Facelift Surgery in Melville, NY

Achieve natural-looking facial rejuvenation with facelift surgery by Dr. John Layliev

Facelift surgery at Layliev Plastic Surgery in Melville is for patients who still feel young but don’t quite see it in the mirror. If sagging skin, jowls, or deep lines have changed the way you look or feel, a facelift can help restore definition and bring your features back into balance.

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that lifts and tightens the deeper tissues of the face, removes excess skin, and repositions underlying structures to create a more youthful profile. This procedure helps Melville patients reduce visible signs of aging in the lower face and neck.

We offer two primary options:

  • Traditional facelift: Addresses significant sagging in the cheeks, jowls, jawline, and neck.
  • Mini facelift: A lighter version designed for patients with early skin laxity. It involves smaller incisions and a shorter recovery. Learn more about the mini facelift in Melville, NY

Each procedure is customized to suit your facial anatomy and goals, with careful attention to incision placement, tissue repositioning, and long-term results.

Common Facelift Approaches and Techniques

Facelift surgery in Long Island can be performed using different techniques that address specific layers of facial tissue and varying degrees of skin and tissue laxity. Understanding the differences between these approaches can help you better understand your options and what each technique is designed to address.

  • Traditional Facelift: A traditional facelift addresses more extensive signs of aging across the lower face and may include the cheeks, jowls, jawline, and neck. The procedure can involve repositioning deeper facial tissues and removing excess skin to improve overall facial contour.
  • SMAS Facelift: The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) is a supportive layer beneath the skin of the face. A SMAS facelift addresses this deeper tissue layer in addition to the skin, helping improve sagging and restore definition to the lower face.
  • Deep Plane Facelift: A deep plane facelift works beneath the SMAS layer and releases and repositions deeper facial tissues as a connected unit. This approach can address changes in the midface, cheeks, lower face, and jawline.
  • Preservation Facelift: A preservation facelift focuses on maintaining certain natural tissue planes and facial structures while repositioning tissues affected by facial aging. The specific technique varies according to the patient’s anatomy and surgical goals.
  • Endoscopic Facelift: An endoscopic approach uses small incisions and an endoscope to access deeper facial tissues. This technique is generally associated with selected areas of facial rejuvenation rather than the comprehensive correction typically associated with a traditional facelift.
  • Ponytail Facelift: “Ponytail facelift” is a term used to describe facelift techniques involving smaller or strategically positioned incisions and a more limited approach to facial rejuvenation. It is not a standardized surgical technique, and the exact procedure can vary between surgeons.
  • Mini Facelift: A mini facelift is a more limited facelift approach that generally focuses on early to moderate sagging of the lower face, including the jowls and jawline. It typically involves shorter incisions and less extensive surgical correction than a traditional facelift.

Facelift vs. Mini Facelift

The main difference between a facelift and mini facelift is the extent of correction. A facelift provides more comprehensive treatment for moderate to advanced facial aging, including sagging of the cheeks, jowls, jawline, and neck. A mini facelift offers a more limited approach for patients with earlier signs of aging, typically focusing on mild to moderate laxity in the lower face and jawline.

Dr. John Layliev will assess your facial anatomy, tissue laxity, and aesthetic goals to determine which approach is appropriate for you.

What Areas Can Facelift Surgery Treat?

Facelift surgery in Long Island addresses visible signs of aging caused by sagging skin and changes in the underlying facial tissues. Depending on your anatomy and treatment goals, facelift surgery may improve several areas of the lower face and neck, including:

  • Cheeks: Repositions sagging cheek tissues and addresses loss of definition in the mid-to-lower face.
  • Jowls: Reduces the appearance of sagging along the lower cheeks and restores a more defined transition between the face and jawline.
  • Jawline: Improves laxity and excess tissue along the jawline to create greater definition and contour.
  • Lower Face: Addresses loose skin, tissue descent, and folds that can make the lower face appear heavier or less defined.
  • Neck: Improves loose skin and sagging tissues beneath the chin and along the neck when included as part of the facelift plan.

