Thomas P. Sterry, MD
1080 5th Avenue #1b
New York, NY 10128
Phone: (212) 249-4020
Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Facelift in NYC
A facelift performed by NYC board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Sterry creates a more youthful appearance by minimizing jowls and elevating sagging skin with natural-looking results. Dr. Sterry specializes in deep plane facelifts, a technique that repositions muscle and tissue beneath the skin and avoids the tell-tale “windswept” look of yesterday’s facelifts. Dr. Sterry also pioneered the Naturalift™ mini facelift for women and men with moderate signs of aging.
Serving Patients Throughout New York City
Located in Manhattan, Dr. Sterry performs facelift surgery for women and men throughout New York City and the surrounding boroughs, including Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island. His practice is also a trusted destination for out-of-town patients who travel to NYC for his advanced techniques and natural-looking results.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that aims to reduce signs of aging in the lower and mid face, such as jowls, sagging skin, and nasolabial folds. Dr. Sterry often recommends combining facelift surgery with other facial rejuvenation procedures to create comprehensive results.
Facelift
Before & After Photos
Facelift
Having completed trials for multiple different methods of facelift procedures, I have settled on performing a full SMAS elevation and advancem... Read More
Facelift NYC
This is a 72 year old patient who came into our New York City office for a Facelift procedure. She was a little timid about actually going through with the operation because she was afraid of looking "weird" after the procedure was done.
In this case, a full SMAS Lamellar facelift was performed with sedation here in the pr... Read More
NYC Woman Gets Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift
Secondary Facelift
Facelift
While there are many different techniques available for performing a facelift operation (including a mini or short-scar lift), I like to eleva... Read More
Facelift
Naturalift℠ Mini Facelift
I have found that the vast majority of patients want minimaly invasive procedures. They want to look better but not like a different person. They... Read More
Lower Face and Deep Neck Lift
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Facelift Surgery?
Most women and men considering facelift surgery have concerns about signs of facial aging becoming more noticeable, such as significant jowls, deep nasolabial folds, and sagging in the midface or neck. Ideal facelift candidates are in good overall health, have realistic expectations about potential results, and can take the time needed to recover.
Do you look as young as you feel? A well-done facelift can bring out your natural beauty.
Dr. Sterry’s Customized Facelift Techniques
Dr. Sterry tailors your facelift to your facial anatomy, rate of aging, and aesthetic goals. He performs the following techniques:
- Deep Plane Facelift: Lifts the deeper facial structures for dramatic, natural-looking results with enhanced longevity.
- Lower Facelift: Addresses loose skin and sagging in the jawline and neck.
- Naturalift™ Mini Facelift: Targets early aging symptoms using smaller incisions and a modified approach.
During your consultation, we will determine which approach best suits your facial structure, skin quality, and aesthetic goals.
Comparing Facelift Techniques
| Deep Plane Facelift | Dr. Sterry’s Naturalift(SM) | Lower Facelift | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anesthesia | General or sedation | General or sedation | Local with sedation |
| Surgical Facility | In-office operating room | In-office operating room | Varies |
| Duration of Surgery | 3 to 5 hours | 2 to 3 hours | 1 hour |
| Incision(s) | Around the ear, into the hairline behind the ear. An additional incision possible just below the chin | From the temple region, around the front of the sideburn, in front of the ear to just behind the earlobe | In front of the sideburn, in front of the ear to just behind the earlobe |
| Neck improvement | Significant | Modest | Minimal |
| Recovery time | 2 weeks | 1 week | 3 days |
| Longevity of Results | Up to 10 years | Up to 5 years | 2 to 5 years |
Deep Plane Facelift: Dr. Sterry’s Specialty
“Beautifully done and I adore Dr. Sterry! His staff was wonderful too! No glitches. Felt very comfortable with Dr. Sterry. He’s very down-to-earth and honest about expectations. His work is artistry and I don’t know how any doc could be better.”
–Brow, facelift with neck lift patient on RealSelf.com
*Your results may vary.
