There are many facial rejuvenation techniques currently available for those looking to address fine lines, wrinkles and acne scarring at our New York City office. Resurfacing techniques like chemical peels, laser resurfacing and dermabrasion have been used for years to rejuvenate the skin by removing the top layer of damaged skin and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.

While effective, these techniques often include significant side effects such as whitening of the skin, hypo-pigmentation, hyper-pigmentation, thinning of the skin and increased sun sensitivity. These treatments are also not recommended for the delicate eye area.

Skin needling, also referred to as medical needling or facial needling, offers an effective alternative for reducing facial wrinkles and lines as well as acne scars, chicken pox scars, and other shallow depressed scars. Needling can also help to flatten and smooth raised or hypertrophic scars, such as those from skin grafts and surgery, and relax contracted scar tissue from burns or accidents that limits movement.

This is a natural method of skin rejuvenation that does not require chemicals, lasers, fillers or injections. Instead, a process is used in which hundreds of microscopic pin pricks are created on the skin, triggering the body’s natural wound healing process and the production of new collagen. With repeat sessions, new collagen is gradually and continually produced, plumping and filling wrinkles, lines and depressed scars naturally.

First discovered in the 1940’s, today’s methods of needling are much more sophisticated and are used routinely around the world. This technique often goes by other names including dry needling, needle abrasion, needle dermabrasion, dry tattooing, facial mesotherapy, multitrepannic collagen actuation (MCA), percutaneous collagen induction (PCI), and collagen induction therapy (CIT).

Benefits of Skin Needling

There are many benefits of needling compared to other skin resurfacing methods. There is no removal or damage to the outer layer of skin, resulting in less risk of pigmentation changes and fewer side effects like skin thinning, increased sun sensitivity, allergic reaction and infection. This also results in less downtime and faster healing. In fact, recovery and downtime only last a few days. Because there are fewer risks, repeat or ongoing treatments with needling are possible. In fact, with repeat treatment, the skin becomes thicker rather than thinner. Needling can also be used around the eyes to treat conditions like crow’s feet.

What to Expect

During the needling procedure, a topical anesthesia is used to minimize pain and ensure the patient’s comfort. Once the skin is numbed, a sterile needle is inserted 1 to 2mm into the skin, creating a shallow puncture wound which triggers the body’s natural healing process and the production of new collagen. Multiple insertions are made on the skin throughout the treatment area.

After treatment, swelling is minimal and patients heal within a few days. Redness is common in the treatment area and lasts for three to five days. Ointment must be applied regularly during the first 3 to 7 days after treatment. Patients may see improvement in as little as a few weeks after each procedure with continued improvement occurring over the course of several months. The skin will appear smoother and tighter with diminished lines and wrinkles. Repeat treatments should be spaced at least 6 to 8 weeks apart.

To learn more about scar revision, visit medlineplus.gov

Visit Our GalleryNext, learn about wrinkle treatments and dermal fillers.

Facial reconstruction is the process of repairing and restoring the physical or functional appearance of the face. This can include congenital malformations and birth defect, facial scars or blemishes, problems resulting from an accident, or alterations after cancer or tumor surgery. Dr. Miller in New York City can correct areas of the face and neck, as well as improve the proportion of the features with facial reconstructive surgery; providing dramatic, life-changing results; improving a patient’s confidence and self-esteem.

Who is a Candidate for Facial Reconstruction Surgery?

Ideal candidates for facial reconstruction surgery should be in generally good health, with reasonable expectations from the procedure. Satisfactory results can be seen in young children all the way up to older adults; and can benefit any ethnicity.

A consultation with Dr. Miller in his New York City office will be initially set up to discuss the potential improvements from facial reconstruction surgery. A brief physical exam will be performed, recent Before/After photos shown, and an explanation of the exact procedure will be given. Dr. Miller will evaluate if a facial reconstructive procedure is best suited for your individual situation. If so, a unique surgical plan will be created, keeping your needs and desires in mind.

Potential Risks from Facial Reconstruction

While reconstructive procedures are considered safe and efficient, they are invasive and may hold some small degree of risk. Problems that may occur after surgery include poor wound healing, excessive bleeding, infection, scarring, and asymmetry. Using an experienced, skilled, board-certified surgeon – like Dr. Miller – is the best way for patients to guarantee a complication-free procedure and recovery.

