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 the deep plane facelift, 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.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Facelift Surgery?
Most people 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 | Accredited surgical facility | 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
The deep plane facelift offers multiple benefits that other techniques do not. By working with the deeper tissues during a deep plane facelift, Dr. Sterry can fully rejuvenate the face by:
- Eliminating jowls
- Increasing fullness in the cheeks and midface
- Reducing the appearance of skin folds at the corners of the mouth
When performed by an experienced surgeon such as Dr. Sterry, a deep plane facelift can help you appear like a younger, more refreshed version of yourself without an obviously “operated on” appearance.
“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.
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Recovery & Results
The recovery following a facelift usually takes about 10 days to 2 weeks. Most patients can go out in public with some cover-up makeup in about a week, but there will still be residual swelling. It’s important to follow our post-op instructions to ensure a smooth healing process, such as sleeping with your head elevated and attending all follow-up appointments.
As incisions heal, you’ll notice scars appear discolored and slightly elevated. They will gradually fade and flatten over the next several weeks. If you’re planning to attend a significant social or professional event after your facelift, we recommend scheduling the procedure at least 6 weeks before.
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
How Much Does a Facelift Cost in NYC?
Facelift pricing varies based on the extent of your procedure. After your consultation, Dr. Sterry will provide a personalized quote that outlines exactly what’s included—no surprises.
We offer flexible financing with easy monthly payments to make facelift surgery more accessible. Many patients find this investment in their confidence to be truly life-changing.
Start With a Consultation
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 deep plane facelift?
Deep plane facelift incisions begin in the hairline of the temple area, continue down just inside the tragus—the part of the ear just in front of the hole in your ear—and proceed 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 does a deep plane facelift help correct a sagging neck?
Because the incision for a deep plane 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 removed. The result is a smoother, younger-looking neck.
Do you ever use liposuction in conjunction with a deep plane facelift?
Yes, liposuction can be very helpful in eliminating jowls and getting the neck contour I want.
When is a deep plane facelift a better choice than a Naturalift?
The best facelift choice for you will depend on your exact goals and facial anatomy. During your personal consultation, Dr. Sterry evaluates the degree of skin laxity and helps you understand the differences between a Naturalift and a deep plane facelift. He will then make a recommendation based on his years of experience, but the final decision is yours.
Where is a deep plane facelift performed?
I typically perform deep plane facelifts as outpatient procedures at Mount Sinai Hospital or at a surgery center near my office.
How long does a deep plane facelift take?
A deep plane facelift takes at least 3 hours, depending on the patient’s needs. For example, if a patient has a lot of excess skin on their neck, the surgery will take longer.
What kind of anesthesia is used for a deep plane facelift?
A facelift is done under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. You will be asleep for the entire procedure.












