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7 Facts About Facelifts for Men in New York

February 15, 2025

Facelifts have long been associated with rejuvenation, but in the past, they were generally regarded as an option for women more than men. The perception of facial aesthetics has changed significantly, however, with men now fully recognizing the benefits of achieving a revitalized but natural look. Facelifts for men have become much more common, especially in a competitive, dynamic city like New York. At board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Barry Weintraub’s Fifth Avenue office, male facelifting comprises almost half of Dr. Weintraub’s facial-rejuvenation practice.

Cornell-educated and with over 30-years’ experience serving New York City and international patients, Dr. Weintraub is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This blog explains facial plastic surgery for men, outlining the benefits and the recovery processes, ultimately illustrating why Dr. Weintraub is regarded as one of the most renowned facelift surgeons not just locally but globally. Continue reading to learn more, and feel free to call (212) 737-7500 to schedule your consultation.

What is Facelift Surgery?

Facelift surgery is a long-term solution to correct the aging of the face, focusing on improvement of the following conditions:

• Baggy eyes
• Sagging midfaces/cheeks
• Wrinkles
• Nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines
• Drooping noses
• Jowls
• Double chins
• Turkey necks

All of the above elements contribute to looking older. Yet every individual has a different combination of these physical elements and a different degree of aging caused by each, which is why it’s important to carefully evaluate patients and to create a specific treatment plan.

What is the “W Effect”?

The “W Effect” occurs when the jowls hang below the jawline to create a “W” shape seen in profile view. The anatomical reason for this occurrence is that sagging skin and facial fat descend downward, but the mandibular ligament stays strongly in place, creating the middle angle of the “W” that remains unaffected by gravity.

Watch Dr. Weintraub explain the “W Effect” below.

Dr. Weintraub addresses this concern by not only removing excess fat and skin, but also by releasing the mandibular ligaments that sit on either side of the jaw so that all anatomical structures can be resuspended above the jawline, securing a more youthful position of the skin and deeper supportive structures. Rather than being adept at only one facelift technique, Dr. Weintraub employs a combination of Deep Plane, SMAS, and subcutaneous methods to create the most natural-looking and long-lasting results. Each different approach addresses different issues. For example, the Deep Plane addresses the problematic area of the jowls and marionette lines, while the SMAS approach helps restore the neck to masculine sharpness, and the subcutaneous approach addresses the sagging midface.

Dr. Weintraub often focuses on other facial-rejuvenation options for male patients during facelift procedures. To address an individual’s specific needs, a comprehensive consultation must first take place in an unrushed manner to determine the areas of concern. Sometimes patients will incorporate an eyelid lift, rhinoplasty/tip lift, buccal-fat removal, chin implant, neck lift, fat transplantation and full-face laser as complementary procedures.

Particularly noteworthy is the youthful effect of a subtle rhinoplasty performed in conjunction with a facelift. Many male facelift patients seek to correct a droopy and bulbous nasal tip that might plunge upon smiling. (The female counterpart to this is a thick nasal tip that becomes unfeminine over time.) As well, eyelid surgery is commonly performed in concert with facelift surgery since the skin around the eyes is extremely thin and therefore manifests an aged look more quickly than other areas of the face.

Dr. Weintraub’s facelift patients enjoy the comfort of having surgery at his QUAD A accredited surgical facility. Licensed and inspected, the experience is extremely private, unhurried, and safe.

What Does a Consultation Entail?

Dr. Weintraub will not tell a patient, “You need this.” In his words, elective plastic surgery “is a want – not a need.” This means that Dr. Weintraub carefully listens to your thoughts about what you, yourself, want improved. While you are looking in a mirror, he will ask you to point to the areas that bother you and will then explain in detail the available procedures to improve these areas. Often, a tour of the surgical facility is given to patients wishing to see where surgery will occur. Before-and-after photos are reviewed, and all questions are answered in an unhurried manner. In addition, patients meet with Dr. Weintraub’s experienced staff to further their knowledge about the logistics of surgery. After the consultation, patients are encouraged to reach out with any residual questions.

What Are the Next Steps After Deciding You Want Surgery?

As soon as you’ve decided you’re ready to move forward, Dr. Weintraub’s skilled staff will help you with every aspect of the process, from advising you about medical clearance to assisting you with all preoperative paperwork. By the time your surgical date arrives, you will be extremely well prepared and confident in the knowledge that you will receive not only the result you desire, but personalized and extensive care at every step.

