Is a Facelift Painful?

You will be administered “twilight” anesthesia during facelift surgery from a board-certified anesthesiologist to ensure your comfort during the procedure. While individual experiences vary, some minor discomfort following surgery is normal. You will be prescribed pain medication to help manage any discomfort, and you will be in close and regular contact with our team to answer any questions following your surgery.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin take a hands-on, concierge approach to your recovery. You will return to the practice to remove your dressings the day after surgery and then a week later to monitor recovery, remove sutures, and have your lymphatic massage to help promote healing. You will be seen throughout your recovery process, then need to follow up one month after surgery and usually every three to six months for the first year after your surgery to monitor your healing and satisfaction with the results. As part of your follow-up treatment, Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin also apply a unique LED light therapy to decrease bruising and redness and stimulate collagen.

How Long Until I See Results?

Every patient heals differently, but may see visible changes soon after surgery. While initial recovery takes a few weeks, most patients will require about six months to a year to see more complete facelift results. To achieve optimal results, follow our post-operative instructions and attend your recommended check-ups with your surgeon.

What Will the Scarring Look Like?

Surgical technique, patient factors, aftercare, and time will determine how the scars heal. It is important to understand that facelift scars will fade with time, but might always be visible, even if very faded. Eventually, they will go from being red and more noticeable to matching your skin tone. Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin will provide a scar regimen that includes silicone scar gel and Dr. Copeland’s specially formulated Pigment Formula, which are essential in helping scars heal optimally. The type of facelift you choose will affect the scarring. Most experienced surgeons hide incisions in areas such as the hairline, under the chin, inside the mouth, or behind the ear canal to ensure minimal scarring.

When Can I Exercise Again After My Facelift?

While you will have to take it easy initially following surgery, patients are encouraged to take gentle walks after the first few days. Light cardio and exercise can be resumed four weeks after surgery, and many patients can resume their normal exercise at six weeks. All timelines should be checked with your surgeon.

Can I Combine a Facelift With Other Procedures?

Yes, indeed! Our facelift patients have considered combining their facelifts with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as rhinoplasty (nose job), neck lift , eyelid surgery , or brow lift . We recommend you discuss these interests with your surgeon at your initial consultation so she can include them in your surgical plan.

What Are the Risks Associated with a Facelift?

While Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin take every precaution to minimize risks, a facelift has potential risks associated with it that patients need to be aware of. Some are listed below: Anesthesia risks Bleeding Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications Facial nerve injury with weakness Fluid accumulation Infection Hair loss Hematoma Skin irregularity Numbness or other changes in skin sensation Persistent pain Scarring While many of these side effects should heal on their own over time, please be sure to contact our office immediately if you are experiencing any long-lasting or unexpected reactions so we may help.

How Do I Find the Best New York City Facelift Plastic Surgeon Near Me?

Choosing to undergo any procedure is a partnership between you and your doctor, and it is essential that you feel comfortable with your doctor and their team. We recommend you research the best craniofacial plastic surgeons in the New York City Area, ensuring their qualifications, board certifications, and practical experience align with your expectations. You should also read past patient reviews to see what the surgeon’s patient interactions have been. Finally, we recommend that patients schedule an in-person consultation to see the surgeon’s before and after photos to get a sense of aesthetics and help them visualize the procedure. It is also an opportunity to ask questions and see the surgeon’s bedside manner, which can help you feel comfortable before scheduling surgery.

What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

The deep plane facelift technique is a surgical technique (also known as the deep plane facelift procedure or deep plane facelift surgery) that repositions the deeper layers of facial tissue beneath the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) for more dramatic rejuvenation. Ideal for patients with significant facial sagging or volume loss, deep plane facelifts provide a more dramatic look without the overly tight appearance. Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin take an individualized approach to patient care and will discuss the pros and cons of different treatment options for facial rejuvenation with you during your consultation.

Facelift

New York, NY

Introduction to Facelift

With time, the stresses of life, and just pure gravity, our faces fall lower on our bone structure. This is why the cosmetic procedure of a facelift has been one of our most popular plastic surgeries. This procedure aims to tighten the skin and eliminate wrinkles and fine lines by literally “lifting” the face back onto our skeletal framework. The skin and underlying tissues are lifted by recontouring the upper and lower face and the neck to give a more youthful appearance. With modern advances, so many options are available now to target the visible signs of the face and neck, from mini-facelifts that just target the lower face to full facelifts for longer-lasting results.

Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin offer advanced facelift techniques, including the mini facelift procedure, which is minimally invasive and provides natural-looking results. Our approach is to minimize scarring and recovery time. A mini facelift may require a recovery time of only one to three weeks, while recovery following a formal facelift can be longer.

The practice of Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin offers these various types of facelifts in New York City. This procedure can be performed in our fully accredited ambulatory surgery suite while you are under twilight anesthesia administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist.

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What is a Facelift?

Most patients seeking a facelift want to reverse the loss of volume and muscle tone and eliminate wrinkles and fine lines to improve their facial appearance, but still look like themselves.

The facial rejuvenation process is designed to restore youthful balance and structure by lifting and supporting facial tissues, addressing signs of aging for a more harmonious look. Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin may also use your own fat to help recontour and rejuvenate the face with a technique known as autologous (meaning “your own”) fat transfer.

Given the various types of facelifts available, Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin evaluate each patient to help them navigate the differences and select the most appropriate procedure to help them meet their goals, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right facelift technique for optimal results.

What Sets Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin Apart as the Premier Facelift Practice in New York City?

With decades of combined experience and thousands of facial procedures performed, Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin are leaders in facial plastic surgery, renowned facelift surgeons, and top facial rejuvenation surgeons known for their advanced, natural-looking facelift techniques. Their practice is rooted in compassionate care, artistic precision, and a deep understanding of facial anatomy. Patients consistently praise their attention to detail and natural-looking results that restore youthful vibrancy without the “overdone” appearance.
Their practice combines the legacy of innovation with state-of-the-art techniques, and they are recognized as top facelift plastic surgeons, balancing modern surgical precision with personalized, concierge-level care. This makes their practice one of the most sought-after destinations for facelifts in New York City.
Dr. Michelle Copeland is a highly experienced facial rejuvenation surgeon, known for delivering advanced procedures with natural-looking results and minimal downtime. Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin has also been recognized for her research and innovation in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
Dr. Michelle Copeland earned both her Doctor of Dental Medicine and Doctor of Medicine degrees from Harvard University, making her the first woman plastic surgeon with a dual doctorate from this prestigious institution and giving her a unique breadth of knowledge regarding facial anatomy. Dr. Copeland-Halperin earned her medical degree from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, followed by rigorous residency training in both general surgery and plastic surgery, as well as advanced training in reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Michelle Copeland is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin is Ivy League-trained and double board-certified, reflecting her extensive training and dedication to ongoing professional development.

Types of Facelifts We Provide

Mini-Facelift or Lower Facelift

Mini-facelift surgery recontours the lower face from cheek to chin, addressing loose skin in the lower face. Skin and underlying tissue are lifted to eliminate jowls and effectively redefine the cheekbones. Shorter scars and quicker recovery make this procedure very appealing. The best candidates for the mini-lift are those who are unhappy with the contour of their lower face and neck.

Full Facelift

This procedure involves elevating and repositioning the layers of your face beneath the skin and tightening the skin, as well as improving the appearance of neck skin for a more youthful contour. The final result looks more natural than the older “plastic tight” or “wind-blown” looking facelifts. This is a facelift chosen by someone looking for a bigger change than a mini-facelift.

Liquid Facelift

Advanced techniques gently lift and contour facial features without surgery and little downtime. Fillers such as Juvederm, Voluma, Volbella, Radiesse, Sculptra, and even your own fat can lift your skin and recontour your face, restoring a more youthful appearance. Lips that are thin with aging can be made plumper and more kissable, and fine lines around the lips can be reduced. Other minimally invasive procedures, such as laser skin resurfacing and endoscopic brow lift, can also be combined with a liquid facelift to enhance facial rejuvenation further and achieve a refreshed appearance.

In addition to dermal fillers, a liquid facelift may include Thermage® or microRF microneedling, non-invasive treatments that use radiofrequency technology to tighten skin, renew facial contours, and stimulate your body to make healthier collagen. This building block provides structure to your skin. Thermage and microRF provide immediate results that continue to improve over time.

