Vertical Facelift in Sarasota, FL

Restore a lifted, youthful appearance—without looking overdone

Sophisticated Rejuvenation for Sarasota Patients

In a coastal city known for its elegance and refinement, Sarasota residents often seek facial rejuvenation that enhances rather than alters. At Holcomb–Kreithen Plastic Surgery in Sarasota, the Vertical Facelift offers a modern alternative to traditional facelift techniques, lifting facial structures in a more natural direction—upward, not backward. Designed to restore harmony to the cheeks, jawline, and neck, this approach produces elegant, long-lasting results while maintaining your natural facial expression.

What Is a Vertical Facelift?

A vertical facelift targets the effects of gravity by lifting deep facial tissues in a vertical direction. Unlike older facelift methods that rely on horizontal tension, this technique repositions the facial foundation upward for a refreshed, more youthful look. Benefits include:

Improved cheek volume and contour
A defined jawline and reduced jowling
Smoother nasolabial folds and marionette lines
A naturally lifted, more rested appearance

By addressing the deeper layers of the face—particularly the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System)—this approach restores structure from the inside out, delivering results that feel like your younger self, not someone else.

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Is the Vertical Facelift Right for You?

Ideal for individuals with moderate to significant signs of aging, the vertical facelift is especially effective for patients who want rejuvenation without the tight or stretched look. You may be a good candidate if you:

Are experiencing facial sagging, jowls, or neck laxity
Want a long-lasting solution to volume descent and skin looseness
Are in good general health and a non-smoker
Desire natural-looking results that preserve your facial identity

What to Expect from Surgery in Sarasota

Your vertical facelift will be performed by Dr. Holcomb or Dr. Salzman at our private, accredited surgical center in downtown Sarasota. The procedure typically takes 3 to 4 hours and is customized to your facial anatomy and goals. Surgical highlights:

Performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia
Small incisions around the ear and within the hairline
Vertical repositioning of deep facial structures
Skin redraped without tension for a smooth, soft finish

Recovery & Results

Recovery is manageable, and most patients begin to feel comfortable resuming normal activities within two weeks. What to expect:

Swelling and bruising peak within the first few days
A supportive bandage or facial wrap may be worn temporarily
Return to non-strenuous work in 10–14 days
Continued refinement over 3–6 months as swelling subsides
Long-lasting results—often 10 years or more with healthy maintenance

We provide detailed post-operative care instructions and personalized follow-up to ensure your comfort and healing.

Patient Testimonials

It is without saying that Dr. Holcomb's staff is par excellence. You are greeted with respect and professionalism. Personally of utmost importance was to trust my face to a Doct...

I am 2 1/2 weeks post op and could not be happier!! From consultation to post op appointments the staff and Dr. Kreithen have been amazing. Staff is always available to speak to...

I have had an astounding experience with Dr.Kreithen! From the beginning, he was very knowledgeable and informative. Throughout the entire process, they were easily available to...

Dr. Kreithen gave me an arm lift in June. I am so pleased with the results. The surgery went well and was almost pain free. The office staff is wonderful and caring. I highly re...

Dr. Kreithen and everyone on his staff was amazing throughout my entire process. I had a lower body lift and LOVE the results. I did have some minor issues being allergic to med...

Dr. Kreithen had a great bedside manner. He is great at what he does. My BA was beautifully done and his team was awesome.

Dr Kreithen did a fantastic job on my breasts. I am an older woman that had implants from 10 years ago. It was embarrassing for me at my current age to request new ones. I'm so ...

Dr Kreithen spotted something from a prior MRI done in 2017 & 2019. He basically has saved my life. Having had breast implants for 32 years and suffering fibromyalgia for th...

Dr. Holcomb is a gifted surgeon who will make you look your best. I've had 3 procedures and am delighted with all 3. I especially have to commend his staff... Lauren and Leslie ...

Doctor Kreithen and his staff are the absolute BEST. Caring, friendly, efficient, and my surgery outcome is the best. After surgery I had ZERO pain, recovery was easy, follow up...

If I could give a 10 star rating i sure would. I had both Dr Kreithan and Dr Holcolm did procedures on me in march. Dr Kreithen LISTENED TO my husband and me and HEARD us. This ...

They say breast reduction patients are among the happiest of plastic surgery patients. I am very happy with my decision to go with Holcomb Plastic Surgery. I am pleased with the...