What Is the Recovery Time for a Facelift?

No two surgeons perform surgery the same, which means that recovery times vary from surgeon to surgeon. Because Dr. Weintraub utilizes technology rather than a scalpel when making incisions, the operating field is nearly bloodless. Being that bruising is simply blood under the skin, Dr. Weintraub’s patients experience very little bruising along with minimal swelling. Moreover, because Dr. Weintraub does not rush surgery, damage to tissues is kept at a minimum, which translates into a quicker recovery. To help speed the process even further, Dr. Weintraub has on staff a Medical Aesthetician who performs LDM (lymphatic-drainage massage) to eliminate postoperative swelling.

Immediately After Surgery

Under the care of a hand-selected private-duty nurse, patients relax at either The Pierre or The Plaza hotel (both offering reduced rates to Dr. Weintraub’s patients). The nurse helps create an easy, stress-free and safe environment for the first two days and nights. She will provide Dr. Weintraub with real-time assessments to support a smooth recovery process. After approximately 36 hours, the nurse will remove the head dressing, allowing patients to shower and emerge from the hotel without sporting large bandages. Depending on the extent of the surgery, some patients might experience slight swelling and bruising in the first 24 to 48 hours, but nothing that will make them look like they have been in a boxing ring!

The First Week

Any residual swelling and bruising generally subside within the first 5 – 7 days. While it’s important to avoid raising one’s heart rate for the first two weeks, many patients work remotely after a few days. During the first week, patients can comfortably move around their living spaces, but they should refrain from exercising and actively socializing for two weeks.

Weeks 2–4

By week two, most patients feel entirely like themselves. Any swelling will have significantly reduced, and exercise and social outings can be arranged. By the third week, patients can return to full-impact exercise, yoga, and their usual pre-surgery routine.

1–3 Months

The most critical postoperative behavior to implement during the first several months is to prevent the sun’s rays from coming in direct contact with any of the extremely fine incisions carefully sewn by Dr. Weintraub. A strong sunscreen and hat are excellent ways to protect these nearly invisible incisions, preserving their thinness and preventing discoloration.

6–12 Months

The last minuscule bit of swelling diminishes in the last six months, often so slight that it is undetectable. The midface will be resuspended, the nasolabial folds (the lines from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth) will have softened, the jowls will be reduced, and the jawline will be sharply defined. Both male and female patients delight in having results that show tremendous improvement, but still look like themselves – just a better version.

Dr. Weintraub’s precise surgical techniques facilitate a faster recovery, as well as results that last for years.

Seven Facts About Male Facelifts Performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Barry Weintraub

1. Facelifts for Men Focus on Naturalness and Authenticity

When operating on men, Dr. Weintraub is careful to respect the natural anatomical landmarks of the male face, ensuring that results are free from aesthetic distortion or telltale signs of surgery. Subtlety is key, as is the painstaking placement and closure of surgical incisions so that when healed, they appear nearly invisible. The goal is simple yet profound: patients should look refreshed, like an untouched version of their younger selves.

Dr. Weintraub believes in delivering natural, understated, and conservative results. He often states, “If it’s evident that someone had work done, it wasn’t done well!” His motto is clear: plastic surgery should not shout. This approach ensures you will look like the best version of you – not someone else.

2. The Initial Consultation is Exceptionally Thorough and Patient-Focused

One of the distinguishing aspects of Dr. Weintraub’s practice is his consultation process. It’s not a rushed affair; it’s an immersive, one-on-one conversation that can last up to an hour or longer. Consultations are the first step to learning about surgery, and Dr. Weintraub wants all patients to have every question answered. He will listen carefully to your needs, concerns, and aesthetic goals to develop a targeted treatment plan. “No aspect of the surgical process should be rushed,” he often says. “This meeting could determine how you look for the rest of your life, and I therefore take it very seriously.”

The experience is personal, grounded in genuine care and meticulous attention to detail. It includes:

• A detailed facial analysis to understand the cause of aging such as sagging jowls or loss of jawline definition. This provides the foundation to select the best surgical approach.
• A full review of your medical history by Dr. Weintraub, including allergies and systemic diseases.
• Straightforward, honest advice. Dr. Weintraub recommends only what will actually provide a solution to your issues, and will tell you if you are not a candidate for surgery.
• A private tour of his state-of-the-art surgical facility, where safety meets comfort.
• A lengthy question-and-answer period so that you are fully educated about the process.
• A meeting with his experienced staff who will help you with all logistics.

