Facelift in Sarasota

Dr. Holcomb and Dr. Salzman will use the facelift technique that is most appropriate for each patient. Common concerns include skin laxity of the face and neck, heavy skin folds near the mouth, jowls, fullness under the chin, prominent neck bands, and volume loss in the midface area.

Facelift Sarasota Table of Contents

What is a Facelift?

The facelift procedure begins with contouring of the neck, jawline, and area under the chin. Some patients may require only minimally-invasive neck contouring, requiring only a needle puncture for traditional (cold) laser-assisted or radiofrequency-assisted liposuction, while others need to have contouring of the platysma muscle (platysmaplasty) to reduce the appearance prominent bands at the front of the neck. Many patients need both liposuction and platysmaplasty to achieve the best results. Dr. Holcomb has extensive experience in radiofrequency assisted facelift and neck lift with both laser lipolysis (co-developer of AccuLift procedure) and radiofrequency assisted lipolysis (RFAL).

Both procedures can be used as standalone neck contouring procedures, but are frequently used in conjunction with facelift surgery. Next, a vertical facelift of the mobile SMAS is performed. This is the most contemporary and effective approach that can effectively lift and sharpen the jawline while also softening the marionette and smile folds. It also mobilzes volume upwards into the mid-face while reducing volume in the lower face to bring back the heart-shaped contour reminiscent of youth. At Holcomb - Kreithen Plastic Surgery and Medspa, facelift procedures are typically performed in our AAAASF-accredited outpatient surgical facility under IV sedation. General anesthesia is not required.

Am I a Facelift Candidate?

Not everyone is a candidate for facelift surgery. Patients with early, mild skin laxity may benefit from non-surgical treatments like filler injections, volumization with Sculptra, collagen stimulation with hyper-dilute Radiesse, Genius Intelligent RF, Ultherapy, laser skin resurfacing, and more.

Facelift surgery is best suited for patients with:

Facial skin laxity and sagging
Jowl formation and loss of jawline definition
Deep folds around the mouth and mid-face volume loss
Excess tissue under the chin

Facelift Patient Testimonials

Before & After Feature Facelift

View Full Gallery

Schedule a Consultation

Energy Assisted Facelift

The radiofrequency assisted facelift (also known as AccuLift™) blends minimally invasive laser lipolysis (use of a special fiber laser that targets collagen, fat, and water to emulsify and melt fat as well as sever and tighten loose collagen bands under the skin) with traditional surgical facelift techniques. Dr. Holcomb co-developed this procedure.

It is also known as laser assisted facial contouring (LAFC) when used to sculpt the lower face, or as laser assisted neck contouring (LANC) when used to sculpt the area under the chin and the neck. Dr. Holcomb unveiled this procedure (which was also described as “the 30-minute facelift”) on the CBS award-winning show The Doctors in 2011.

Meet Your Surgeons 75 Years of Combined Experience

We have performed thousands of facial rejuvenation procedures, including advanced facelift techniques and revision cases. With decades of experience, our surgeons specialize in natural facial rejuvenation, ensuring results that avoid an over-tightened or artificial appearance.

J. David Holcomb, MD Face, Nose & Laser Surgery

J. David Holcomb, MD is a double board-certified Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Laser Surgeon (American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Board of Otolaryngology) who has practiced in Sarasota since 2000. His expertise includes advanced procedures such as rhinoplasty and laser resurfacing, and he has participated in groundbreaking clinical research trials (principal investigator in several helium plasma dermal resurfacing studies and BLESS II Letybo neurotoxin non-inferiority study).

Meet Dr. Holcomb

Joshua C. Kreithen, MD Breast & Body Surgery

Joshua C. Kreithen, MD is an Aesthetic Breast & Contouring Body Specialist who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Kreithen has practiced in Sarasota, Florida since 2004.

Meet Dr. Kreithen

Marc J. Salzman, MD Face, Breast & Body Surgery

Marc J. Salzman, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience in face and body procedures. A recognized educator and innovator, he's known for advancing techniques and contributing to FDA studies on breast implants.

Meet Dr. Salzman

follow us @holcombkreithen

The Vertical Facelift

If you have jowls that are easily visible and partially obscuring your jawline when you look in the mirror while standing or sitting, try looking with a hand mirror while lying on the bed or sofa. What happens? In many people, this results in the jowls moving upwards into the lower face and backward toward the ears so that the jawline is magically restored to a youthful state. Guess what position patients are in during facelift surgery? If you guessed flat (supine), you are correct.

So, in this position, the jowls are simply not visible in many cases. They have temporarily migrated up into the face, where surgeons do not perform traditional liposuction. So what happens to the jowls? If you have a facelift procedure that doesn’t directly address the jowls, the jawline will generally look better right after surgery, but over time, and often sooner than later, the jowls will become apparent again — even if the skin is relatively tight across the jawline.

