Facelift Surgeon in Syracuse, NY

A facelift repositions the deeper layer of the face rather than relying on the skin, which is the approach used here to avoid a tightened look. Most patients combine it with a neck lift, because the jawline and the neck age together. See the gallery or book a consultation.

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Why Choose Dr. Urbinelli as Your Facelift Surgeon in Syracuse, NY

Our skilled facelift surgeon in Syracuse, New York, looks beyond the surface. The goal is not to pull skin tight and call it done. That rarely ends well. The real work is in restoring shape, softening sagging, and helping the lower face and neck look more defined without that overdone effect people fear.

At Premier Aesthetics, the approach is careful and custom. Dr. Leo J. Urbinelli brings advanced training and a strong eye for facial balance. That matters. A face lift has to respect natural movement, texture, and proportion. Otherwise, it looks forced.

What a Facelift Can Improve

A facelift may help with:

Loose skin along the jawline
Jowls that blur facial shape
Deep folds around the mouth and nose
Sagging in the lower face
Early to moderate neck laxity
A tired or weighed-down appearance

What a Facelift Actually Does

The common assumption is that a facelift pulls skin tight. That is not where the lift comes from. The deeper layer of tissue that sits over the facial muscles is repositioned upward and backward, and the skin is then redraped over it and trimmed without being put under tension. Tension on skin is what produces the swept look people are afraid of, which is what the technique is designed to avoid.

What it corrects well: jowls, a blurred jawline, descent of the cheek, and the folds running from the nose to the mouth. What it does not correct: skin texture, sun damage, fine lines or volume loss. Those need resurfacing, fat grafting or injectables, often planned alongside the surgery.

Who It Suits

The honest test is not age. It is whether the tissue is descending and whether the skin still has enough elasticity to settle well. Most patients are in their late forties to sixties. Smokers are asked to stop well in advance, because nicotine constricts the small vessels that keep lifted skin alive and raises healing risk considerably. Weight should be stable, because significant loss or gain afterward will change the result.

Services We Offer

Premier Aesthetics is offering the following services in Syracuse, New York:

Neck lift surgery

Eyelid Surgery

Rhinoplasty

Tummy tuck

Body contouring

Gynecomastia surgery

Lip augmentation

Facelift surgeon

The Procedure

Incisions run in front of the ear, around the earlobe and back into the hairline, where they fall in natural creases and shadows. The deeper layer is lifted and secured, excess skin is removed, and the closure is done without pulling. Operating time depends on whether a neck lift or eyelid surgery is combined with it.

Anesthesia, facility and surgeon fees are quoted separately after the examination, so you can see where the cost sits. See financing options.

Recovery

Swelling and bruising peak in the first few days and ease over about two weeks. Residual swelling continues to settle for several months, so the final result is not visible until then. Sleeping with the head elevated and avoiding strenuous activity for several weeks are the instructions that matter most. Numbness around the ears and cheeks is normal early and usually improves over months, though small patches can be lasting.

Risks

Every operation carries risk. For facelift surgery the relevant ones are bleeding under the skin, which is why blood pressure is controlled carefully afterward, temporary or very rarely lasting weakness in a branch of the facial nerve, healing problems in smokers, and asymmetry. These are discussed individually at the consultation, with the specific factors in your history rather than a generic list.

Signs You May Be Ready for Facelift Surgery

A facelift is not just for one age group. It is about visible change and how much it bothers you. Some people start thinking about surgery in their 30’s-40s. Others wait longer. There is no perfect age.

You may be ready if:

You keep noticing sagging around the jaw or neck
Your face appears tired even when you are well-rested
Makeup sits differently than before, does less, requires more
Non-surgical treatments no longer produce enough of a change
You want longer-lasting change instead of temporary fixes

A Top Facelift surgeon in Syracuse, NY, with a aesthetic eye seeking natural results

An excellent facelift surgeon, like Dr. Leo Urbinelli, does not aim for a frozen or obvious surgical result. The face should still move naturally, smile beautifully and show emotion. That is the point. A facelift or necklift should support and highlight your features, to create a more elegant/refreshed version of you. Not an exaggerated or “operated” version.

