Newsweek has named Mark G. Albert, MD, FACS, founder and chief surgeon of Albert Plastic Surgery on Park Avenue, to its list of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026 in four categories: facelift, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, and liposuction.
The facelift recognition reflects the core of Dr. Albert’s practice. He is among a small number of surgeons who routinely perform deep plane facelift and neck lift surgery under local anesthesia, with the patient awake and responsive throughout the procedure. He also teaches the technique to other plastic surgeons.
Under local anesthesia, only the treatment area is numbed, and the patient avoids general anesthesia. Candidacy is determined during surgical planning based on health history, anatomy, and the scope of the operation. Dr. Albert stresses that local anesthesia and deep plane are separate decisions: one describes how the area is numbed, the other the tissue layer the surgeon works in. A preference to remain awake does not by itself determine the extent of surgery.
A deep plane facelift works beneath the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), releasing and repositioning deeper tissue to treat the midface, cheeks, jawline, and neck together. It is typically reserved for more advanced aging of the lower face and neck, including jowling, loss of jawline definition, and neck laxity.
For younger patients and those with mild-to-moderate aging, Dr. Albert developed the Nanolift, a smaller procedure that uses a single incision hidden in the hairline near the sideburn to lift and reposition cheek soft tissue, addressing early jowling and midface descent.
The practice also offers full and mini facelifts. Dr. Albert recommends a technique only after evaluating each patient’s anatomy, skin quality, medical history, and goals at consultation. The practice’s procedure pages provide background for that conversation, while the in-person evaluation guides the recommendation. Incision placement, preparation, recovery expectations, and follow-up are planned individually rather than set by a single timetable.
During consultation, patients can ask how the proposed approach relates to their particular concerns and what alternatives may be considered. Questions can also address the planned treatment areas, the role of anesthesia, and practical arrangements before and after surgery. This discussion helps patients understand the recommendation without assuming that every facelift involves the same technique or preparation.
Newsweek also recognized Dr. Albert for eyelid surgery, which addresses the upper and lower lids; rhinoplasty, which he performs under local anesthesia for suitable patients; and liposuction, which removes localized fat deposits.
“Most people who come to me for a facelift are surprised to learn they can be awake for it,” said Dr. Albert. “I’ve spent years refining how to do a deep plane facelift under local, and now I teach it to other surgeons. I’m grateful to Newsweek for recognizing that work.”
Mark G. Albert, MD, FACS, is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is Director of the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, Northwell Health, and Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at Northwell Health. He serves as Co-Chair of the Aesthetic Training Committee and Commissioner of Communications for The Aesthetic Society, and as Clinical Editor of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal.
Albert Plastic Surgery is located on Park Avenue in Manhattan and offers facelift, eyelid, nose, and body procedures, with Dr. Albert involved from consultation through surgery and follow-up. For more information, visit the practice’s website.
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For more information about Albert Plastic Surgery, contact the company here:
Albert Plastic Surgery
Mark Albert
(212) 203-8623
Reception@albertplasticsurgery.com
950 Park Avenue, New York, NY, 10028