What Are the Benefits Of A Facelift?

Facial surgery, such as a facelift, offers a range of benefits for those seeking to rejuvenate their appearance.

Our patients have reported the following benefits following the above types of facelifts:

Boost in self-confidence
Lifted cheekbones
More defined jawline
Overall tightening of sagging skin
Reduced wrinkles
Reduced or eliminated deep creases
Reduced appearance of neckbands
Creates a vibrant, youthful appearance and facial harmony

Who Are the Best Candidates For A Facelift?

The best candidates for a facelift are those who have some of the following characteristics:

Be at their target weight
Committed to good skincare
Dissatisfied with their facial anatomy
Have signs of facial aging (i.e., deep wrinkles, jowls, double chin, neck, and excess skin)
Have a positive attitude
Maintain realistic expectations
No serious underlying medical conditions
Non-smoker and committed to staying so

Your facelift journey

What’s the First Step?

The first step in getting a facelift is to schedule a consultation. It is important to have a personal consultation to discuss your goals, examine your face, and develop a customized surgical plan tailored to your needs. On the day of your appointment, you and the doctor will evaluate your unique needs, cosmetic goals, and your unique facial anatomy. They will physically examine your unique facial features, including skin quality, skin laxity, soft tissue, sagging jowls, cheeks, and neck muscles.

They will also explain the various types of facelifts, including the pros and cons of each method. You and the doctor will discuss a surgical strategy to address your concerns while preserving the face’s innate harmony to provide a beautiful, natural-looking result.

If you both decide to proceed with surgery, you will receive a detailed surgical quote for review. Our Patient Coordinator will help schedule your surgical date, and our Nurse will provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including possibly stopping certain medications in the days leading up to the procedure, avoiding sun exposure, and keeping up a thorough skincare routine pre-and post-surgery.

What to Expect on the Day of Facelift Surgery

On the day of your facelift procedure at the practice of Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin, you will be received by your staff-doctored surgical team, including our board-certified anesthesiologist. You will settle in our state-of-the-art surgical suite, and we will review your surgical plan in case you have further questions. It is important to us that our patients are fully at ease before going into surgery.

Finally, a board-certified anesthesiologist will administer “twilight anesthesia,” which provides complete comfort while enabling patients to wake up quickly, with less risk of side effects.

Once you are sedated, your surgeon will place incisions to minimize scarring and then reposition the elements of your facial anatomy. Once your aesthetic goals are met, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures to create minimal scarring.

After your surgery, a compression dressing will be gently applied to protect the incisions and prevent fluid from collecting.

How Do I Prepare for My Facelift?

Preparation begins weeks before surgery. Here’s how to set yourself up for a safe, smooth procedure and recovery:

Medical Clearance: Depending on your age and health status, pre-operative lab work or clearance from your primary care physician may be required.
Stop Smoking: Avoid nicotine products at least four weeks before and after surgery to ensure proper healing.
Medications: You may be asked to pause blood-thinning medications, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain supplements like fish oil or vitamin E.
Skin Prep: Healthy skin helps to optimize your surgical results and healing, which is one of the reasons Dr. Copeland was one of the first women plastic surgeons to develop her own skin care line using her background in biochemistry. Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin take a holistic approach to patient care and will recommend a customized skin care program for you, as needed, to improve skin texture and hydration.
Support System: Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery and help you during the first 24–48 hours post-op. Our office will also arrange a private nurse to stay with you following surgery.

Our nursing staff will provide you with detailed instructions and a checklist during your pre-operative appointment.

What to Expect
on the Day of Facelift Surgery

On the day of your facelift procedure at the practice of Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin, you will be greeted by your staffed surgical team, including our board-certified anesthesiologist. You will settle into our private and discreet state-of-the-art surgical suite, and we will review your surgical plan if you have any further questions. It is important to us that our patients are fully at ease before going into surgery.

Finally, a board-certified anesthesiologist will administer “twilight anesthesia,” which provides complete comfort while enabling patients to wake up quickly, with less risk of side effects.

After your surgery, a compression dressing will be gently applied to protect the incisions and prevent fluid from collecting.