Dr. Urbinelli’s style is centered on a natural-looking refreshed changes. Clean lines. Better definition. Less heaviness.

Why Patients Come Here

Dr. Urbinelli trained in the combined general surgery and plastic surgery residency at NYU School of Medicine and Bellevue Hospital, then completed a craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery fellowship at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. He is an Active Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and you can read more about the practice or see all services. Craniofacial training covers the facial skeleton as well as the soft tissue over it, so the examination considers whether a complaint is coming from one, the other, or both.

A facelift is not a decision to rush. If the examination suggests you would do better waiting, or that non surgical treatment would address the complaint, you will be told that. Read patient stories or get in touch.

Facelift Surgery for the Right Kind of Change

If your face begins to show aging in a way that doesn’t fit how you feel inside, it can pull down your spirit in small but stubborn ways. Pictures. Selfies. Job interviews or video calls. Parties. Even just normal days. A well-thought-out facelift can help fix that gap in how you feel inside and the confident image you exude to the world.

The top facelift results come from a surgeon with extensive experience, knowledge, skills and meticulous care to manipulate facial structures to create a beautiful and balanced, long-lasting result.

If you are considering a face/necklift or other facial rejuvenation approaches, talk with Dr. Urbinelli, a highly sought after facelift surgeon for patients around the US, located in Syracuse, NY, who can help explain the treatment options in simple language and personalized attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a facelift actually achieve?

-A facelift can improve the contour and sagging of the neck, jawline, and cheeks. It can help restore a more youthful and lifted appearance and smooth out deep wrinkles and sharpen the profile of the neck, jawline and cheekbones. The achieved results should appear rested, rejuvenated, enlivened but never stretched or “windswept”.

How long do facelift results last?

-This depends on patient factors (age, health of the skin and soft tissues, how much bone loss has occurred, biology, collagen production, sun damage, diet and exercise, weight loss), surgery factors (techniques used -skin only, SMAS plication/modification or deep plane or deep gland modification) as well as how well you maintain/care for the face after surgery. On average, in Dr. Urbinelli’s deep plane and SMAS lifting techniques, most patients have a refreshed and renewed appearance for 10-15 years after their face/necklift with other improved anatomic changes (sharper neckline and jawline) for an even longer duration.

Is facelift surgery just for older people?

-No. We are seeing facelift surgery being recommended for younger and younger patients, in their late twenties and thirties, like we never saw before. This is likely due to less-invasive shorter down-time procedures available (pony tail lifts for patients with minimal skin laxity but wanting a midface/lateral brow elevation), as well as the weight loss revoloution of GLP-1 drugs like wegovy, tirzepitide, etc and weight loss surgeries causing rapid weight loss creating significant loose skin of the face and neck in younger patients.

Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?

-Yes! It often is combined with fat grafting, laser resurfacing or chemical peels to improve surface texture and tones, lip lifting, chin augmentation, upper or lower blepharoplasty (eyelid), brow lifts or even small nasal (rhinoplasty) or ear lobe modifications. In addition to facial aging, our hands show early signs of aging with fat loss, pigmentation, skin thinning, so we will often do some fat grafting or laser resurfacing to the backs of the hands in select patients seeking more global improvements in age related changes.

How do I know if I need a facelift or a non-surgical option?

-This is a very personal question and best answered with your personal consultation with Dr. Urbinelli, a board-certified plastic surgeon who offers both facelifts and non-surgical skin tightening and skin improving modalities. Unfortunately there is no such thing as a “facelift in a bottle” or in a laser/machine. No amount of fillers, neurotoxins (botox, etc), laser, microneedling or other non-surgical option will achieve the power, longevity and balanced result of a well-performed face/necklift in an expert surgeon’s hands. However, for those patients wanting to avoid surgery (for cost concerns, or health concerns due to medical conditions, or are desiring a more subtle results) then non-surgical approaches may satisfy those patients very nicely.