A vertical facelift is done by marking and then placing an incision along the hairline and around the ears to access the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system). The ligaments are then released, and the tissues are lifted vertically as one unit. Once everything is placed, the incisions are then closed. By lifting the deep tissue vertically, your surgeon can address the sagging cheeks, lower face, and neck all at once, resulting in a much more natural and youthful look.

Technique Distinctions

Our advanced technique includes deep plane vertical SMAS repositioning with midface re-volumization and 3D restoration (often referred to as the vertical restore procedure). This approach emphasizes repositioning deeper tissues rather than simply tightening the skin, resulting in a more natural, long-lasting outcome. Additionally, we incorporate Quantum RFAL (radiofrequency-assisted liposuction) to enhance further jawline and neck contouring, improving overall facial harmony.

The Deep Plane Facelift

Unlike traditional facelifts that target superficial layers, the deep plane facelift delves into the deeper structural components of the face. This advanced procedure achieves a refined and more youthful appearance by addressing sagging muscles and connective tissues. With their extensive experience in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Holcomb and Dr. Salzman excel in providing significant results, particularly in areas such as the cheeks, nasal region, and neck. Working beneath the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) layer, their approach offers patients a refreshed look with potentially minimized visible signs of surgery.

The deep plane facelift's focus on the deeper facial structures sets it apart from traditional methods. While a facelift mainly addresses the skin and superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) layer, the deep plane technique repositions the skin and muscles, resulting in a more natural appearance and longer-lasting results. This technique especially benefits individuals seeking a rejuvenated mid-face area, including improvements around the cheeks and nasolabial folds.

Dr. Holcomb exhibited an outstanding bedside manner, offering unparalleled care and respect throughout the entire process. The procedure not only made me look twenty years younger, but was also highly cost-efficient, making it an excellent choice for anyone considering this treatment. I highly recommend Dr. Holcomb and his team for their exceptional service and expertise.

Susan Sparks

Long-Lasting Facelift Results

Improvements from a facelift may last up to 10 years or more, with continued natural aging. For many patients, enhanced results can be achieved by addressing other aspects of facial aging. Additional procedures like a brow lift for droopy brows, upper eyelid lift for heavy eyelids, lower eyelid lift for puffiness, tip rhinoplasty for a drooping nasal tip, subnasal lip lift for a long upper lip, SMAS lip augmentation for volume loss, and laser skin rejuvenation for wrinkles, skin discoloration, and lip lines can complement your facelift. These treatments offer a more comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation, helping maintain a youthful, refreshed appearance over time.

Portrait of a beautiful woman with natural make-up and even skin tone and texture after undergoing a procedure like Halo tribrid laser

Facelift Recovery

What is the recovery period from a facelift?

Recovery from facelift surgery in Sarasota typically takes about two weeks, with significant progress made in the first 10 days. During the first week, some bruising and mild swelling are common, but these gradually subside over several weeks. Temporary numbness in the treatment areas may also occur, which will improve as healing progresses.

Social Downtime & Physical Activity

Most patients feel comfortable returning to work within 10 to 14 days after surgery. However, it’s essential to allow for 2–3 weeks of social downtime before resuming vigorous physical activity. This period ensures optimal healing and enhances the final aesthetic results.

Dr. Holcomb, Dr. Salzman, and their staff provide detailed post-surgical instructions and offer various measures to help patients navigate the recovery process as efficiently as possible.

Factors Influencing Facelift Cost at Holcomb Kreithen Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Sarasota

The cost of a facelift at Holcomb Kreithen Plastic Surgery Med Spain Sarasota is determined by several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, required facility fees, sedation, medications, and post-surgery follow-up care. Since every facelift is tailored to meet your specific goals, Dr. Holcomb or Dr. Kreithen will provide a detailed, personalized estimate after a thorough consultation. Reach out today to schedule your consultation and discuss a customized plan for your facelift.

Addressing Multiple Concerns

Patients undergoing facelift surgery often have other procedures done at the same time. These procedures can include:

Brow lift
Upper and/or lower eyelid lift
Facial implants
Lip enhancement
Laser skin resurfacing

close up on sea shell on the shore of the beach

Tampa Bay Residents:

If you want to learn more about our Tampa office and facelift procedure, please visit this page.

Benefits of Additional Procedures

For the absolute best results, many of our Sarasota patients decide to undergo additional procedures at the same time as their radiofrequency assisted facelift. These procedures can include:

Certain procedure combinations may not be recommended to be performed together in one session. Combining procedures does not necessarily lengthen the initial recovery period; however, slightly increased swelling during the first few days after surgery may occur. Patients that undergo laser skin resurfacing may experience skin sensitivity after treatment. This varies with skin type, procedure type, and intensity. We offer several supportive measures to help our patients recover as efficiently and as quickly as possible following surgery and/or laser skin rejuvenation procedures. Dr. Holcomb and Dr. Marc Salzman will always deliver the best results while keeping safety as a priority for his Sarasota patients.

