Facelift

Facelift surgery in New York offered by a board-certified top New York plastic surgeon. Dr. Robert Tornambe. Learn more about his technique, the recovery process, and much more!

A Facelift is an operation designed to counteract the effects of aging and gravity. The skin starts losing its elasticity and begins to sag as early as the mid-thirties in many people, continuing to sag and lose elasticity as the aging process continues. Creases form in the forehead and mid-face region, smile lines deepen and jowls become more prominent. The skin around the neck sags and fat may deposit in the neck and beneath the chin. Fat is lost in the mid-face, deflating the region. The effects of gravity, sun exposure and stress all contribute to this problem.

I have been performing Facelift Surgery in New York for over 20 years and I possess the experience and skill to enable you to look your best, no matter what your age!

FACELIFT CONSULTATION

The consultation process (plan on spending at least one hour), includes an in-depth discussion about your desires with regard to Facelift Surgery. It is the surgeon’s task to explain all aspects of the operation, the pros and cons, and most importantly, the concept of realistic expectations with regard to your postoperative result. Many people have the incorrect perception that plastic surgery means “no scars.” In reality, any time an incision is made on the skin, a scar is formed by the body’s own healing process. I hide or camouflage the scars in portions of the face that do not reflect light and are not easily seen.

CANDIDATES FOR FACELIFT SURGERY

If you have concerns about the aging process, and wish to slow down and even reverse the effects of Father Time, then Facelift Surgery is an excellent option for you.

This type of surgery can enhance and improve the appearance of your face. The best candidates are healthy individuals and non-smokers who are realistic about what the surgery can afford after a complete consultation. The best results are usually achieved in patients who understand the limitations of the surgery, and prefer their postoperative result to be natural and attractive, and not overdone.

Before and after photos

*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

WHAT IS A FACELIFT?

A facelift in essence, pushes back the clock, improving the most prominent signs of aging by removing excess skin and tightening muscles below the skin. Fat from the neck is removed if necessary and sometimes grafted to the mid-face to replace and replenish lost volume.

Can be done alone or in conjunction with other procedures such as eyelid surgery, nasal surgery, forehead lift or even liposuction. It involves incisions within the scalp, coursing in front of and behind the ears. They heal well and fade into the topography of the face, becoming nearly imperceptible. Sometimes drains are needed, but are removed within 1-2 days.

Short Scar Facelifts were designed for younger individuals or those with less skin laxity to regain lost youthful facial characteristics. There is less scarring because their is less surgery, shorter scars and shorter recovery. There are several short scar techniques that vary somewhat, but essentially all provide similar results.

FACELIFT TECHNIQUES

The standard facelift operation involves incisions extending from the scalp above the ear running in front, around and then behind the ear back into the scalp. Facial skin on the cheeks and neck is dissected free and underlying muscle and fascia of the face and neck is dissected and tightened. Excess skin is trimmed and the incisions sutured closed. Drains are often needed.

The MACS Facelift Short Scar Technique was designed in Europe to achieve maximal results with smaller incisions, creating shorter scars and less trauma, permitting a shorter recovery time. This procedure is unique because it achieves the goals of older, more invasive techniques by tightening the deeper layers of the face and lifting the excess skin in an upward, more natural fashion. The result provides a natural, rejuvenated appearance, without stretching the skin in an unnatural, taught fashion. This technique was built on a solid foundation of technology, theories and techniques that have evolved throughout the 20th century, and is my preferred method of short scar Facelift Surgery.

Stand in front of a mirror and lightly pull your neck and facial skin upwards with both hands, a common maneuver demonstrated by patients to allow their surgeons to understand their desired result. This maneuver demonstrates the basic principles of the MACS Facelift technique.

This method is well suited for many patients in all age groups. In summary, this effective Facelift technique offers the advantages of shorter scars, reduced operative time, and less morbidity, resulting in a shorter recovery.

Facelift surgery is performed in my state of the art, fully certified operative suite in my office located on the Upper East Side in New York. Depending on the procedure, I utilize either general anesthesia, or local anesthesia with sedation, administered by one of our experienced, board certified anesthesiologists. Recovery after surgery takes 1-2 hours, with my RN at your side at all times.

RECOVERING FROM A FACELIFT PROCEDURE

For your safety, I require that a friend, family member or private duty nurse accompany you home and spend at least one night with you. You will be given a follow-up appointment with me in 1-3 days. All stitches are removed within 10-14 days.

Most of my patients return to work within 7-14 days postoperatively, and pain after surgery is well controlled with pain medication. My staff and I will counsel you regarding all aspects of scar care to achieve the best possible, least noticeable scars.

I have a great deal of experience with all aspects of Facelift surgery, and comfortably possess the required expertise to allow me to achieve the best possible results for you.

A Facelift can make you look younger and fresher and also enhances your self-confidence. Patients should have reasonable expectations prior to undergoing Facelift surgery and realize that while they will look younger, fresher and more rested, the clock can’t be turned back indefinitely. A Facelift does not stop the aging process, but it does click it backwards!

FACELIFT FAQS

I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SCARS ON MY FACE AFTER FACELIFT SURGERY, WILL THEY BE OBVIOUS?

The incisions for all Facelift Surgery are designed to heal well and fall into the topography of the face and scars usually become imperceptible. Smoking greatly affects the healing and scarring process, and for that reason I require patients who smoke stop for at least 2 weeks before and after surgery.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PROCESS LIKE AFTER FACELIFT SURGERY?

The face has a robust blood supply which allows healing and scarring to be optimal. However, because of that great blood supply, swelling immediately after surgery is significant, but normal and resolves over the next several days. Bruising can also be significant, but this too is normal and resolves in about a week, but can readily be covered with makeup. For the above reasons, I counsel my facelift patients to plan on a 2 week recovery, and my MACS Facelift patients, 1 week recovery.

HOW LONG DOES FACELIFT SURGERY TAKE?

That depends, Facelift, 3-4 hours, MACS Facelift, 2-3 hours. Often times complimentary surgery like eyelid, nasal or forehead procedures are added. This increases surgical time by 1-3 hours. Our anesthesiologists keep you comfortable and resting, and you will not know the difference.

HOW LONG WILL THE BENEFITS ACHIEVED FROM MY FACELIFT SURGERY LAST?

Each individual ages differently. Also factors like smoking, sun exposure and skin care greatly affects the longevity of your Facelift. Generally, those patients who take care of themselves enjoy the results for some 8-10 years. Remember even though you mow the lawn, the grass keeps growing!

WHY SHOULD I GET AN EYELID TUCK AT THE SAME TIME AS MY FACELIFT SURGERY?

Sometimes I recommend either eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) and/or brow lift to be done at the same time as Facelift Surgery. The reason being patients with signs of aging around the eyes or forehead seem more prominent and noticeable after their Facelift. Therefore, it is better to address all aspects of the aging face when having a Facelift.