic plastic surgery.

NYC Plastic Surgeon

Darrick E. Antell

MD, FACS

Facelift FAQ’S

  • “I recommend him with complete confidence”

    It is rare to find a physician who combines exceptional surgical talent with genuine kindness and integrity, but Dr. Antel does exactly that. I recommend him with complete confidence to anyone

    Giovanni S.

  • “I am extremely grateful”

    I am extremely grateful for the care I have received over the years and would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Antell and his wonderful team—Rosa, Nancy, and Tiffany—to anyone.

    Anonymous

  • “I’m so pleased and grateful”

    I recently underwent a breast augmentation procedure with Dr. Antell at his New York City office. I’m so pleased and grateful for a seamless experience and successful result.

    Theresa D.

  • “Had a fantastic experience”

    Had a fantastic experience with Dr. Antell and his entire team in NYC, Manhattan. From start to finish, they made what could have been a stressful process feel smooth, comfortable, and well-managed.

    Ben R.

  • “Highly recommend”

    Him and his team has always made me feel comfortable through any process/procedure(shoutout to Nancy and Rosa!). Highly recommend.

    Eric L.

Sources

  • ASPS & Hollenbeck, S. (2024). 2024 Procedural Statistics release. In ASPS Procedural Statistics Release (pp. 3–5) [Report]. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
  • Kugler, T. (n.d.). American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. https://www.aafprs.org/Media/Press_Releases/2024_Annual_Trends_Survey.aspx?WebsiteKey=533baffd-9fc0-4be3-973b-28cd6002e75d&utm

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