Facelift surgery may also improve the appearance of deep facial folds and wrinkles associated with tissue descent. Your treatment plan is tailored to the areas affected by facial aging and the degree of correction needed.

Who Is a Candidate for Facelift Surgery?

We evaluate facelift candidates in Melville based on their health, aesthetic goals, and skin condition. You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Have sagging skin, jowls, or loss of definition along the jawline
  • Are in good overall health without conditions that could affect healing
  • Are a non-smoker or can temporarily stop smoking before and after surgery
  • Have realistic expectations about outcomes and recovery
  • Have not undergone recent facial procedures that would interfere with healing

During your consultation, we’ll also review your photos from earlier decades to assess facial volume loss and aging patterns. This helps us determine whether fat grafting, upper eyelid surgery, or lower eyelid surgery may be appropriate as part of your treatment plan.

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What Happens During the Facelift Procedure?

Facelift surgery is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on your needs and preferences. Once the area is prepped and the incision lines are carefully marked, the procedure begins. Incisions are typically placed around the hairline, in front of or behind the ears, and sometimes under the chin.

Through these incisions, the deeper tissue layer known as the SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) is lifted and tightened to improve facial structure and definition. This foundational work allows the overlying skin to be redraped without tension. Any loose or excess skin is then trimmed away, and the incisions are closed using sutures or surgical adhesive. Finally, bandages are applied to protect the area and support early healing.

The full procedure typically takes two to four hours. For those seeking a less extensive option, our mini facelift in Melville, NY, utilizes smaller incisions and targets early facial sagging, resulting in a faster recovery.

A black and white portrait of a woman with clear skin and a relaxed, youthful face results of facelift surgery.

Facelift Recovery and What to Expect After Surgery

Facelift recovery in Melville, NY follows a steady, manageable timeline. Most patients can expect:

  • First week: Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are normal. Keep the head elevated and follow aftercare instructions.
  • Second week: Many patients feel comfortable returning to work or social events.
  • Weeks four to six: Most swelling subsides, and normal activities—including exercise—can resume.
  • Three to six months: Subtle refinements continue to develop as tissues settle into place.

Facelift Before and After Gallery

You can view real patient outcomes by exploring our facelift before-and-after gallery.

Facelift results Long Island
Facelift results Long Island

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Benefits of Facelift Surgery

Facelift surgery addresses sagging skin, deep folds, and soft tissue laxity in the lower face and neck. It lifts and repositions facial structures for smoother contours and better definition. The procedure offers long-term results and is ideal for patients seeking a noticeable improvement in facial shape and firmness through surgical means.

Facelift Cost in Melville, NY

Facelift pricing depends on several factors, including the type of facelift, anesthesia, and procedure complexity. We provide a full breakdown of costs during your consultation so you understand exactly what to expect. Every quote is customized based on your treatment plan. Flexible financing options are also available to accommodate a range of budgets.

Why Choose Layliev Plastic Surgery for Facelift Surgery

Layliev Plastic Surgery is a destination for patients seeking personalized care, natural-looking results, and the expertise of experienced surgeons. Our practice is led by Dr. John Layliev, a double board-certified plastic surgeon trained at Cornell, NYU, and Vanderbilt. He has been nationally recognized by Newsweek, Super Doctors, and NAOPS for excellence in facial surgery.

What sets us apart:

  • A focus on safety, precision, and patient satisfaction
  • Accredited surgical facilities for privacy and comfort
  • Hundreds of successful facelift surgeries performed locally and for out-of-town patients
  • Support for travelers, including guidance on accommodations, dining, and recovery planning

Many patients come to us from across the U.S. for facelift surgery in Melville. If you’re traveling, our team is here to help you prepare and recover with confidence.

