Introduction

Andrew Jacono stands as a prominent figure in the world of facial plastic surgery, operating from his upscale offices in New York City and Long Island. He specializes in advanced techniques like the extended deep-plane facelift, which promises natural-looking rejuvenation with minimal invasiveness. Board-certified and recognized by outlets such as Newsweek as one of America’s top plastic surgeons, Jacono attracts a clientele that includes celebrities, socialites, and everyday individuals seeking to enhance their appearance. His practice emphasizes precision, with procedures ranging from rhinoplasties and eyelid lifts to full facial reconstructions. Jacono also contributes to medical literature, authoring books and articles on surgical innovations, and he leads charitable missions to repair cleft lips in underserved regions. This blend of expertise and philanthropy has built his reputation over more than two decades in the field.

Yet, beneath this polished image, concerns emerge from patient experiences and legal records. Reports of complications, dissatisfaction, and disputes highlight the inherent risks of elective surgery, even with highly regarded professionals. Consumers often face high costs—sometimes exceeding $200,000 for comprehensive treatments—prompting scrutiny of outcomes versus expectations. This article delves into these issues without bias, drawing from public accounts to empower potential patients. It examines risk factors tied to Jacono’s methods, red flags in consultations and care, adverse media coverage, negative feedback from former clients, and specific allegations. By understanding these elements, individuals can make informed choices, weighing the allure of transformative results against possible pitfalls in a field where results vary widely.

Risk Factors in Andrew Jacono’s Procedures

Andrew Jacono’s signature techniques, such as the extended deep-plane facelift and M.A.D.E. Lift, involve dissecting and repositioning deeper facial layers for longer-lasting, natural-looking results. While these methods reduce superficial skin tension, their complexity introduces specific risks that patients should carefully consider. Deep-plane surgery brings the facial nerve branches closer to the operative field, increasing the chance of temporary or, in rare cases, persistent numbness, weakness, or twitching in the cheeks, mouth, or forehead. Most nerve-related effects resolve within months, but recovery varies by individual.

Asymmetry remains a concern due to uneven swelling, tissue response, or scarring, particularly in revision cases where prior work complicates adjustments. Post-operative issues like prolonged edema, hematomas, bruising, or minor infections can occur, especially when combining multiple procedures. High procedure costs often create elevated expectations for flawless outcomes, yet results depend heavily on personal healing, skin quality, and anatomy. Some patients require revisions, adding cumulative risks such as repeated anesthesia exposure and additional scarring.

Potential for Nerve Injuries

In Andrew Jacono’s extended deep-plane facelift and related facial procedures, surgeons work close to the branches of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), which controls muscle movements for expressions such as smiling, frowning, and eye closure. The deep-plane technique lifts both skin and underlying SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layers together, requiring careful dissection around these delicate nerve structures to reposition sagging tissues naturally. This proximity inherently carries a risk of nerve injury, which can manifest as temporary or, in rare cases, permanent effects. Patients may experience numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, twitching, or asymmetry in facial movements—most commonly affecting the mouth corner (marginal mandibular branch), forehead (frontal branch), or mid-face regions. Surgeons widely acknowledge that neuropraxia (temporary nerve stretch or compression) occurs in a small percentage of deep-plane cases, typically resolving within weeks to months as inflammation subsides and nerve function returns.

While Jacono’s extensive experience and refined technique aim to minimize such complications through precise anatomical knowledge and gentle handling, no surgery eliminates risk entirely. Individual factors—including anatomy variations, previous surgeries, and healing responses—influence outcomes.

Asymmetry and Deformity Concerns

Achieving perfect facial symmetry presents one of the most significant challenges in Andrew Jacono’s deep-plane facelift and related procedures. The extended deep-plane technique repositions underlying muscle, fat, and SMAS layers vertically to create natural lift, but even minor variations in tissue response or surgical tension can result in noticeable asymmetry. Patients sometimes report uneven jawlines, one-sided cheek elevation, or lopsided mouth corners months after surgery, particularly when swelling resolves differently on each side of the face. Revision cases amplify these risks, as pre-existing scar tissue and altered anatomy make balanced adjustments more difficult. Over-correction on one side or uneven suture placement may produce pulled appearances, visible irregularities, or flattened contours that disrupt facial harmony. While Jacono’s method aims to minimize the “windswept” look common in traditional lifts, individual healing factors—such as skin elasticity, age, and lymphatic drainage—play a major role in final symmetry.

