Face Lift

Face lift surgery, known in the medical field as rhytidectomy, is designed to tighten facial muscles, remove excess fat, and redrape the skin of the face and neck in order to smooth out wrinkles and other signs of age. Face lift surgery addresses several signs of aging including:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Drooping jowls around the jaws
• Sun damage
• Creases between the nose and mouth
• Excess fat and skin folds

Cleveland, Mayfield Heights, and surrounding area residents considering face lift surgery should contact the Cleveland Plastic Surgery Institute today to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Leedy. Our plastic surgeon is known for his expertise, skill, and compassionate manner. Dr. Jason Leedy can make you look and feel younger and fresher with this popular cosmetic procedure. Face lift surgery can also be combined with procedures such as tummy tuck, liposuction, or body contouring after weight loss to give you a total cosmetic makeover.

The Face Lift Procedure

Dr. Jason Leedy utilizes a number of different face lift techniques. Most can be performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia, and take about three to five hours to complete.

Traditional Face Lift

The traditional face lift begins with an incision near the temple that continues down behind the earlobe. The surface skin is lifted, and the muscles underneath are tightened. Excess fat and skin are removed. The skin is then redraped and the incisions are closed. Scarring from the procedure is minimal and typically can’t be seen because of the placement of the incisions.

Deep-Plane Face Lift

A deep-plane face lift is an excellent option for those who have sagging neck skin and heavy, drooping cheeks. With the deep-plane face lift technique, Dr. Leedy repositions the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system). The SMAS is the deep strength layer of the face overlying the facial muscles. Adjusting this layer elevates the deeper soft tissues of the face, restoring youthful facial contours. The deep-plane face lift leaves patients with outstanding results, often lasting for ten years or more.

Mid-Face Lift

Patients from the Cleveland, Mayfield Heights, and surrounding areas that do not require the deep-plane face lift may opt for the endoscopic mid-face lift. This innovative technique involves small, inconspicuous incisions made in the scalp and hairline. Soft tissues of the cheek, lower eyelid, and brow are repositioned and a more youthful facial contour is restored. Patients who have a nice neckline but suffer from premature aging in the brow and the upper face can benefit from endoscopic mid-face lift. Recovery time is quicker with this procedure, with patients typically resuming normal daily routines after seven to ten days.

Contact our Cleveland face lift surgeon for more information on the type of technique that would be right for you.

Face Lift Recovery

Significant bruising and swelling is common after face lift surgery; however, these side effects will diminish while the face heals. The head will be bandaged and will need to be kept elevated for a few days after the procedure. Pain and discomfort can be alleviated with medication. Depending on the type of face lift technique performed, most patients can resume normal daily activities after ten days. Strenuous exercise should be avoided and extreme care and protection of the face is required for at least two weeks after face lift surgery. The final results of the face lift should be apparent after the first few weeks following the procedure.

Face Lift Risks

All plastic surgeries involve some level of risk. Some of the risks involved with face lift surgery include:

• Reaction to anesthesia
• Nerve damage
• Hematoma (blood collection underneath the skin)
• Infection
• Numbness/tingling around the incisions
• Skin discoloration

Although there are always risks involved with surgery, face lift is considered one of the safest aesthetic procedures available. Dr. Jason Leedy has extensive experience performing face lift procedures and will work with you to minimize any risks associated with the surgery.

Contact Our Face Lift Surgeon

We look forward to helping you reduce the signs of aging with face lift procedures that are designed to provide you with a more youthful, refreshed appearance. Contact the Cleveland Plastic Surgery Institute, also serving Mayfield Heights and the surrounding areas, to set up a face lift consultation with Dr. Leedy.

“I did not have one problem. Dr. Leedy is the best!”

Jamie, patient, Twinsburg, Ohio
(Lower Facelift and Necklift)