Satisfied Patients, Stunning Results

    
 
 
         
   John Beau Saul 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Urbinelli was outstanding in every aspect.  He took his time to explain everything so we all knew exactly everything occurring.  In addition to his expert knowledge sand work, he's also very personable
  
 
        
   Colleen Volmut 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After doing a thorough research for a plastic surgeon, I had a consultation with Dr Leo Urbanelli
I immediately felt at ease talking to him about what I was hoping to accomplish. His depth of his knowledge and skill as a surgeon became obvious as he discussed the variations of my options. Dr. Leo would look at a particular area of my face and tell me what he could do and  how it would look. He spent a great deal of time with me and answered all my questions and concerns. We both decided what would be the best procedure for me. I am just 8 weeks post surgery and my face, neck and brow lifts came out so much better than I could have possibly imagined.
The stages of my recovery were exactly what he said they would be. I knew what to expect and how I would feel as my recovery progressed.
He truly takes great pride in his work and cares deeply for his patients. He has always been available day, night and even weekends. He is an incredibly talented surgeon and the most thoughtful person you will ever meet. He is a true artist.
  
 
        
   Debi Suarez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t say enough wonderful things about my experience. I was extremely nervous going into this, and from the very first appointment, he made me feel completely at ease. He took the time to listen, explain everything clearly, and truly understand my concerns.

He treated a cyst-like spot for me and repaired an area that kept reopening, something that had been both frustrating and worrisome. The results have been amazing, and I couldn’t be happier. Not only did he fix the issue, but he did so with such care and precision.

What really stood out to me was his kindness and attention to detail. At one point, he even noticed and studied some of my old scars, which honestly made me giggle—it’s clear he sees things through a very skilled and thoughtful lens. His passion for what he does really shows.

I’m so grateful I trusted him with something I was so scared to do. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a talented, compassionate surgeon.
  
 
        
   Nikki Ann Walters 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I met with Dr. Leo in 2025 with anxiety and hesitation, I left with hope. During my visit he was patient, empathetic, and kind. He brought to light an issue of Lipedema that has plagued me for decades. After two procedures, I can say his professional skills and bedside manner are unmatched. I’m looking forward to a life of no limitations and more confidence, while looking better than I have in years. Thank you!
  
 
        
   Emily Dygert 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Urbinelli is the best! He performed a breast reduction on me in December 2024 and choosing him as my surgeon was the best decision I have ever made. My results are exactly what I asked for and my self-confidence has increased tremendously. I am now able to live an active lifestyle without being uncomfortable or in pain. I consulted with other surgeons and none of them made me feel as confident and comfortable as Dr. Urbinelli did. He treats his patients like family and it is so evident that he loves what he does. Anytime I had a question or concern, Dr. Urbinelli got me in the office within one or two days to address my concern (and often offered to do virtual appointments so I didn’t have to take too much time out of my day to travel to the office). Upstate NY is so lucky to have a plastic surgeon as knowledgeable, professional, and talented as Dr. Urbinelli. I would recommend him to anyone!
  
 
        
   Mary Klockowski 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Urbinelli is everything you could hope for in a surgeon—compassionate, encouraging, empathetic, and incredibly responsive. From my very first consultation through surgery and recovery, he was attentive and never made me feel rushed, always taking the time to answer my many questions with patience and care.
This experience has truly been life-changing. Not only am I thrilled with the results of my abdominoplasty, but my confidence and overall mental well-being have improved in ways I didn’t expect. I feel more like myself again and genuinely excited about the future.
I cannot recommend Dr. Urbinelli highly enough—he is an exceptional surgeon and a truly caring professional.
  
 
        
   Monica Deza 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am so happy with Dr. urbinelli s work! For my 43rd birthday, I treated myself to a midface lift and lower bleph. He was great, honest , gave me realistic expectations, responsive , kind and delivered exactly the results I was hoping for. We discussed several pathways to get the refreshed look I was hoping for, and he discussed it with me with so much patience . These are my before and afters only a short time after the procedure ! Thank you Dr!
  