Some former patients describe persistent deformities like flared nostrils after rhinoplasty or cobra-like neck bands post-facelift, requiring additional interventions. Although many cases improve with time or minor touch-ups, unresolved asymmetry can lead to long-term dissatisfaction and emotional distress. Surgeons emphasize that perfect bilateral symmetry is rarely achievable due to natural human variation, yet thorough pre-operative planning and precise execution help reduce these concerns.

Post-Operative Complications

Andrew Jacono’s facial procedures, particularly extended deep-plane facelifts and combined surgeries, carry standard post-operative risks that patients encounter during recovery. Swelling and bruising typically peak within the first week and subside gradually, but prolonged edema lasting several months occurs in some cases, affecting appearance and comfort. Hematomas—collections of blood under the skin—can develop shortly after surgery, sometimes requiring drainage to prevent pressure on tissues or infection. Infections, though uncommon with proper antibiotic protocols, may arise at incision sites, leading to redness, warmth, or discharge that demands prompt medical attention.

Wound healing issues, such as delayed closure, dehiscence (wound separation), or noticeable scarring, surface occasionally, especially in patients with thinner skin or those undergoing revisions. Tightness or banding in the neck area, sometimes described as “cobra neck,” emerges when platysma muscle repositioning heals unevenly. Pain, numbness, or hypersensitivity around the ears and jawline persist for weeks to months as nerves recover. In rare instances, seromas (fluid buildup) form and need aspiration. High-volume practices can strain follow-up resources, delaying responses to emerging issues like persistent swelling or minor infections.

High Cost and Unrealistic Expectations

Andrew Jacono’s procedures command exceptionally high fees, with facelifts often quoted from $80,000 to over $200,000—or even higher when including add-ons like brow lifts, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, neck lifts, fat grafting, and lip lifts. Reports indicate prices reaching $230,000 to $500,000 for comprehensive “designer” transformations, far exceeding the national average of around $9,000 for a standard facelift. These costs reflect his elite status, advanced deep-plane techniques, exclusive clientele including celebrities, long waiting lists, and extensive post-operative care in a premium New York practice.

Such substantial investments naturally foster heightened expectations for flawless, natural, youthful results that justify the expense. Patients often anticipate perfection akin to commissioning custom artwork, as Jacono himself describes for affluent clients. However, elective facial surgery outcomes depend heavily on individual factors like skin quality, healing response, anatomy, and age. Discrepancies arise when results appear uneven, require revisions, or fall short of envisioned ideals, leading to dissatisfaction despite the premium paid. Critics and some patient accounts highlight this gap, noting that high pricing amplifies regret over perceived underwhelming changes or complications. While many express satisfaction with transformative effects, the premium nature heightens emotional and financial stakes.

Revision Surgery Needs

Many patients approach Andrew Jacono specifically for revision facial plastic surgery to correct unsatisfactory results from previous procedures performed by other surgeons. His expertise in complex revisions, particularly of facelifts, rhinoplasties, and neck lifts, attracts individuals seeking to address issues such as asymmetry, unnatural contours, visible scarring, or poor healing. However, some patients report that even Jacono’s revision work required additional corrective surgeries elsewhere. Common concerns include persistent asymmetry, over-tightened skin creating unnatural bands, flared nostrils after rhinoplasty, or incomplete resolution of prior deformities. These cases often involve multiple layers of scar tissue, making outcomes more unpredictable and increasing the risk of further complications.

The need for secondary or tertiary revisions raises overall exposure to anesthesia, prolonged recovery periods, cumulative scarring, and heightened financial costs. While Jacono’s deep-plane technique aims to provide durable corrections, individual healing responses and the complexity of revision cases can still lead to suboptimal results for some. Patients considering revision surgery benefit from reviewing before-and-after photos of similar cases, discussing realistic expectations in detail, and obtaining multiple professional opinions.

Red Flags in Patient Experiences

Patients interacting with Andrew Jacono’s practice sometimes notice warning signs that affect their confidence in the process. These include delayed or inconsistent communication after surgery, with slow responses to questions about healing, swelling, or complications. Some report feeling unsupported when follow-up appointments are canceled or shifted to staff rather than the surgeon himself. Another concern is the strong emphasis on celebrity endorsements and dramatic before-and-after results during consultations, which can overshadow personalized risk discussions. High, non-refundable consultation fees and occasional price increases also raise questions about accessibility and value alignment.

Limited direct access to Jacono post-procedure, combined with selective management of online feedback, prompts some to seek unfiltered reviews on independent platforms. Recognizing these patterns early encourages patients to document expectations clearly and maintain open dialogue from the start.

