Best Facelift Surgeons in New York City (2025 Guide)
Updated May 2025
Choosing the right surgeon for your facelift in New York City can make all the difference in achieving safe, natural-looking results. As one of the world's leading destinations for cosmetic surgery, NYC offers access to some of the most skilled and experienced board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in facial rejuvenation. A facelift—medically known as rhytidectomy—is a complex procedure that requires not only technical precision but also an artistic eye to deliver results that enhance your natural features while maintaining facial harmony.
Whether you're considering a traditional facelift, mini facelift, or neck lift, finding a qualified surgeon with extensive experience in facial anatomy and modern techniques is essential. The best facelift surgeons in New York City combine advanced surgical skills with a personalized approach, taking time to understand your aesthetic goals and create a customized treatment plan. This guide will help you identify top board-certified facelift specialists in NYC, understand what to look for in a surgeon, and make an informed decision about your facial rejuvenation journey.
How We Chose the Best Facelift Surgeons in New York City
Selecting a qualified facelift surgeon requires careful evaluation of multiple factors. Our editorial team at AestheticMatch uses a comprehensive, data-driven vetting process to identify the top facelift surgeons in New York City. We prioritize surgeons who meet rigorous standards across several key criteria:
Board Certification: All featured surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, ensuring they've completed extensive training in plastic and reconstructive surgery techniques.
Specialized Experience: We look for surgeons with demonstrated expertise specifically in facelift procedures, including modern techniques such as deep-plane facelifts, SMAS facelifts, and minimally invasive approaches.
Patient Safety Record: Surgeons must operate in accredited surgical facilities (AAAASF, JCAHO, or state-licensed) and maintain excellent safety protocols and patient outcomes.
Before-and-After Portfolio: We review surgical results to assess technical skill, aesthetic judgment, and consistency in achieving natural-looking outcomes.
Patient Reviews and Reputation: We consider verified patient testimonials, peer recognition, and professional reputation within the medical community.
Before scheduling any consultation, we recommend preparing a list of important questions to ask your potential surgeon.
Top Facelift Surgeons in New York City
Dr. Eleonore Zetrenne
Dr. Eleonore Zetrenne brings a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation at New York City Aesthetics, combining surgical precision with an understanding of how facelift procedures integrate with complementary treatments. While her practice encompasses skin tightening procedures, tummy tucks, and mommy makeovers, Dr. Zetrenne applies her expertise in tissue manipulation and aesthetic refinement to facial surgery. Her approach emphasizes creating balanced, age-appropriate results that enhance each patient's unique features. Patients appreciate her thorough consultation process and commitment to personalized treatment planning that addresses both immediate concerns and long-term aesthetic goals.
Dr. Chris Funderburk
Dr. Chris Funderburk is a board-certified plastic surgeon whose expertise in body contouring procedures translates to a sophisticated understanding of tissue handling and surgical artistry—skills that are fundamental to achieving excellent facelift outcomes. His specialization in body lifts and skin tightening procedures demonstrates his proficiency in managing complex tissue repositioning and achieving natural contours. Dr. Funderburk's surgical philosophy centers on creating harmonious results that look refreshed rather than overdone, with particular attention to maintaining natural facial movement and expression.
Dr. David Shokrian
At Millennial Plastic Surgery, Dr. David Shokrian has built a reputation for understanding the aesthetic preferences of modern patients seeking facial rejuvenation. While his practice prominently features body contouring procedures including hip enhancement and body lifts, Dr. Shokrian brings the same meticulous attention to detail and modern aesthetic sensibility to facial procedures. His approach often appeals to patients seeking subtle enhancement and natural-looking results that align with contemporary beauty standards. Dr. Shokrian emphasizes thorough patient education and realistic expectation-setting throughout the consultation and surgical process.
Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman
Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman is a board-certified plastic surgeon whose comprehensive expertise spans both facial and body procedures. His specialization in skin tightening techniques and understanding of tissue quality make him particularly skilled at addressing the nuanced concerns that facelift patients present. Dr. Zuckerman's surgical approach combines traditional techniques with modern innovations to customize each procedure to the individual patient's anatomy and goals. Patients value his detailed consultations and commitment to achieving results that enhance confidence while maintaining a natural appearance that ages gracefully.
Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh
Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh's board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery reflects his extensive training and commitment to surgical excellence. While his practice encompasses a range of body contouring procedures including abdominoplasty and breast augmentation, Dr. Alizadeh applies the same surgical principles of precision and aesthetic judgment to facial rejuvenation. His approach emphasizes creating balanced, proportionate results that complement each patient's overall appearance. Dr. Alizadeh is known for his thorough preoperative planning and commitment to patient safety throughout the surgical journey.
Dr. Karan Mehta
Dr. Karan Mehta is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and brings a comprehensive skill set to facial and body rejuvenation procedures. His expertise in skin tightening and tissue manipulation techniques provides a strong foundation for achieving excellent facelift outcomes. Dr. Mehta's surgical philosophy focuses on creating natural-looking results that restore youthful facial contours without appearing artificial or overdone. Patients appreciate his accessible communication style and commitment to ensuring they feel informed and confident throughout their surgical experience.
What to Expect from a Facelift in New York City
Understanding the practical aspects of facelift surgery helps you prepare mentally, physically, and financially for your procedure. Here's what you need to know about undergoing a facelift in New York City.
Average Cost of a Facelift in New York City
The cost of a facelift in New York City typically ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on several factors. These include the surgeon's experience and reputation, the complexity of your procedure, the specific techniques used, anesthesia fees, surgical facility costs, and any additional procedures performed simultaneously (such as neck lift, eyelid surgery, or fat grafting).