Dr. Thomas P. Sterry
Thomas Sterry, MD, is a board-certified New York City plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. He has been president of both the New York State Society of Plastic Surgeons and the New York Regional Society of Plastic Surgeons. In addition, he sits on the executive council of the New York County Medical Society and has been a delegate to the Medical Society of the State of New York for years. At his inviting, boutique-style practice in Manhattan, he focuses on each patient’s unique needs and aesthetic goals so that he can provide the most attractive and natural-looking outcomes possible.
Meet Dr. Sterry Request a ConsultationCredentials you can trust
Sculpted Beauty: A Definitive Guide To Facial Contouring
Dr. Sterry’s free e-guide, A Complete Guide To Facial Contouring, is a must-have for women and men who want enhanced facial features.
In the guide, you’ll learn how Dr. Sterry uses precise facial sculpting techniques such as liposuction, facial implants, and buccal fat removal to create the V-shaped appearance that’s universally considered the hallmark of an attractive face.
Submit the form below to receive our free e-guide.
“I had the most incredible experience at Dr. Sterry's practice…I underwent neck/chin liposuction, and the results are astounding. I still look like myself, but my jawline is completely renewed.”
– Claire M., 5-Star Google review
To find out how a facelift in New York City with Dr. Sterry can help you look younger, request a consultation using his online form or call (212) 249-4020.
Facelift FAQ
Where is the incision made for a full facelift?
A full-facelift incision begins in the hairline of the temple area, continues down just inside the tragus—the part of the ear just in front of the hole in your ear—and proceeds around the earlobe and along the hairline in the back of the neck. This longer incision allows a much greater degree of lift in the neck than is possible with a Naturalift℠.
How is your full facelift technique different from other plastic surgeons’?
There are as many methods for facelifts as there are plastic surgeons…maybe more. Each of us does the best we can to achieve a nice result. I happen to be very proud of my facelift results because I think they look more natural than many others.
How does a full facelift help correct a sagging neck?
Because the incision for a full facelift extends to the hairline behind the ears, it facilitates pulling back on the neck skin to tighten and smooth it. The excess skin is then eliminated. Result: a smoother, younger-looking neck.
Do you ever use liposuction in conjunction with a facelift?
Yes, liposuction can be very helpful in eliminating jowls and getting the neck contour I want.
When is a full facelift a better choice than a Naturalift?
In your personal consultation, I will evaluate you and help you to understand the difference between a Naturalift and a full facelift. However, the final decision is yours. The best choice for you will also depend on your exact goals.
Where is a full facelift performed?
I typically perform full facelifts on an outpatient basis at Mount Sinai Hospital or in a surgery center close to my office.
How long does a full facelift take?
A full facelift takes about three hours or longer, depending on what the patient needs. For example, if a patient has a lot of hanging skin on his or her neck, the surgery will take more time.
What kind of anesthesia is used for a full facelift?
A facelift is done under general anesthesia; you will be asleep for the entire procedure. Or you may choose to have the procedure done under sedation.
How long does recovery from a full facelift take?
Most patients can go out in public with some cover-up makeup in about a week. You should be back to work in 10 days to two weeks.
What results can you expect from a full facelift?
My goal is to make you look good, not operated upon. A natural result should mean that you look like yourself, just fresher and maybe a little more enthusiastic. The most important part of a facelift is that no one who sees you on the street should be able to tell that you’ve had something done.
A Reputation Built on Results
Ask Us About Our
Skincare Products
Facial Surgery Posts from our Blog
April 28, 2026Common Facelift Myths Explained | New Yo…
A facelift should look like the person you are - simply more rested and more defined. That ideal guides Dr Thomas Sterry, Plastic Surgeon in New York…
Read Now
April 18, 2026Best Facial Plastic Surgery & Faceli…
New York women want results that feel authentic. They want a refreshed face that still looks like their face. That is why so many patients exploring …
Read Now
April 11, 2026Benefits Of A SMAS Facelift…
A Facelift should look like you, only more rested and refined. That is the guiding principle of Dr. Thomas Sterry, Plastic Surgeon in New York, NY, w…
Read Now