There are a lot of anti-aging treatments out there, from “miracle” creams to Botox to surgery, and they aren’t all equal. We know that there’s a world of information—and misinformation—out there, so Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery’s experts are here to make things clear and simple.
A facelift is the most effective, longest-lasting solution to skin aging. However, not all facelifts are equal, either. That’s why our team of the top plastic surgeons in New York has put together this guide for preparing for a facelift or “rhytidectomy” in NYC.
Finding the Right Surgeon for Your Rhytidectomy
In NYC, there are hundreds of plastic surgery practices to choose from. Who you decide to go to for your facelift determines your results and experience, from your safety to your long-term satisfaction.
Your facelift cost in NYC isn’t just paying for the few hours it takes a surgeon to perform your rhytidectomy, but for the decades it took for them to master their technique. Beyond medical expertise, you need to work with someone who values your voice. There is no one-size-fits-all facelift.
After all, it’s your face and your investment.
Here’s what to look for—and avoid—on your search for the right surgeon.
Proven Expertise
When it comes to altering how you feel about who you see in the mirror every day, you have to truly trust who you’re working with.
Take the time to research your potential surgeon’s background, from their qualifications to their approach. Don’t just take their word for it, either. Read their patients’ reviews and browse their before & after photos for yourself.
When you come to our practice, you unlock access to the best surgeon in the city—Dr. Steven Pearlman. As a uniquely dual board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over 30 years of experience, Dr. Pearlman’s skills have been recognized by the New York Times, Vogue, Elle Magazine, and beyond.
Personalized Approach
Of course, medical expertise and a track record of successful transformations are important, but so is compassion. Your situation—including your goals, vision, lifestyle, budget, and timeline—is unique, so your treatment plan should be, too.
At Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, we don’t simply give you a checklist of concerns, put you in a category, and offer a standardized technique. We’re dedicated to enhancing your natural beauty, not overpowering the features that make you who you are.
You’re more than a number, and our surgeons don’t just see our role here as a job. Every day is an opportunity to change someone’s self-image—and life—for the better.
What to Expect From a Rhytidectomy Consultation
When you come in for a facelift consultation, you’ll meet one-on-one with an award-winning surgeon. Here, we’ll openly discuss your situation, answering any questions you may have. If we decide that a rhytidectomy in NYC is your best option, we’ll help you decide which kind of facelift is right for you, build your custom plan, and schedule your surgery.
Here’s a closer look at the Pearlman patient experience ↓
Commitment to Education
You should never feel out of the loop when it comes to your care. Your voice is the most important. Your surgeon should act as your partner rather than speak over your head, providing the resources and support you need to make confident decisions about your facelift.
As a clinical professor at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Dr. Pearlman routinely lectures on rhinoplasties, facelifts, and other facial aging surgeries across the world.
We lead the leaders.
Choosing the Right Kind of Facelift
There are different kinds of facelifts designed to address specific skin concerns, and they all work a bit differently—providing different results and entailing different levels of downtime. Don’t forget that the delicate skin around your neck is quick to show signs of aging, which is why a deep plane facelift also rejuvenates your neck.
Deep Plane Facelifts
An extended deep plane facelift, Dr. Pearlman’s personal favorite technique for a rhytidectomy in NYC, consists of addressing the layer of muscle beneath your skin—the “SMAS.” “Deep plane” refers to the plane between the SMAS and the muscles that allow you to create facial expressions. This is a more natural facelift since it lifts the skin and SMAS together in a natural embryologic plane.
This technique tightens the lower cheeks, neck, and jawline by repositioning the muscles and skin. Repositioning and putting tension on the SMAS muscle offers even better yet natural results that last longer than a standard SMAS facelift without looking “overdone,” making it a superior ponytail lift alternative.
SMAS Facelifts
A SMAS facelift combats drooping cheeks, nasolabial folds, pronounced jowls, and other sagging by working on that same level of underlying tissue. This technique is less invasive than a deep plane facelift, using incisions around the ear and hairline to elevate the skin and tighten the underlying SMAS muscle.
