Facelift Surgery in New York City

Comprehensive facial rejuvenation that restores softness and contour by repositioning deeper tissues, preserving expression while enhancing feminine balance.

Facial Rejuvenation Can Support Confidence and Alignment

As the face ages, changes in skin elasticity, fat distribution, and tissue position can alter facial contours in ways that feel inconsistent with how a person sees themselves. For transgender women and gender diverse patients, these changes may also affect gender perception. At FFSNYC, facelift surgery is approached as a restorative, affirming procedure that supports facial harmony while preserving natural expression and identity.

woman with dark hair with blonde streaks

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift is a surgical procedure that repositions and supports the deeper tissues of the face while removing excess skin.

Rather than simply tightening the surface, modern facelift techniques focus on lifting underlying structures to create natural, long-lasting results. In the context of facial feminization and gender-affirming care, a facelift helps soften the lower face, smooth contours, and restore a more youthful and balanced appearance.

Patient Testimonials

Dr. Reitzen is just simply severely competent - not to mention she has impeccable active listening skills coupled with a bed side manner that makes you feel like you’re speak...

Dr. Bastidas is a great Doctor who explained everything to me. He put me at ease about my reconstructive surgery on my face and that I will look like myself. I totally trust him....

Dr. Reitzen is fantastic. She was consistently incredibly respectful and professional from the very first appointment. All my friends want to have their surgeries done with it beca...

Dr. Bastidas is very kind and did a fantastic job with my procedure, as well as my daughter’s procedure. The office is very quick to reply as well! Highly recommend!

Dr. Reitzen was incredible and so kind. I always felt comfortable at our appointments and the surgery was done perfectly. Her and her staff were communicative, responding rapidly t...

I had a very pleasant experience with Dr. Bastidas. Highly recommended!

Dr. Reitzen is extremely knowledgeable & confident in what she does. Her bedside manner is incredible and she made me comfortable throughout my process of getting a rhinoplasty...

Amazinggggg team!! I love Dr Bastidas! He did my FFS surgeries.

Dr. Reitzen is an exceptional doctor, possessing all the qualities one would expect: caring, compassionate, empathetic, thorough, skilled, and knowledgeable, with excellent bedside...

It’s very comfortable and very clean place. the people are incredibly, friendly excellent service. I am very happy to have decided on this specific place and to visit Dr Bast...

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Reitzen and the exceptional care I received. From my very first consultation, she was incredibly attentive, taking the time to listen...

Excellent service and great experience. I am very happy to have decided to visit Dr Bastidas, he is an excellent surgeon. Thank you very much Dr Nicolas Bastidas and nurse Robin!...

Excellent doctor and physician assistants. Amazing results! Highly recommend"

Dr. Bastidas and his staff are amazing. The personal care and attention is unmatched by any doctor or office. Normally you have one or the other where the doctor is nice and staff ...

Why Choose FFSNYC for Facelift Surgery?

FFSNYC offers a multidisciplinary, team-based approach to facial surgery that emphasizes safety, experience, and individualized care. Our team includes board-certified plastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons who collaborate closely on each surgical plan.

Facelift surgery in NYC is as much about preserving identity as it is about lifting tissue. At FFSNYC, facelifts are designed to restore softness and contour without changing your recognizable expression. Our surgeons focus on deeper structural support rather than surface tightening, creating results that look refreshed, not pulled. With more than 400 gender-affirming surgeries performed each year, our team brings extensive expertise in facial anatomy, refined surgical techniques, and advanced planning.

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A Thoughtful and Customized Surgical Approach

Comprehensive Facial Assessment and Planning

Every facelift begins with a detailed evaluation of facial anatomy, skin quality, tissue descent, and overall facial balance. The surgical team assesses how aging has affected the cheeks, jawline, and neck, as well as how these changes interact with other facial features. This planning process ensures the facelift supports both rejuvenation and feminine facial proportions.

Deep Tissue Repositioning for Natural Results

Modern facelift techniques focus on lifting and supporting the deeper layers of the face rather than simply tightening the skin. By repositioning underlying tissues, the surgeon can restore youthful contours while avoiding an overly tight or artificial appearance. This approach helps achieve results that look refreshed rather than surgically altered.

Jawline and Lower Face Refinement

The lower face is often a key area of concern, especially when sagging or jowling affects jawline definition. During facelift surgery, the tissues along the jawline are carefully lifted and smoothed to create cleaner, softer contours. This refinement can be especially meaningful for patients seeking alignment between facial structure and gender expression.

Combining Facelift With Neck Rejuvenation

Facelift surgery is frequently performed in combination with a neck lift to address loose skin, banding, or fullness below the jawline. Treating the face and neck together allows for cohesive results and a smoother transition between facial regions. Your surgical team will recommend whether this combined approach is appropriate based on your goals and anatomy.

Recovery After Facelift Surgery

Recovery from facelift surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure and whether it is combined with other surgeries. Swelling and bruising are most noticeable during the first two weeks and gradually improve. Patients may experience temporary tightness, numbness, or mild discomfort as tissues heal. Most individuals return to light daily activities within two to three weeks, while strenuous activity is limited for a longer period. FFSNYC provides detailed postoperative instructions, scheduled follow-up visits, and direct access to the care team to ensure patients feel supported throughout recovery.

Results and Long-Term Outcomes

Facelift results develop gradually as swelling subsides and tissues settle into their new position. Patients often notice early improvements in facial smoothness and contour, with continued refinement over several months. The goal is a refreshed appearance that maintains natural movement and expression. When performed thoughtfully, facelift surgery can provide long-lasting rejuvenation while preserving the individuality of the face and supporting feminine facial balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a facelift appropriate for younger patients?

A facelift is typically recommended based on facial changes rather than age alone. Some patients benefit earlier, depending on anatomy and goals.

Will a facelift change how my face expresses emotion?

When performed properly, a facelift preserves natural facial movement and expression while restoring smoother contours.

Are facelift scars visible?

Incisions are placed strategically around the ears and hairline to help keep scars discreet. With proper healing, they typically fade over time.

Can a facelift be combined with facial feminization procedures?

Yes. Facelift surgery is often combined with jaw contouring, neck lift, or other facial feminization procedures for balanced results.

Is facelift surgery covered by insurance?

Coverage varies. FFSNYC works with commercial insurance providers and can help determine eligibility when procedures are considered medically necessary.

Schedule Your Consultation for Facelift Surgery in New York City

Learn whether facelift surgery is right for your facial feminization or rejuvenation goals with a personalized consultation focused on safety, balance, and long-term results.

Patients considering facelift surgery in NYC are encouraged to connect with FFSNYC to discuss individualized planning, expert care, and affirming support designed to restore confidence and natural facial harmony.