Face Lift

Reverse the Clock 10 to 15 Years with a Facelift!

A facelift is a surgical procedure designed to address signs of aging on the face. The effects of a facelift are dramatic and long-lasting because it involves removing loose skin, and repositioning and tightening underlying tissues. Clinically known as a rhytidectomy, the facelift was first documented in the early 1900s. ^[1] The procedure initially dealt with sagging skin, but today’s innovations focus more on addressing the underlying muscles and tissues; this achieves a natural, younger appearance. Today, facelifts remain one of the most often performed cosmetic surgeries, increasing in popularity by 75% from 2000 to 2020. ^[2] 

As our lifespan increases, the delicate skin of the face has to stand up to gravity, but it’s not a fair fight; the production of collagen fibers slows down, and the structure is compromised. Additionally, many more environmental and internal factors add to an aging face: sun exposure, smoking, age, and genetics can contribute to sagging skin, sunken cheeks, and the formation of lines and creases. So often, the first signs of an aging face strike panic in the heart of the aesthetically minded as they imagine what’s to come:

Dr. Gregory Fedele, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon with the surgical experience and artistic skill to produce stunning results for patients seeking facelift surgery. He skillfully creates more pleasing contours, which results in a smoother, firmer, and younger-looking face and neck. So, if you are ready to fight the signs of aging head-on, call us at (216) 464-1616, and we will be happy to schedule your appointment for a facelift consultation. Furthermore, patients in Beachwood and Cleveland, OH who wish to receive a call back can fill out this form, and we will be in touch shortly.

Follow our blog to learn more about Dr. Fedele, his practice, and the advanced surgical techniques that keep him one of the top surgeons.

Before & After Photos

Before and After Photos

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What are the Benefits of Getting a Facelift?

What does a rhytidectomy do that a minimally or non-invasive procedure cannot? So many treatments and techniques promise incredible results, but for the most dramatic improvements, a facelift delivers. As mentioned, the first facelift procedures solely focused on excising loose skin from the face and neck, and the results were adequate, but as time progressed, it was clear that surgeons needed a more profound solution. In 1969, a Swedish plastic surgeon focused his facelift technique on the superficial fascia (a thin layer of connective tissue in the face) and produced longer-lasting results. ^[1] Today, Dr. Fedele uses these and many other advanced techniques to address each patient’s unique case. By repositioning fat, anchoring the underlying muscular structure, and then carefully excising and re-draping skin, Dr. Fedele utilizes a comprehensive approach to the facelift; patients in Beachwood and Cleveland, OH, are exceptionally pleased with the results. Turn back the clock ten, even fifteen years, without looking “done” or over-pulled like some facelift patients of the past.

Ideal Candidates for Facelift Surgery

Patients who are discontented with the signs of aging on their face and neck will find the results of a facelift pleasing. You may be an ideal candidate for a facelift if you find yourself concerned with:

While some patients may be better candidates for non- or minimally-invasive treatments and procedures offered by Dr. Fedele, nothing provides the same long-lasting results as a facelift. Schedule a consultation to discover how a facelift can erase the signs of aging on your face.

The Initial Consultation

Our initial consultation will assist you in making an informed decision about whether facelift surgery is right for you. Before meeting with Dr. Fedele, you will be greeted at reception to collect your medical history and check you in. Then, we will review your medical history and fill in any additional information necessary to determine your candidacy for surgery. Next, we will ask you important questions like which medications you take, your surgical history, and whether or not you smoke; smoking can impede the healing process, and blood-thinning medicines can cause complications during surgery. We will answer your questions and inform you of the preparation, procedure, and recovery process. Finally, we will show you informational videos and brochures prepared by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). 

Choosing to pursue a facelift is an important decision, and it’s important that patients are well-formed. Patients will have the opportunity to read a selection of literature describing the procedure and consider the information we have presented. We encourage them to write down their questions and concerns so that they are prepared to have a rewarding and informative conversation with Dr. Fedele.

Meeting with Dr. Fedele

Once you have decided you would like to take the next step in your journey to a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance, you will meet with Dr. Fedele. Choosing a well-trained and experienced Plastic Surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), will ensure your results meet your expectations. Dr. Fedele will spend time answering your questions and explaining the procedure to you in further detail. Furthermore, digital computer technology will allow Dr. Fedele to simulate your “after” to give you an idea of how you will look following surgery. Your initial consultation fee includes any additional visits. Dr. Fedele insists on meeting with every patient at least twice prior to surgery so he can develop a better understanding of their cosmetic goals, and that patients are adequately prepared. Dr. Fedele wants you to feel at ease with him as your surgeon so take the time provided to ask questions and become familiar with his techniques.

Our goal is for you to have a wonderful experience before, during, and after your procedure so please don’t hesitate to let us know how we can help! To schedule your consultation, call (216) 464-1616 or fill out our form to receive a call back. In the meantime, visit Dr. Fedele’s blog to learn more about the latest in plastic surgery and learn more about the other rejuvenating procedures that he offers at his Cleveland practice.

Preparation

To ensure your safety and optimize results, there are a few things we may ask you to do to prepare for surgery ^[3] :

We will provide you with a complete list of pre-operative procedures during your consultation.