Advantages of Undergoing Combined Procedures

Benefits of combining procedures include:

Avoiding a subsequent procedure date with additional fees incurred for facility and twilight anesthesia
Avoiding a subsequent recovery period with additional downtime for recovery
Avoiding additional time off of work or away from social activities

vase of purple, white and light blue flowers

Our Office

Dr. J. David Holcomb

Dr. J. David Holcomb, M.D. is a double board-certified facial plastic and cosmetic laser surgeon (American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Board of Otolaryngology) who has practiced in Sarasota, Florida since 2000. Dr. Holcomb is recognized as a Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctor for the specialty of plastic surgery (cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgery, laser surgery).

In addition to laser surgery, Dr. Holcomb specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face and nose including brow lifts, eyelid surgery, facelifts, neck contouring, rhinoplasty, and otoplasty. He is frequently asked to perform revision cosmetic surgery. Dr. Holcomb has more than twenty years of surgical experience. Currently a member of the Florida Medical Association, Dr. Holcomb is a past president of the Sarasota County Medical Society and of the Florida Society of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and has received numerous accolades.

If you would like to learn more about our facelift surgery, energy assisted facelift, neck lift, and/or vertical facelift, please contact us to schedule a consultation today.

Dr. Marc Salzman

Dr. Marc Salzman is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has been practicing for over 30 years. He is originally from Miami, FL. He completed his Undergraduate studies at the University of Florida, where he was a President’s honor roll student and was selected to both Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies.

He holds a patent for the development of the Ouchless Needle®. Dr. Salzman participated in the PMA breast implant studies for the FDA for both Allergan and Sientra silicone gel breast implants. He is a member of ASPS and the Aesthetic Society, where he is regularly asked to present his expertise in Plastic Surgery at both national meetings of ASPS and The Aesthetic Society.

He has published multiple peer reviewed journal articles and a book chapter in the plastic surgery literature. If you would like to learn more about our facelift surgery, energy assisted facelift, neck lift, and/or vertical facelift, please contact us to schedule a consultation today.

Facelift Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a facelift cost at Holcomb Kreithen Plastic Surgery & Med Spa?

The cost of a facelift at Holcomb Kreithen Plastic Surgery & Med Spa varies based on individual factors, including the complexity of the procedure, facility fees, IV sedation, medications, and post-operative care. Since each plan is customized to your unique needs, Dr. Holcomb or Dr. Kreithen will provide a detailed quote during your consultation. Schedule an appointment to discuss the specifics of your surgery and receive a personalized cost estimate.

Should a modern facelift ever look ‘pulled’?

No, modern facelifts should never look 'pulled.' The focus is on the appropriate 'vector' (direction or orientation) for repositioning both internal and skin-level tissue. This technique ensures a natural, youthful appearance without the over-tightened or artificial look.

When is the right time for facelift surgery?

While age 60 is a common time for facelift surgery, Dr. Holcomb sees patients as young as age 40 and as old as age 80 requesting facelifts. The right time for surgery is when signs of aging, like skin tissue laxity and sagging, become significant enough that surgical intervention provides the best results. For some, this may be when facial injectables no longer address subtle signs of aging, while for others, it’s when the signs of aging in the face and neck are more pronounced.

How does a facelift impact facial expressions and muscle movement?

A well-executed facelift preserves natural facial expressions while rejuvenating the face. Dr. Holcomb and Dr. Salzman use advanced techniques to lift and reposition tissues without over-tightening, ensuring smooth, natural movement and avoiding an overly pulled appearance.

Are there non-surgical alternatives to a facelift?

Non-surgical treatments like dermal fillers and skin tightening procedures can offer temporary improvements but do not provide the same long-lasting results as a surgical facelift.

Facelift in Sarasota

Facelift Sarasota Table of Contents

What is a Facelift?

Am I a Facelift Candidate?

Facelift Patient Testimonials

Before & After Feature Facelift

Schedule a Consultation

Energy Assisted Facelift

Meet Your Surgeons 75 Years of Combined Experience

J. David Holcomb, MD Face, Nose & Laser Surgery

Joshua C. Kreithen, MD Breast & Body Surgery

Marc J. Salzman, MD Face, Breast & Body Surgery

follow us @holcombkreithen

The Vertical Facelift

Technique Distinctions

The Deep Plane Facelift

Long-Lasting Facelift Results

Facelift Recovery

What is the recovery period from a facelift?

Social Downtime & Physical Activity

Factors Influencing Facelift Cost at Holcomb Kreithen Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Sarasota

Addressing Multiple Concerns

Tampa Bay Residents:

Benefits of Additional Procedures

Advantages of Undergoing Combined Procedures

Our Office

Dr. J. David Holcomb

Dr. Marc Salzman

Facelift Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a facelift cost at Holcomb Kreithen Plastic Surgery & Med Spa?

Should a modern facelift ever look ‘pulled’?

When is the right time for facelift surgery?

How does a facelift impact facial expressions and muscle movement?

Are there non-surgical alternatives to a facelift?

Sticky bar popup.

Schedule a Consultation