3. Men Have Unique Facial Anatomy Requiring Specialized Expertise

Facial anatomy differs significantly between men and women. Male skin is often thicker due to hair-bearing follicles and higher collagen density. Men also tend to have stronger bone structure and hair patterns, influencing where incisions should be placed for minimal visibility. Dr. Weintraub understands these nuances and carefully preserves masculinity while delivering results that align with a natural aesthetic.

For example, the incisional placement for male facelifts accounts for beard-growth patterns so that incisions remain discreet and do not interfere with daily grooming. In addition, there is a greater variety of approaches of incisional placement in men. Board-certified Dr. Weintraub considers every detail to ensure that patients achieve the results they desire.

4. Aesthetic Integrity Matters: “Less is More”

Dr. Weintraub adheres to the philosophy that “less is more.” His approach is rooted in the belief that a conservative aesthetic yields the most believable and natural results. His philosophy is paramount for male facelifts because overdone surgery can feminize or distort the natural features of male identity. Trendy modifications or “cookie-cutter” outcomes are not an option at Dr. Weintraub’s practice. Instead, he designs and implements surgical procedures that respect the features of every unique individual.

5. Safety and Comfort Take Priority

Patient safety is Dr. Weintraub’s number-one priority, with aesthetic sophistication being a close second. Dr. Weintraub operates in a licensed and inspected private outpatient facility in one of New York’s most prestigious neighborhoods. With a maximum of one facelift surgery performed per day, there’s never a sense of rushing, in stark contrast to “factory-style” practices.

From on-staff board-certified anesthesiologists to post-operative nurses specializing in plastic-surgical care, Dr. Weintraub and his team provide safety and comfort at every step. Full medical clearance ensures that patients will have a smooth time with anesthesia, and facelift patients are guided through all preoperative paperwork by Dr. Weintraub’s experienced staff, preferably in person unless the patient is overseas or out of town. Never is there a rush to complete a facelift surgery, as rushing impacts quality control. Although many surgeons choose to listen to loud music during surgery, Dr. Weintruab prefers a quiet, thoughtful, and serious environment, recognizing that every surgical maneuver will create a lifelong result. Dr. Weintraub also provides unparalleled postoperative care, including making house calls for patients staying nearby at The Pierre or The Plaza hotel, where patients receive reduced fees. These personalized touches create an unmatched level of trust and reassurance.

6. Male Facelifts Are About More Than Just Appearance: The Profound Emotional Rewards

For most patients, deciding to consult a facelift surgeon isn’t purely aesthetic, but encompasses the striving for a stronger and more powerful sense of well-being. Many patients report feeling renewed confidence and self-assuredness after their surgery, as Dr. Weintraub’s highly skilled approach creates results that manifest in a rejuvenated appearance without looking like anything was “done.” It is not uncommon for patients to feel more energetic, confident, and in control of their lives both professionally and personally.

The path to such results is paved by Dr. Weintraub’s unhurried and compassionate approach, and patients often describe Dr. Weintraub as “warm, candid, honest and calm – and totally reassuring” – qualities that make the process enjoyable, especially for those nervous or unsure about consulting a facial plastic surgeon.

Rather than speaking about the results in generalized terms, Dr. Weintraub often encourages patients to bring in photographs of themselves for reference. Viewing photos helps this NYC doctor understand expectations through a patient’s own eyes, enabling the delivery of results squarely aligned with their vision.

7. Dr. Weintraub Accommodates the Unique Needs of New York’s Sophisticated Men

New York City attracts individuals from the highest echelons in business, art, entertainment, and the financial world. Dr. Weintraub’s practice reflects this demographic, focusing on detail-oriented patients who value premium care and artistry. His patients include CEOs, international business professionals, actors, real estate moguls, and those in the art and entertainment world. Despite their professional successes and hectic lives, these men prioritize looking and feeling their best.

This distinctive audience is one of the reasons Dr. Weintraub strives for immaculate attention to detail and unparalleled service. From personalized medical clearance to a private back-door entrance, every element of the experience matches the caliber of his elite clientele. Patients are treated as part of the family and receive consistent, white-glove service that fosters long-term affiliation.

A Facelift Surgeon Describes Good Candidates for Male Facelifts

As with facelifts for women, male facelifts succeed in well-balanced candidates possessing good general health and realistic expectations. Excellent candidates have done their homework and demonstrate the following qualities:

• They are highly motivated to make a change
• They can pause daily business and personal responsibilities to undergo the procedure
• They have the financial wherewithal to make an elective aesthetic surgery come to fruition

Is There an Ideal Age for Facelift Patients?

