Facelift

The deep plane facelift procedure is comprehensive, targets sagging skin, and addresses the underlying structural changes in the face, including repositioning fat and muscle in the lower face and upper neck. Unlike traditional facelifts, which focus primarily on pulling the skin, a deep plane facelift works at a deeper level, lifting by repositioning the muscular layers beneath the skin for a more lasting and natural result. Another benefit of the deep plane facelift is that it allows for the skin and SMAS to stay attached, preserving capillaries and blood flow to the skin. This approach allows for a more harmonious, balanced, and beautiful 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 their deep plane facelift, with results that enhance their natural features while maintaining 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. 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 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. This approach shortens the surgery’s duration and leads to a quicker recovery time, with many patients able to resume normal activities in 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. 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 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 less bleeding, bruising, and swelling than 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. 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 can begin to lose 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 with radiofrequency or ultrasound heat can stimulate collagen to improve 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.