Facelift FAQs

Drains are sometimes used depending on the extent of your procedure, but not always. If placed, they’re typically removed within the first few days. We’ll explain the post-op plan during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.
You can usually begin wearing makeup again after about two weeks, once incisions have healed and most of the bruising has resolved. Medical-grade skincare products may be recommended during the initial healing period to protect the skin.
There’s no single “right” age. Some patients opt for surgery in their 40s to address early sagging, while others wait until their 50s or 60s. The decision depends on your skin quality, goals, and how you’re aging—not your birthdate.
Incisions are placed in natural creases around the ears and hairline, resulting in discreet scars once healed. With proper care, most scars fade significantly over time and become barely visible.
Preparation includes stopping certain medications or supplements, arranging transportation, and avoiding nicotine and alcohol as advised. We’ll provide a detailed pre-operative checklist, including lab work and clearance if necessary, so you’re fully prepared and safe for surgery.

Schedule Your Facelift Consultation

If facial aging has changed how you feel in your own skin, facelift surgery at Layliev Plastic Surgery in Melville, NY can help you reclaim your confidence. Whether you’re local or traveling in, our team is here to support you from consultation through recovery. 

Schedule your private consultation today and take the next step toward lasting facial rejuvenation.

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  • “Highly recommend this surgeon and office”

    35 year old mother of 3 in need of a pick me up. I couldn’t stand the way my lower face was looking. I had a baby jowl and a marionette line forming. Dr Layliev made those insecurities a thing of the past. He used a blunt cannula and two syringe of vollure. The procedure was virtual painless and took a total of 15 minutes. Why did I wait so long to see someone is beyond me. I love the way my face looks! I am so thankful to Dr. Layliev and his staff for giving this tired mom a refreshed look!
    Highly recommend this surgeon and office

    – C.K.

  • “A brand new me!”

    Dear Dr. Layliev and staff,

    I want to thank you and your wonderful staff helping me through my procedure and making my first ever experience with plastic surgery so incredible. From the first consult, you and Cherie made me feel so comfortable and confident in my decision to have surgery. Michelle for taking such great care of me in recover and April for being so compassionate to wash my hair after the surgery.

    There aren’t words to express how grateful I am for your expertise, attention to detail, and perfection in my surgery. With each passing day, I’m more and more elated and overjoyed with my new look! My face and neck look so refreshed, and the best part is that I still look like me! You beautifully erased a decade of embarrassment and discomfort for which I am truly grateful. With the abundance of before and after pictures it truly shows what an amazing difference you have created for me.

    I want to thank you once more for what feels like a brand new me! You are such a wonderful person and an extremely talented physician. You have my highest recommendation for any new patient.

    – Sincere2705

  • “I would highly recommend Dr John Layliev and his staff”

    From the consultation, to surgery, to the post operative experience, it was seem less. What really stands out to me besides the fantastic results is how genuine Dr.Layliev is. I was so nervous prior to surgery I felt physically ill. Dr. Layliev stayed with me and held my hand until I drifted off to sleep. When I woke up he was right there reassuring me that everything went as planned. He is so much more then I gift surgeon, he is a down to earth nice guy that really cares about his patients! I would highly recommend Dr John Layliev and his staff.

    – PattyFever

  • “Results were perfect”

    Very professional, I felt very comfortable. Results were perfect

  • “Dr. Layliev is a one of a kind!”

    Dr. Layliev is a one of a kind! I had been on many other consults and when I spoke with Dr Layliev I immediately knew he was the surgeon for me. I never felt rush at any time during my consult. All of the staff in the office were amazing. The results of surgery were more then I could have ever imagined. He gave me something I haven’t had in years, confidence! The only thing I think about now is why I didn’t have surgery sooner. I have my confidence back this procedure has changed my life!

Layliev Plastic Surgery | Dual Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Melville, NY

Discover personalized, natural results with Dr. Layliev—Long Island’s trusted specialist for Mommy Makeovers, Tummy Tucks, Breast Reductions, and Facelifts. Our Melville office provides advanced cosmetic surgery options designed to help you look and feel your best.

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