Your guide to post-facelift care

Facelift Recovery

After your facelift surgery, it is vital to keep your bandages dry and in place until they are due to be removed during your first follow-up appointment. Cleaning and aftercare instructions will be provided, along with a timeline of what to expect as you heal.

Generally speaking, mini-facelifts require two to four weeks for initial healing, while full facelifts require four to six weeks, though final results take longer. Following proper aftercare instructions and managing expectations is essential to help achieve your goal results!

Your first post-operative visit will be scheduled for the day after surgery to meet with your doctor and monitor your progress. You will return for follow-up 5-7 days after surgery. Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin incorporate lymphatic massage during recovery to help promote a speedy recovery with minimal downtime. Our lymphatic massages are administered by licensed massage therapists who have specialized training in specific lymphatic drainage therapy techniques for post-operative patients. This lymphatic massage is included in the cost of the surgical plan.

Managing Pain and Discomfort

After undergoing a facelift procedure, it is normal for patients to experience some degree of pain, swelling, and discomfort as the facial tissues begin to heal. Most patients find that these symptoms are manageable with prescribed pain medications and simple comfort measures, such as applying ice packs and keeping the head elevated to reduce swelling. Following your plastic surgeon’s postoperative instructions is essential for minimizing discomfort and ensuring a smooth recovery period.

While the initial days after surgery may require extra rest and care, most patients are able to resume light activities within a few weeks. It is important to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting during this time to allow the facial tissues to heal properly and to achieve the best possible results. Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments with your facial plastic surgeon will help monitor your progress and address any questions that may arise.

A facelift consultation prior to surgery is an excellent opportunity to discuss your expectations for recovery, learn about pain management strategies, and understand the typical healing timeline. With attentive care and guidance from your surgical team, you can look forward to a comfortable recovery and enjoy the rejuvenating benefits of your facelift procedure.

7 Tips for Recovery

Recovering from a facelift is a process—here are seven key tips to ensure smooth healing:

Sleep with your head elevated for the first 1–2 weeks to reduce swelling.
Use cold compresses for the first 48 hours to minimize bruising.
Take short, gentle walks to support circulation.
Avoid strenuous activity for at least 4–6 weeks, or until cleared by your surgeon.
Stay hydrated and eat nutrient-rich foods to support healing.
Avoid smoking and alcohol during the recovery period, as they delay healing and increase the risk of wound healing problems.
Attend all scheduled follow-ups to ensure you’re healing properly and to address any questions.

Please remember that healing is a gradual process. Some swelling, numbness, or tightness is expected in the early weeks. Final results can take several months to fully reveal themselves.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost In New York City, NY?

The cost of a facelift is widely determined by the type of facelift you receive, the complexity of your case, the surgeon’s and anesthesiologist’s fees, and operating room fees. The best way to find out how much it will cost you is to come for a consultation to discuss your options and receive a personalized surgical quote. You may also discuss financing options from resources such as CareCredit and PatientFi at your consultation.

Why Choose Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin?

Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin bring a wealth of medical accomplishments and expertise and are known for their empathy and kindness towards their patients and holistic approach to patient care. Dr. Michelle Copeland is the first woman plastic surgeon with a Harvard doctorate in Medicine and Dentistry and is a published author. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and an attending surgeon at the Mount Sinai Medical Center.

Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin joined Dr. Copeland in one of the nation’s few mother-daughter plastic surgery practices. She is double board-certified in general surgery and plastic surgery and completed advanced training in microsurgery at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital with a focus on breast surgery. She brings a humanistic dimension to plastic surgery and enjoys helping patients achieve their cosmetic, aesthetic, and reconstructive goals through a combination of surgical and non-surgical techniques. Both doctors work with an international clientele, drawing patients from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Whether it’s a virtual consultation or in-person, they will answer all of your questions, including options, costs, recovery, and all aspects of treatment for surgical procedures and non-surgical treatments like BOTOX®, Kybella®, fillers, and other non-invasive techniques.

What Our Patients Are Saying

“I Have Gotten Rave Reviews!”