The Facelift Procedure

Methods and techniques for facial rejuvenation surgery have dramatically improved since doctors in Germany first performed them in 1901. ^[1] Today, Dr. Fedele uses different methods depending on the patient’s unique situation. A thorough assessment of skin quality, wrinkles, scars, fat pads, and skeletal resorption will help establish realistic expectations. 

Below you will find general facelift techniques; your procedure will be customized to your needs, and may be one of these or combine different approaches.

Traditional Facelift

A complete facelift involves the most significant degree of lifting and repositioning of the muscles and other involved tissues. Modern methods involve much more repositioning of underlying muscle and supportive tissue and less pulling or stretching of the skin. 

First, incisions are made that begin at the temples on each side of the face. These incisions continue in front of the ears, wrap around the earlobes, and stop in the hairline behind the ears. Next, Dr. Fedele will reposition the underlying tissues to eliminate sagging. He may also relocate fat to restore volume, a vital component of a youthful face. Before closing the incisions with sutures, he will redrape the skin and trim away any excess skin to achieve smoother, natural-looking contours. A second incision can be made under the chin to better access, lift and tighten lax skin and weakened muscle on the upper neck.

Mid-Face Lift

For patients with central concerns focused on sagging skin and fat pads in the cheeks, a mid-face lift is an ideal solution. Additionally, this technique reduces puffiness under the eyes, corrects nasolabial folds, and improves definition in the cheeks.

In a mid-face lift, the discreet incisions are shorter and are located in the lower eyelid or mouth. ^[4] 

Limited-Incision Facelift

The limited-incision facelift produces positive results for patients with minimal laxity or sagging, or perhaps those who are ready for a follow-up procedure from a facelift from a decade ago. When limited rejuvenation of the area around the eyes and mouth, nasolabial folds, and other deeper creases is necessary, a limited incision facelift is a great option. This procedure involves a shorter incision at the temple and around the ears. If necessary, incisions can also be made in the lower eyelids, under the upper lip, or both.

Neck Lift

Neck lifts correct sagging skin and banding in the neck area and jowls and fat under the chin. Incisions around the earlobes and behind the ear into the scalp, allows Dr. Fedele to address the underlying structures of the neck as well as incise skin that may cause the dreaded “turkey neck.”

Recovery

A facelift is a major surgery requiring anesthesia and significant time for recovery. Furthermore, the dynamic techniques employed to lift and reposition fat pads, soft tissue, and underlying structures can result in swelling and bruising.

Following your surgery, Dr. Fedele will securely bandage your incisions and position drainage tubes to relieve fluid buildup.

Patience is Key

You must ask for help in the first few days following surgery, especially if you have small children or animals needing care at home. The recovery from surgery can be difficult at first, but you will rapidly improve, especially if you follow Dr. Fedele’s advice. To achieve the most comfortable and successful recovery, please adhere to these guidelines:

• Create a cozy space in your home where you can focus on recovery
• Sleep with your head elevated for the first week; avoid sleeping on your face.
• Avoid strenuous exercise that will raise your blood pressure for a few weeks.
• Take at least three weeks off work and your regular schedule.
• We will give you a general timeline for returning to your active life, but please continue to monitor yourself carefully.

Following your procedure, your skin will feel tight. As the pain subsides, you will have numbness, especially around your incisions, and with further healing, the numbness will change to feeling itchy; this is a normal reaction as your nerves adapt to their new locations in your re-draped skin. Facelifts can produce residual swelling that returns for weeks or months, usually in the evening. It takes time for your skin to adjust to the changes, so do not worry; these are all normal reactions. You are welcome to call our office with any questions or concerns as you heal, and we will set your mind at ease.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

To complement the results and enhance the balance of the face, Dr. Fedele may also perform other procedures along with a facelift, including:

Eyelid Lift

Also called blepharoplasty, this procedure removes excess fat and loose skin from the upper and lower lids resulting in a refreshed and awake appearance around the eyes.

Brow or Forehead Lift

Employing a state-of-the-art endoscopic technique, including a brow lift with your facelift, gives a better balance to the upper and lower face.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Remove dead skin cells, smooth fine lines, diminish acne scars, and improve the skin’s overall tone with a CO2 laser resurfacing treatment.

What is the Cost of a Facelift in Ohio?

When you meet with Sandy, our Practice Manager and surgery scheduler, as part of your consultation process, she will inform you of the fees associated with your surgery. She will also alert you to the many available financing plans to help you achieve your cosmetic dreams. When scheduling your surgery, let Sandy know if you have a specific date in mind; she will do her best to accommodate your schedule. Just like the rest of our staff, Sandy is here to answer your questions, so let her know how she can help. Patients in Beachwood and Cleveland, OH, can call (216) 464-1616 or fill out this form, and we will be in touch shortly to schedule your consultation.

References

1. Yang AJ, Hohman MH. Rhytidectomy. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564338/
2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report.; 2020. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2020/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2020.pdf
3. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Facelift Preparation. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Accessed July 25, 2022. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/facelift/preparation

Le Louarn C. Concentric Malar Lift in the Management of Lower Eyelid Rejuvenation or Retraction: A Clinical Retrospective Study on 342 Cases, 13 Years After the First Publication. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2018;42(3):725-742. doi:10.1007/s00266-018-1079-0