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 and muscle 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 muscular layers beneath the skin, resulting in a more lasting and 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. 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 ten 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 to the visible signs of aging, addressing deep folds, loose skin, and jowls while restoring the youthful contours of the face and neck. The surgery also lifts and tightens neck skin to improve jawline and neck contours, further enhancing the overall rejuvenation. Because it works with the natural anatomy of the face, the outcome is subtle yet dramatic, leaving patients with a refreshed, revitalized, and timeless appearance.

Whether for a major life event or simply to be able 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.”

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. 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 is designed to target the initial stages of facial sagging, such as mild jowls or loose skin along the jawline, which often begin to 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 are a less invasive option with minimal scarring and shorter recovery times, making them especially suitable for younger patients. This approach shortens the surgery’s duration and leads to a quicker recovery time, 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 and refreshed appearance. 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.

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 facelift surgery approaches. 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 the surgical technique and the healing process. 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 natural masculinity of the face 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 the tissue in a woman’s face needs to preserve this feminine shape while addressing the 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 procedure to meet the specific needs and goals of the individual patient. Whether male or female, she takes into account the patient’s unique facial anatomy, ensuring a nuanced and 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.

Many people begin to notice facial aging changes as early as their late 20s and early 30s. While surgery may not be recommended for facial lifting in the early stages, there are cosmetic treatments that can improve the firmness and appearance of the face. At LM Medical NYC, our Double-Board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Lesley Rabach, specializes in using non-surgical cosmetic treatments for 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, improving firmness and elasticity in the skin on the face and neck. Cosmetic and regenerative injections can be combined with skin treatments to provide a customized, non-surgical facelift. Non-surgical procedures such as laser skin resurfacing can also improve skin texture, helping to restore a more youthful appearance.

Dr. Lesley also offers the following:

• Stem cell facelift – Stem cell injections can slow skin aging and loss of elasticity, reducing lines, wrinkles, and laxity.
• Midface lift – A midface lift surgery addresses cheeks that have begun to droop and are no longer in the same place. By repositioning the cheek pad, the face appears lifted, and the nasolabial folds are diminished. This option can be combined with traditional facelift surgery.
• Facial liposculpture and fat transfer: As the face ages, the placement of fat changes. These procedures can help maintain the right balance of facial fat.
• Brow Lift – A forehead or brow lift surgery is often performed in conjunction with a facelift to balance and rejuvenate the neck, lower face, and brow. Dr. Lesley also offers an endoscopic brow lift as a minimally invasive option for brow rejuvenation, resulting in minimal scarring and a faster recovery.
• Laser skin resurfacing is a non-surgical treatment that improves skin quality, reduces signs of aging, and addresses issues such as uneven skin texture.