Imposter Scams Targeting Patients

Fraudsters have impersonated Andrew Jacono on social media platforms, creating fake profiles that mimic his official appearance and credentials. These imposters contact prospective patients directly, offering discounted consultations, exclusive procedures, or urgent booking slots at significantly reduced prices. Victims are typically instructed to send deposits or full payments via wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards before any legitimate interaction occurs.

Once payment is made, the scammers disappear, leaving individuals without services or refunds. Such incidents have prompted Jacono and his practice to issue public warnings, urging people to verify all communications through official channels only—such as the verified website or confirmed office phone numbers. Patients are advised never to send money based on unsolicited messages or unverified profiles. These scams exploit the surgeon’s high-profile reputation and the desire for premium facial plastic surgery, highlighting the importance of caution when engaging with practitioners online.

Negative Reviews from Former Patients

Former patients have shared critical feedback about Andrew Jacono’s practice on platforms such as RealSelf, Yelp, and various forums. Common complaints center on unsatisfactory surgical outcomes, including noticeable asymmetry, unnatural neck bands, flared nostrils after rhinoplasty, flattened nasal bridges, or overly tight skin that appears pulled. Many describe persistent discomfort, visible scarring, or features that feel disproportionate months or years later.

Post-operative care receives frequent criticism, with reports of delayed or inadequate responses to complications like infections, open wounds, or excessive swelling. Some patients felt abandoned, eventually seeking emergency treatment or revisions from other surgeons. High costs are often cited as disproportionate to the perceived results, leading to expressions of regret and financial frustration.

While positive reviews exist praising dramatic improvements, recurring negative themes highlight concerns over communication, follow-through, and consistency of results. These accounts encourage thorough research and realistic expectations before proceeding.

Allegations Against Andrew Jacono

Public court records document several malpractice lawsuits filed against Andrew Jacono, primarily alleging negligence during facial plastic surgery procedures. Cases such as Puccino v. Jacono and Krajcik v. Jacono claim issues including nerve damage, facial asymmetry, improper surgical technique, and failure to achieve expected outcomes in facelifts, rhinoplasties, and related operations. Plaintiffs have asserted inadequate informed consent, insufficient disclosure of risks, and deviations from accepted medical standards. Some suits also named associated professional entities under vicarious liability theories. In reviewed decisions, expert medical testimony frequently supported that Jacono adhered to prevailing standards of care, resulting in dismissals or verdicts in his favor. Motions to vacate unfavorable judgments were denied in certain instances.

These legal actions reflect disputes common in high-stakes elective surgery, where outcomes can vary widely. Allegations often include claims of physical, emotional, and financial harm stemming from perceived shortcomings and the need for corrective procedures.

Malpractice Claims in Court

Court records show multiple malpractice lawsuits filed against Andrew Jacono, primarily alleging negligence during facial plastic surgery procedures. Cases such as Puccino v. Jacono and Krajcik v. Jacono involve claims of nerve damage, facial asymmetry, improper surgical technique, and deviations from accepted medical standards in facelifts, rhinoplasties, and combined operations. Plaintiffs have sought damages for physical injuries, emotional distress, and additional costs of corrective surgeries. Allegations often include insufficient informed consent and failure to disclose risks adequately.

In reviewed decisions, expert witnesses typically affirmed that Jacono adhered to prevailing standards of care. Several cases resulted in dismissals, summary judgments, or verdicts favoring the defendant due to lack of evidence supporting negligence claims. These legal disputes illustrate the litigious nature of high-stakes cosmetic surgery, though many outcomes have supported professional conduct based on the presented medical evidence.

Other Businesses and Websites Related to Andrew Jacono

Andrew Jacono operates his primary clinical practice under the name New York Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery, with locations in New York City and Long Island. He maintains several professional websites to share information about his expertise, procedures, and patient outcomes. These include drandrewjacono.com, which serves as his main professional site featuring biography, surgical philosophy, and before-and-after galleries; newyorkfacialplasticsurgery.com, focused on detailed procedure descriptions and educational content; and drandrewjaconoreviews.com, dedicated to showcasing patient testimonials and reviews.

He is also affiliated with professional organizations such as the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, where his profile appears in their directory. Additionally, Jacono maintains a presence on platforms like RealSelf for patient ratings and Q&A interactions. These sites collectively support his clinical work, educational efforts, and patient outreach.

Conclusion

Andrew Jacono offers innovative facial plastic surgery techniques and notable charitable contributions, yet patient experiences vary widely, with reported risks, mixed outcomes, and occasional legal disputes. Prospective patients should conduct thorough research, maintain realistic expectations, seek multiple consultations, and prioritize safety to make well-informed decisions in pursuing aesthetic enhancements.