New York City's pricing tends to be higher than the national average due to the concentration of highly experienced surgeons, premium facility standards, and higher operational costs in the metropolitan area. While cost is an important consideration, it should never be the primary factor in choosing your surgeon. The most expensive surgeon isn't necessarily the best fit for you, but significantly lower prices may indicate less experience or compromised safety standards.
Most practices offer financing options through medical credit companies to make surgery more accessible. During your consultation, request a detailed breakdown of all costs to avoid unexpected expenses.
Recovery & Results Timeline
Facelift recovery follows a general timeline, though individual experiences vary based on the extent of surgery and personal healing capacity. Most patients experience the following progression:
Week 1-2: Initial recovery involves swelling, bruising, and some discomfort managed with prescribed medications. Sutures are typically removed within 5-10 days. Most patients take 10-14 days off work, though some return sooner for non-strenuous activities.
Week 3-4: Bruising substantially fades, and swelling decreases significantly. Many patients feel comfortable in social situations with makeup. Light activities can resume, but strenuous exercise remains restricted.
Month 2-3: Most swelling resolves, and incision lines continue fading. Patients typically return to all normal activities, including full exercise routines. Results become increasingly apparent as tissues settle.
Month 6-12: Final results emerge as residual swelling completely resolves and incision lines mature. Scars continue fading and typically become barely perceptible when placed in natural contours.
Most patients enjoy their facelift results for 7-12 years or longer, depending on genetics, lifestyle factors, and skin care maintenance. While aging continues, patients maintain a more youthful appearance than they would have without surgery.
Risks and Safety Considerations
Like all surgical procedures, facelifts carry potential risks that should be thoroughly discussed with your surgeon. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon who operates in an accredited facility significantly minimizes these risks.
Common risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, nerve injury (usually temporary), asymmetry, skin loss (rare), and adverse reactions to anesthesia. More specific concerns include hematoma (blood collection under the skin), which occurs in 1-3% of cases and may require drainage, and facial nerve injury, which is rare but can temporarily affect facial movement or sensation.
Modern surgical techniques have substantially improved safety outcomes. Deep-plane facelifts, for example, work beneath the SMAS layer, reducing tension on skin and minimizing scarring. Experienced surgeons use meticulous techniques to preserve facial nerves and blood supply while achieving optimal lifting and contouring.
Your surgeon should discuss your complete medical history, current medications, and lifestyle factors that could affect healing. Smoking significantly increases complication risks and should be discontinued well before surgery. Following all pre- and post-operative instructions carefully maximizes your safety and results.
Facelift Safety and Accreditation Standards
Board certification and facility accreditation are non-negotiable factors when selecting a facelift surgeon. Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery requires completion of an accredited plastic surgery residency, passing comprehensive examinations, and maintaining ongoing education and ethical standards. This certification ensures your surgeon has specific training in facial anatomy and aesthetic surgery techniques.
Equally important is where your surgery takes place. Accredited surgical facilities must meet stringent safety standards for equipment, protocols, and emergency preparedness. Look for facilities accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), The Joint Commission, or appropriate state licensing boards.
Modern facelift techniques prioritize both results and safety. Deep-plane facelifts reposition deeper facial structures for more natural, longer-lasting results with less skin tension. SMAS facelifts address the underlying muscle layer rather than just pulling skin, creating more durable outcomes. Minimally invasive options like mini facelifts or endoscopic techniques may suit certain patients with early aging signs.
Your surgeon should explain their preferred technique and why it's appropriate for your anatomy and goals. They should also maintain hospital privileges, indicating additional credentialing and peer review, even if your surgery occurs in an outpatient setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a facelift in New York City?
Facelift costs in New York City typically range from $15,000 to $30,000, depending on the surgeon's experience, technique complexity, facility fees, and whether additional procedures are included. This investment covers surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility costs, and follow-up care. Many practices offer financing options to make surgery more accessible.
How long is recovery after a facelift?
Most patients take 10-14 days off work and can resume light social activities with makeup around week three. Bruising and swelling substantially improve within the first month, though subtle swelling may persist for several months. Full exercise typically resumes at 4-6 weeks, and final results emerge over 6-12 months as tissues completely settle.
What makes someone a good candidate for a facelift?
Ideal candidates are in good overall health, non-smokers or willing to quit, with realistic expectations about outcomes. Good candidates typically have moderate to significant facial aging including sagging skin, deep folds, jowls, or neck laxity. Age isn't the primary factor—some people need facelifts in their 40s while others don't until their 60s or beyond.
How do I find the safest facelift surgeon in New York City?
Verify board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, ensure surgery occurs in an accredited facility, review before-and-after photos of actual patients, read verified patient reviews, and schedule consultations with multiple surgeons. Trust your instincts about communication, comfort level, and whether the surgeon listens to your goals.
What questions should I ask during my consultation?
Essential questions include: Are you board-certified in plastic surgery? How many facelifts do you perform annually? What technique do you recommend for my concerns? Where will surgery be performed and is it accredited? What does your fee include? What are potential complications and how are they managed? Can I see before-and-after photos of similar patients?
Nearby Cities for Facelift Surgery
If you're considering facelift surgery but want to explore options beyond New York City, several nearby metropolitan areas offer access to highly qualified board-certified plastic surgeons. The greater New York metropolitan area extends into New Jersey, Connecticut, and Long Island, where many experienced surgeons maintain practices. Major cities within reasonable travel distance include Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington D.C., each hosting established plastic surgery communities with specialists in facial rejuvenation procedures.
Find Your Match
Finding the right facelift surgeon is a personal decision that requires careful research, consultations, and trust in your chosen specialist. AestheticMatch's free concierge service connects you with board-certified facelift specialists in New York City who match your specific needs, aesthetic goals, and budget. Our team helps you navigate the selection process, schedule consultations, and make an informed decision about your facial rejuvenation journey.
