Facelift 101: Answering Your Most-Asked Questions (Updated 2026)

Mature Woman considering facelift in Staten Island, NY.

Choosing to undergo any plastic surgery procedure is a major decision. Many of my facelift patients from Brooklyn and Staten Island have questions before committing to surgery. At our practice, I take a personalized approach to patient education, so you feel informed and confident in your decision.

Curious if facelift surgery is right for you? Here are answers to a few of our most-asked facelift questions.

What Does a Facelift Do?

A facelift primarily addresses signs of aging in the lower face and neck, including skin laxity, jowling, and loss of jawline definition. It does not stop the aging process or directly improve skin texture or pigmentation.

At my practice, we offer two types of facelift surgery:

  • Traditional Facelift: Involves incisions just inside the hairline, in front of your ear down to the lower scalp. It is performed under general anesthesia.
  • Rejuvelift™: A less-invasive facelift alternative that focuses on the lower third of the face. Uses local anesthesia with oral sedation.

You can learn more about the differences between a traditional facelift and Rejuvelift in another blog post.

Anterior before
Before and After a Rejuvelift™ Facelift in Staten Island, NJ, by Dr. Louis C. Cutolo, Jr.
Before & After Rejuvelift™ - Mini Lift Case 210 View #1 View in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, NY
Before and After a Rejuvelift™ Facelift in Staten Island, NJ, by Dr. Louis C. Cutolo, Jr.
Before & After Rejuvelift™ - Mini Lift Case 90 View #1 View in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, NY
Before and After a Rejuvelift™ Facelift in Staten Island, NJ, by Dr. Louis C. Cutolo, Jr.
Before & After Rejuvelift™ - Mini Lift Case 118 View #1 View in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, NY
Before and After a Rejuvelift™ Facelift in Staten Island, NJ, by Dr. Louis C. Cutolo, Jr.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Facelift Surgery?

Ideal facelift candidates are typically in their 40s, 50s, or 60s and in overall good health. However, candidacy is based less on age and more on your specific concerns, anatomy, and goals.

You may be a good candidate for a facelift if you:

  • Have sagging skin in the lower face or neck that doesn’t improve with nonsurgical treatments
  • Notice deep creases around the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds)
  • Have jowls or a loss of jawline definition
  • Are in good overall health and able to safely undergo surgery
  • Do not smoke or are willing to stop before and after surgery to support proper healing
  • Have realistic expectations about what a facelift can achieve

A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to determine whether a facelift—or a less invasive option like Rejuvelift—is right for you, based on a detailed evaluation of your anatomy and medical history. You can read more about the best age for a facelift and other candidacy considerations in our related blog post.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost in Staten Island?

The cost of a facelift in the greater New York and New Jersey area depends on several factors, including the extent of your procedure, the experience of your plastic surgeon, and the type of anesthesia used. For example, our Rejuvelift treatment typically costs less than a traditional facelift, as it’s performed using local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia. Because each procedure is customized, pricing can vary significantly from patient to patient.

The geographic location of your surgery also influences its cost. Facelift surgery in large urban centers like Manhattan is often more expensive than in more suburban areas like Staten Island because overhead costs in big cities are typically higher.

During your initial consultation, our team will assess your facial structure and skin, discuss your goals, and give you a customized quote for your facelift. We also offer patient financing options like CareCredit® and Med Loan Finance so you can spread your payments over time and enjoy your rejuvenated look now.

Does Insurance Cover Facelift Procedures?

Because it is usually a cosmetic procedure only, facelift surgery is not typically a covered benefit in most health insurance plans.

Do You Offer a Facelift With Local Anesthesia?

Yes, I perform less invasive Rejuvelift procedures in my office using local anesthesia with sedation, so you are conscious but comfortable during the procedure. Local anesthesia with oral sedation may reduce anesthesia-related risks, recovery time, and overall cost for appropriate candidates.

Traditional facelifts are typically performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be completely asleep during the procedure. General anesthesia allows me to focus on achieving optimal results without causing you any discomfort. Your anesthesiologist will monitor you closely throughout the procedure to ensure everything goes smoothly.

How Soon Can I Go Back to Work?

Most traditional facelift patients return to work in 2 to 3 weeks, while our Rejuvelift patients usually need only 7 to 10 days. However, your recovery time will depend on several factors, including your individual healing rate.

Your surgeon will provide personalized recovery guidelines based on your procedure and overall health.

Can I Combine My Facelift With Other Procedures?

Yes, facelift surgery complements many other popular treatments and procedures, such as eyelid surgery and a brow lift to address sagging skin in the upper face. BOTOX® and dermal fillers are also good options for fading wrinkles and fine lines in the forehead, eye, and brow area to complement facelift results and address areas that surgery alone may not target.

Browse our before-and-after gallery to see more examples of real facelift results. If you’re interested in plastic surgery in the Staten Island, NY, area and would like to learn more, please request a consultation online or call (718) 720-9400 to speak with our experienced team.

Leave a Reply

Fields marked with * are required.

Contact