Recovery After Facial Reconstruction Surgery

There are a wide variety of facial reconstruction procedures, each of which will have its own specific expected recovery time. Patients should be prepared to experience mild to moderate pain over the first few days; Dr. Miller will prescribe appropriate pain medications for comfort while healing. Swelling and bruising are common after a surgical procedure and make take several weeks to fully disappear. A compression garment is required after some surgical procedures, others may have drain tubes or bandages. Patients should commit to the full amount of suggested downtime, after a reconstructive procedure; only returning to work or school when adequate healing has occurred. At your consultation appointment in New York City, very clear recovery information will be provided.

Patient Testimonials

Dr. Philip Miller Restores a Patient’s Injured Lip

Dr. Philip Miller Removes a Patient’s Scar on Her Face

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Facial Reconstruction FAQ

Q: What is facial reconstruction surgery?

A: Facial reconstruction surgery is an invasive procedure designed to improve the appearance of the facial features, by addressing such issues as trauma or congenital abnormalities.

Q: Where is facial reconstruction surgery performed?

A: Dr. Miller performs all of his reconstructive procedures at the nearby, fully-accredited surgical facility.

Q: When can I return to work after a facial reconstruction procedure?

A: Patients can return to work or school when the healing process is appropriately underway. This can range from a few days to three or four weeks, depending on the specific reconstruction procedure performed.

Q: Can I finance a facial reconstruction procedure?

A: Yes, patients are welcome to apply for healthcare financing through Care Credit. Applications will be reviewed immediately, and if approved, the amount may be used right away.

To learn more about facial reconstruction, visit medlineplus.gov

Dr. Philip Miller is a Top Rated Surgeon

Dr. Miller is a board-certified plastic surgeon considered a top-rated expert in his field. In 2025, Dr. Miller won the Castle Connolly Top Doctor Award, a prestigious award for outstanding physicians who were nominated by their peers, screened by researchers, and deemed the best in their specialty. Not only is Dr. Miller highly qualified, but he also utilizes the NatraLook Process to make sure his patients’ results are rewarding in both physical and emotional ways. For more information on the facelift procedure, please contact Dr. Miller at his Manhattan New York plastic surgery office.

Next, learn about Fractora.

While many people never give a second thought to the ears, when they are poorly shaped or unusual in size, the ears can grab the unwanted attention of others. Misshapen or protruding ears can be devastating and humiliating; the sense of self-esteem can be severely impacted, especially in children and adolescents. Teasing and bullying because of ‘different’ looking ears is common. Adults as well, can experience a loss of confidence. Only a surgical intervention can improve the appearance of the ears.

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the ears. Patients with oversized, misshapen, or protruding ears can see dramatic improvement after an otoplasty procedure. The reconstructive surgery in Dr. Miller’s New York City surgery center can fix all aesthetic issues of the ear, ranging from a birth defect to an unnatural shape after an injury.

A successful otoplasty can be performed on both an adult patient, as well as children. Once the ears are close to fully developed, the surgical procedure can effectively reshape their size, shape, and position on the head.

Am I a Good Candidate for Ear Surgery?

Healthy men and women, as well as children as young as five, may make an excellent otoplasty candidate. People experiencing a malformation, asymmetry, or an unusual protrusion of the ears can find satisfying results through an otoplasty. It is recommended that the ears be between 85-90% developed prior to surgery, which occurs between the ages of five and six. The ideal patient will understand the procedure, commit to the recovery time required, and have realistic surgical expectations.

What Can I Expect During Otoplasty Surgery?

In our New York office, Dr. Philip Miller normally performs his otoplasty procedure under a local anesthetic. For children, however, general anesthesia may be recommended. The procedure will take between one and two hours to complete. To begin, Dr. Miller will make a small crease behind the ear, or depending on the desired correction, a tiny incision on the front crease of the ear. From here, the cartilage of the ear will be reshaped, and the repositioned closer to the head. Abnormalities of the earlobe will be addressed. Finally, sutures will be used to hold the ear in place while it heals.

How Long is Recovery After Ear Surgery?