While recovery is shorter compared to a deep plane facelift, SMAS results typically last about 6 years, while deep plane facelifts last about a decade.
Mini Facelifts
Dr. Pearlman may recommend a “short flap” or mini facelift in NYC for someone struggling with less severe laxity. This kind of rhytidectomy in NYC is best for younger patients, typically in their 40s, and also requires less downtime.
Non-Surgical Facelifts
If you’re looking for a minimally invasive facelift in NYC, keep in mind that there is no true alternative to surgery. However, we offer a range of non-invasive enhancements to address aging skin if you’re not quite ready for facial surgery in NYC, including:
- FaceTite
- “Liquid facelifts” with Botox and fillers
- Morpheus8 RF microneedling
- Ultherapy
→ Injectables v. Facelifts: Which Is Right for You?
Streamlining Your Rhytidectomy Recovery
When planning for your rhytidectomy in NYC, remember to account for recovery time. Even when you come to the best plastic surgeon in New York, there’s no getting around the downtime—a facelift is surgery. Planning ahead can help you avoid stressing about the specifics after surgery so you can enjoy some quiet time to yourself.
Most patients recover from a facelift almost fully within 4 to 6 weeks. However, patients usually return to work and most activities in 2 weeks and see their final results in about 6 months. A week after your procedure, we’ll remove your sutures, and most of the bruising will subside over the following days. In the meantime, you’re welcome to cover any discoloration with concealer.
You can plan on returning to work about a week and a half to 2 weeks after your facelift, but keep in mind that the swelling won’t completely dissipate. At this point, most patients can comfortably return to social gatherings.
→ Get the Full Timeline for Facelift Recovery
Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions
We’ve spent decades perfecting our facelift techniques, and aftercare plays an important role in your surgery’s long-term success. Rest assured that our surgeons will handle your facial tissues gently and with precision, but we also offer some agents to speed up the natural healing process.
We offer Arnica Montana—a homeopathic healing medication—before and after your surgery, as well as tranexamic acid (TXA) in your anesthesia. Studies show that TXA reduces bleeding and black and blue marks from surgery.
After your surgery, we’ll provide detailed recovery instructions to maximize your comfort and minimize downtime over the following weeks. Most patients can stop taking pain medication within 4 to 6 days or less.
Follow our guidelines closely, but don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Prioritize Rest
Good things take time. As your body works to recover after surgery, rest is key—just remember to keep your chin level or elevated to minimize swelling. Avoid strenuous activities as directed and fuel your body with the hydration and nutrients it needs to do its job.
Optimize Your Skincare Routine
Our routines define us as people, and the same goes for your skincare routine defining your skin. After your facelift, it’s important to be gentle with your skin.
Stick to a mild cleanser and moisturizer to keep your face clean and hydrated, applying sunscreen every day (which ideally, you’re already doing because the sun is the #1 cause of premature aging). Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to find the right products in the drugstore’s never-ending isles—that’s what we’re here for.
We’re taking the guesswork out of skin care, offering medical-grade products that are backed by science. Unlike drugstore products, these formulas have been proven in clinical trials, using higher amounts of stronger active ingredients to target your skin concerns at the source.
Book Your Consultation With One of NYC’s Finest Surgeons
Where you go for your rhytidectomy in NYC determines your results and experience. A facelift is a complex procedure that requires unparalleled expertise. Trust us, it’s best to get it done right the first time.
You should trust the person performing your surgery. Our team of NYC’s top plastic surgeons has the decades of experience needed to provide world-class transformations on your terms.
If you’re not quite ready for an in-person visit, you can still start planning for your facelift—anytime, anywhere.
At Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, we empower beauty, and that starts by empowering you with the resources and support you need to make confident decisions about your care. Explore our blog and follow us on social media to unlock more exclusive insights.
🌐 TikTok
🌐 YouTube
Up Next: How Long Does it Take to Recover from Rhinoplasty Surgery?