 
        
   Karrie Newkirk 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dr. Urbinelli is absolutely outstanding. His attention to detail and pursuit of perfection are truly every patient’s dream. You can immediately tell he is not only highly skilled but also deeply passionate about his work. He takes the time to listen and ensures that everything is tailored exactly to what you need.
Syracuse Plastic Surgery is the gold standard. Having such a talented, caring, and supportive team all under one roof is truly a blessing for any patient seeking the highest level of care and results.
🩷💎🩷
  
 
        
   Patricia Maycumber 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot praise Dr. Urbinelli and the staff of Syracuse Plastic Surgery enough for the care which was given to me during my recent surgery and recovery. Dr. Urbinelli is caring person and an artist at what he does. He was responsive to all my needs especially due to an unforeseen issue during my recovery. Dr. Urbinelli even made a house call to teach my sister how to dress my wound. I traveled far from Las Vegas to Syracuse, NY because he is a reconstructive facial specialist. I am so pleased with my results. I highly recommend Dr. Urbinelli for any reconstructive or plastic surgery you may need.
  
 
        
   Sam Bredenbeck 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I waited as long as possible to write this review because I was holding out hope that I could leave a rave, 5-star review, but I can't.

I had a revision surgery in August of 2023, in an attempt to correct my breathing and fix countless issues the first surgeon left behind.

Knowing this surgery wouldn't be a small task, I tried to remain patient and hopeful with Dr. Urbinelli and team that all would go great. It didn't.

My breathing is the same, if not worse, than before (which is terrible). It feels like I am suffocating all day, every day. The aesthetic of my nose has gotten worse (fat, asymmetrical, twisted, etc.). The columella scar is still visible. Swelling refuses to go down. I still have a septal perforation, collapsed nasal valves, deviated septum, and enlarged turbinates. He used a cadaver rib, which seems to be curved and feels rock hard, which is extremely annoying. I have a foul odor that has been persistent since surgery. And when I can't smell that, my sense of smell is practically non-existent. The entire process has been miserable and extremely frustrating.

I did everything (and more) that I was told. Taping, Vaseline, elevation, icing, no exercise, sprays, cleanses, follow-up appts. every single thing. Yet, I still can't breathe, my nose looks terrible, in my opinion...and I'm out thousands of dollars.

I am bummed to leave a poor review because I truly did want it to be positive, but I can't at this time. The surgery failed, and now I'm left with very few options to actually get this fixed. Regretful is an understatement.

Dr. Urbinelli is nice, did a good job with bedside manner, and the anesthesiologist did a great job. Unfortunately, the office staff and Dr. Urbinelli were unresponsive many times after surgery, but I gave them the benefit of the doubt. Overall, it is frustrating, mentally debilitating, and I'm at a loss for what to do next.

If you're looking to get surgery done for breathing issues or reconstruction of the nasal area, I would suggest going to a nose specialist instead of a general plastic surgeon.

Why Patients Come Here

Ready to Talk With Premier Aesthetics?

If you have been searching for a skilled facelift surgeon in Syracuse, NY, Dr. Urbinelli at Premier Aesthetics is here to provide you with an opportunity to begin. You will receive a simple plan, true answers, and surgical care focused on natural results.

Pick a time to talk with Premier Aesthetics and go over what can be done for your face, your neck, and your aims.

Call now to book your visit if you are ready
to stop guessing and get real guidance!

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Facelift Surgeon in Syracuse, NY

Schedule a consultation

Why Choose Dr. Urbinelli as Your Facelift Surgeon in Syracuse, NY

What a Facelift Can Improve

What a Facelift Actually Does

Who It Suits

Services We Offer

The Procedure

Recovery

Risks

Signs You May Be Ready for Facelift Surgery

A Top Facelift surgeon in Syracuse, NY, with a aesthetic eye seeking natural results

Why Patients Come Here

Facelift Surgery for the Right Kind of Change

Frequently Asked Questions

Satisfied Patients, Stunning Results

Why Patients Come Here

Ready to Talk With Premier Aesthetics?

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Facelift Surgeon in Syracuse, NY

Schedule a consultation

Why Choose Dr. Urbinelli as Your Facelift Surgeon in Syracuse, NY

What a Facelift Can Improve

What a Facelift Actually Does

Who It Suits

Services We Offer

The Procedure

Recovery

Risks

Signs You May Be Ready for Facelift Surgery

A Top Facelift surgeon in Syracuse, NY, with a aesthetic eye seeking natural results

Why Patients Come Here

Facelift Surgery for the Right Kind of Change

Frequently Asked Questions

Satisfied Patients, Stunning Results

Why Patients Come Here

Ready to Talk With Premier Aesthetics?

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