Patients should expect the recovery from an otoplasty to take from one to two weeks. Initially, there may be mild discomfort, but Dr. Miller will make sure patients are resting comfortably at home with the appropriate pain medications. Bruising and swelling may occur, but will diminish over the next two to three weeks. A headband may be required, to assist in the appropriate healing of the ears. Patients are normally feeling well enough to return to work or school in seven to ten days.

Preparing for Otoplasty Surgery

Otoplasty Before and After Photos

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Otoplasty Video Testimonials

FAQ

Q: What are the potential risks of ear surgery?

A: Otoplasty is considered an extremely safe and effective procedure. As it is an invasive surgery, though, there is the rare chance for complications. If occurring, these can include infection, delayed wound healing, scarring, and asymmetry.

Q: How much does an otoplasty cost?

A: Depending on the extent of correction required, an otoplasty will cost between $9,000 and $11,000.

Q: What should I do before my otoplasty procedure?

A: Potential patients should research the otoplasty online, and set up a consultation appointment with Dr. Miller. At this time, if an otoplasty is right for you, information on the procedure and post-surgery instructions will be given. Read these carefully and ask any questions that arise.

Q: How long is the otoplasty procedure?

A: Otoplasty will take between one and two hours to complete. The length of time will depend on the extent of correction required.

Q: When can I return to work after my otoplasty?

A: Patients generally feel well enough to return to work or school between seven and ten days after surgery. By this time, the majority of bruising and swelling will have diminished.

To learn more about otoplasty, visit ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Next, read about Pellevé.

Over the years, New York plastic facial plastic surgeon Dr. Miller and plastic surgeon Dr. Steinbrech have been featured in a variety of magazines and media outlets. Read some of the recent and past press in magazines such as New York, Bazaar, and Elle regarding Dr. Miller and Dr. Steinbrech.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment at our center, please contact us today!

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Next, learn more about Dr. Miller’s rhinoplasty techniques.

Coming soon…
Next, learn about the plastic surgery procedures offered by Dr. Miller.

If you would like to make an appointment, please call our office at (646) 791-3025, or send us an email. We will get back to you as soon as possible to schedule your appointment.

Getting to the Office

Dr. Miller’s office is a JCAHO Accredited Office base surgery facility where patients may elect to have their procedures.
Staffed by board-certified anesthesiologists, the facility offers state of the art medical care in a calming, comforting and exclusive setting.
Next, learn what to expect if you’re an out of town patient.

Dr. Miller and his staff welcome out-of-town patients and will strive to accommodate your needs during your visit. Call ahead to schedule your appointment or consultation to ensure that we can meet with you during your visit. Our staff is happy to assist you with all of your travel arrangements.
Please contact Bernadette for concierge assistance or fill out an online request form.
Please include with your request a description of why you would like to see Dr. Miller as well as clear photographs that show the area, as well as side and back views, if necessary. In addition, list any medications, vitamins, or nutritional supplements you are taking. This will help Dr. Miller and the staff prepare for your appointment. Once the staff has read your request and reviewed the information, they will call you to schedule the appointment.

Dr. Miller’s office is located near four area airports for your convenience:
– 20 minutes South from John F. Kennedy International Airport
– 15 minutes from La Guardia National Airport
– 35 minutes from Newark International Airport
– 15 minutes from Teterboro private airport
Please plan to arrive one day before surgery so Dr. Miller and his staff can meet with you before the surgery. The staff would be pleased to assist you with reservations and local arrangements if you need assistance. They can recommend several comfortable hotels as well as arrange private assistance for your recovery period, if necessary.
Plan to stay in the New York area for approximately 3 to 7 days after your procedure. The recovery time depends on the type of surgery you have and how well you are healing after the procedure. However, most patients are able to travel after this 3 to 7 day recovery period.

Accommodations

There are many excellent accommodations in New York City. We recommend the following:

Shopping

From must-see iconic department stores to designer bargain shopping, New York City is known as a shopping destination.

Museums

Planning Guide

Our staff has years of experience assisting out-of-town and out-of-country patients with their travel arrangements. Over the years we have helped many patients coordinate their visits and we strive to make your procedure successful and your stay as comfortable as possible. We have compiled our experiences and advice into a helpful guide that explains the steps necessary to plan your trip.
Please consult Dr. Miller or his patient coordinator for detailed information about your procedure, as well as instructions and special considerations for traveling before and after your procedure.

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Next, learn about the patient resources provided by Dr. Miller.