The outcome was truly spectacular. It has been 7 weeks since my facelift, and I have gotten rave reviews from everyone. It is so natural, that my friends (whom I did not tell beforehand) kept asking why I looked so refreshed, and younger. I just told them I have a new hairdo and Lost weight. The entire team, from the receptionist, the nurse manager, the anesthesiologist, and of course Dr. Copeland, were highly professional, accommodating, and sensitive.

The office has a very relaxed vibe, and the personnel is the same. I would highly recommend Dr, Copeland and her surgical team. Have already booked my second procedure and I am confident that the results will be just as wonderful.

“I Am So Happy”

I am so happy with the results Dr. Copeland gave me. When I look in the mirror, I am seeing exactly the person I want to see. Dr. Copeland was very thorough and everything went exactly as she said it would. I received great care from Dr. Copeland and her staff and my only regret is that I didn’t have this procedure a few years ago.

“ I love the way I look”

Thank you so much for the natural results you gave me. You really are an artist. Everyone is saying how well I look, but they can’t tell what I have had done. The few people who do know have said how wonderful I look. No one gets up on the bus to give me a seat anymore—which is okay. Even my husband has said how pleased he is.

I love the way I look. I look how I want to see myself when I look in the mirror. Before the surgery, it was so depressing. I didn’t recognize myself when I looked in the mirror. Who is this person I would ask. Now I look and feel so much better. Thank you. It’s everything I wanted. It has changed my life, really.

Facelift FAQ’s

You will be administered “twilight” anesthesia during facelift surgery from a board-certified anesthesiologist to ensure your comfort during the procedure.

While individual experiences vary, some minor discomfort following surgery is normal. You will be prescribed pain medication to help manage any discomfort, and you will be in close and regular contact with our team to answer any questions following your surgery.
Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin take a hands-on, concierge approach to your recovery. You will return to the practice to remove your dressings the day after surgery and then a week later to monitor recovery, remove sutures, and have your lymphatic massage to help promote healing. You will be seen throughout your recovery process, then need to follow up one month after surgery and usually every three to six months for the first year after your surgery to monitor your healing and satisfaction with the results. As part of your follow-up treatment, Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin also apply a unique LED light therapy to decrease bruising and redness and stimulate collagen.
Surgical technique, patient factors, aftercare, and time will determine how the scars heal. It is important to understand that facelift scars will fade with time, but might always be visible, even if very faded. Eventually, they will go from being red and more noticeable to matching your skin tone. Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin will provide a scar regimen that includes silicone scar gel and Dr. Copeland’s specially formulated Pigment Formula, which are essential in helping scars heal optimally.

The type of facelift you choose will affect the scarring. Most experienced surgeons hide incisions in areas such as the hairline, under the chin, inside the mouth, or behind the ear canal to ensure minimal scarring.
While Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin take every precaution to minimize risks, a facelift has potential risks associated with it that patients need to be aware of. Some are listed below:
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Facial nerve injury with weakness
- Fluid accumulation
- Infection
- Hair loss
- Hematoma
- Skin irregularity
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Persistent pain
- Scarring
While many of these side effects should heal on their own over time, please be sure to contact our office immediately if you are experiencing any long-lasting or unexpected reactions so we may help.
Choosing to undergo any procedure is a partnership between you and your doctor, and it is essential that you feel comfortable with your doctor and their team. We recommend you research the best craniofacial plastic surgeons in the New York City Area, ensuring their qualifications, board certifications, and practical experience align with your expectations. You should also read past patient reviews to see what the surgeon’s patient interactions have been.

Finally, we recommend that patients schedule an in-person consultation to see the surgeon’s before and after photos to get a sense of aesthetics and help them visualize the procedure. It is also an opportunity to ask questions and see the surgeon’s bedside manner, which can help you feel comfortable before scheduling surgery.
The deep plane facelift technique is a surgical technique (also known as the deep plane facelift procedure or deep plane facelift surgery) that repositions the deeper layers of facial tissue beneath the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) for more dramatic rejuvenation. Ideal for patients with significant facial sagging or volume loss, deep plane facelifts provide a more dramatic look without the overly tight appearance. Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin take an individualized approach to patient care and will discuss the pros and cons of different treatment options for facial rejuvenation with you during your consultation.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are looking to turn back the hands of time on your face, consider learning more about a facelift with Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin. To schedule your initial consultation, please contact our office or fill out a consultation request form.