No specific chronological age determines when a man should seek a rejuvenated appearance. When he looks in the mirror and notices something that truly bothers him, that is the time to pick up the phone or make an online consultation request. However, it is important to have surgery for you and you alone, and not pressure from others.

Can a Facelift Be Combined with Other Procedures?

Dr. Barry Weintraub can combine a facelift with several other procedures to amplify the overall rejuvenating effect, including surgical options like a neck lift, brow lift, eyelid lift, chin implant and rhinoplasty. For very round-faced men, buccal-fat removal can be helpful, and for those desiring a smoother and more even tone to their complexions, laser treatments are available.

Dr. Weintraub Explains the Goals of a Facelift

The eyes possess the thinnest skin of the face, and therefore the upper and lower eyelids are often the first areas to manifest signs of aging. Precise excision of unwanted upper-eyelid skin without discreet, nearly invisible incisions can foster the appearance of a more youthful upper-eye area without changing a man’s “look” or identity. The puffiness of the lower eyelid, caused by protruding fat, is the biggest culprit in making a man look tired and older. This unwanted fat is removed via the back side (the conjunctiva) of the lower eyelid by carefully extracting a precise amount of fat from the lower-eyelid fat pockets until the skin is smooth. Years ago, the skin itself was removed in an outdated approach, which not only risked asymmetry but created a visible, telltale incision. However, the newest techniques focus on laser treatment (or other nonsurgical tightening) of the wrinkled lower-eyelid skin rather than the excisional approach.

In addition to the eyes, most men begin experiencing the aging process when they look in the mirror and see nasolabial folds (from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth), as well as the progressive descent of the corners of the mouth toward the jawline. These issues are best treated with the deep-plane facelift approach. This same deep-plane approach is utilized when confronting the formation of jowls where fat crosses the jawline, squaring off a man’s face and diminishing the sharpness and masculinity of the jaw.

Dr. Weintraub is talented in regard to many different facelift approaches, allowing him to use his vast skill set to effectively address each issue. Some men accumulate fat in the neck independent of laxed skin, which must be treated with careful liposuction using the thinnest of cannulas to avoid contour issues. Continued sun exposure, stress, nicotine usage, poor diet and lack of exercise contribute to the turkey-gobble neck, as well as excess skin in the central aspect of the neck that must be resuspended with precision using the SMAS approach.

Facelift surgery effectively addresses all of these areas, but as with other cosmetic procedures and non-surgical treatments, the goal is to achieve improved yet natural-looking results. Top NYC plastic surgeon Dr. Weintraub always focuses on producing understated but impactful surgical results.

Why Choose Dr. Barry Weintraub for a Facelift?

Highly respected among plastic surgeons, Dr. Weintraub was awarded by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons in 2023 and 2024 for facelift and eyelid surgery. Throughout his career, he has helped countless patients achieve impactful but natural results. His decades of experience and certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery represent his commitment to the highest ethical and moral standards.

A meticulous surgeon, Dr. Weintraub is dedicated to surgical advancements. His protocol of seeing his patients for repeated postoperative visits has aided his development of new approaches and techniques throughout his career, as he witnesses how different techniques manifest aesthetically.

In his consultations, Dr. Weintraub listens carefully to each patient’s needs, taking pride to never end the consultation until all questions are answered. Patients feel comfortable with Dr. Weintraub’s genuine and caring bedside manner. Additionally, his entire staff shares this level of compassion and professionalism. The private Fifth Avenue office and hospital-grade, state-of-the-art, fully licensed and accredited surgical facility provide the safety and luxury that his patients genuinely appreciate.

To arrange your consultation with Dr. Weintraub, please submit a consultation request by completing this online form or calling (212) 737-7500.

Copyright ^© 2025. Barry M. Weintraub MD. All rights reserved.

This blog provides general information and discussions about health and health procedures. The information and other content provided in this blog, or any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. Each individual has a unique physiology, along with their own characteristics, concerns, and desires. A blog cannot sufficiently address them.

If you or any other person has a cosmetic or medical concern, seek professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this blog or in any linked materials. Call your doctor or emergency services immediately if you think you might have a medical emergency.

Barry M. Weintraub MD
800A 5th Avenue, Suite 102
New York, NY 10065
(212) 737-7500
https://www.drbarryweintraub.com/