Facelift — SMAS & Deep Plane Techniques

City Facial Plastics offers a full spectrum of facelift approaches — from minimally invasive mini facelift to full ligamentous release deep plane surgery — performed by Dr. Gary Linkov in a NYC surgical facility. Techniques include skin-only lift, SMAS plication, SMASectomy, SMAS flap, and the JetLyft protocol that pairs deep plane surgery with post-operative JetPeel lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling and accelerate recovery. Male facelift, midface lift, revision facelift, neck lift, and non-surgical facelift options are all available.

The facelift programme at City Facial Plastics in Manhattan is built around surgical precision and personalised technique selection. Dr. Gary Linkov's double board certification in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology informs an approach where anatomy is assessed individually rather than applying a single technique across all patients. The practice offers the full continuum of facelift surgery. Skin-only lifts address mild laxity with limited downtime. SMAS plication and SMASectomy provide deeper correction of the facial support layer that underlies the skin, producing more durable results. The SMAS flap technique repositions the underlying musculoaponeurotic system. For patients seeking comprehensive rejuvenation, full ligamentous release — also termed deep plane facelift — directly releases the retaining ligaments of the face and repositions soft tissue at its natural anatomical plane, producing a natural, non-pulled appearance that can last a decade or more. The JetLyft protocol combines deep plane facelift with a series of post-operative JetPeel sessions targeting lymphatic drainage. This reduces post-surgical oedema and bruising, shortening the visible recovery window relative to surgery alone. Subtype procedures include mini facelift for early-stage laxity, male-specific facelift (accounting for beard pattern, hairline, and skin thickness differences), midface lift targeting cheek and nasolabial descent, revision facelift for patients with prior surgeries, and neck lift as a standalone or combined procedure. Non-surgical facelift options using injectables are also available for patients not yet ready for surgery. Surgery is performed under deep IV sedation in an accredited New York City surgical facility. Recovery involves one to two weeks before returning to normal activity; full aesthetic results are visible at three months and continue to refine over the following months. Pricing varies by technique, combination of procedures, anesthesia duration, and facility fees, and is provided individually following consultation at the East 56th Street Midtown office.