My daughter who had her breast done by Dr. Kreithen told me to go to him for the type of surgeries I was wanting to have done. He did a beautiful job with her breast implants. I...

Had BA in 12/2017 and decided on Dr Kreithen. I had been planning on BA for 7-8yrs , had a couple of consultations with others , but just did not feel 100% about the surgeons I ...

I found all the staff very professional, kind, and helpful which is a big plus . I have no negative feedback which is why I give 5+ stars

Dr. Holcomb is an incredible rhinoplasty surgeon. I'm at about 9 months post op, so pretty much all of the swelling is gone, and I could not be more happy. I'm sure most people ...

I have only had positive experiences within this office, having utilized all the different services that they offer. Dr. Kreithen is a very skilled and caring surgeon. I first s...

Dr. Holcomb is the only one I let do my Botox. I have a short forehead, which can be difficult to do with an untrained provider. The entire office is professional and polite. Wo...

Truly the most professional and skilled plastic surgery practice in the area! Truly everything you would ever want in a doctor. I had a tummy tuck with Dr. Kreithen and LOVE my ...

I recently had eyelid surgery and laser treatment under my eyes done by Dr. Holcomb. Dr. Holcomb is very professional and friendly. He always asked if there were any questions o...

Dr Kreithen has been doing my Botox for about five years, I would never ever consider going to see another doctor. He is masterful at what he does! Always uses only a limited am...

I had a breast reduction completed by Dr. Kreithen, in January. Before surgery I stopped drinking heavily on coffee. I cut back to drinking 1/2 cup to a cup of coffee a day for ...

Dr Holcomb is an excellent surgeon I had a facelift and laser skin resurfacing. I feel 10 years younger and am very pleased with the result

Dr Kreithen gets my best recommendation for anyone looking for a talented plastic surgeon. Very happy with the results of my procedure. He knows what he is doing and I am a happ...

My experience with Dr. Kreithen was amazing. I originally made two consultation appointments with different doctors to shop around but after my first appointment with Holcomb &a...

Dr. Kreithen is amazing. I saw him for Botox and he did a great job. He is an artist with the needles so I felt no pain. I had no bruising and all my wrinkles were blurred away....

Dr. Holcomb and his staff are the best. I had a very positive experience and I'm thrilled with the results of my procedures.

Dr Kreithen did an amazing job on my tummy tuck! I absolutely love the results. The office is clean and beautiful, all the staff have been so kind and respectful, and follow up ...

I am so thrilled with the results. it helps with The helium plasma laser procedure took away years of smoking and sun, damage, The staff and everybody in the office went beyond ...

After contemplating breast augmentation for years, I couldn't be more happier with my decision to choose the best Doctor in the Sarasota area, Dr. Kreithen. My new gals are perf...

Dr. Kreithen is an incredible surgeon and the staff that work along side him are just as incredible. I went to him to see if he could fix some awful scars on my breasts from a p...

My original breast augmentation was performed by Dr. Kreithen approximate 12 years ago. I wanted to increase my size and also get the newest implants. I am beyond happy with my ...

I would highly recommend Dr. Kreithen to anyone who is considering cosmetic surgery he is very knowledgeable and takes the time to listen to your concerns I had a great experien...

Dr Holcomb is AWESOME! I was very afraid to have anything done to my face, but, Dr Holcomb not only reassured me, his results are amazing!! I couldn't be more pleased and I woul...

Dr. Kreithen is the BEST! I had a Panniculectomy because I lost over 300lbs and am so impressed with the surgery. Dr. Kreithen always answers all of my questions and always make...

I can't say enough about my experience with Dr. Kreithen. Him himself all the office staff were absolutely amazing! Everyone was very thorough with explaining my procedures. Any...

I went in for a consultation to see what my options were for reducing the fat under my chin. I did not want anything injected, and I did not want to go under the knife. Kimberly...

Kim Daily performed both Ultherapy and Halo laser treatment for me last month. At age 45, I was looking for something other than fillers to freshen up my look. Kim Daily took th...

After an abundant amount of research & asking around, a friend referred me to this facility to find out more about a procedure. The staff made me feel at home, and made sure...

I have only had positive experiences within this office, having utilized all the different services that they offer. Dr. Kreithen is a very skilled and caring surgeon. I first s...

This was my second surgical procedure with this office & again I want to say thank you to the entire staff especially the front desk, the nurses & of course Dr. Holcomb....

I had a lower face/neck lift with a full face CO2 laser and I couldn’t be happier with the results! I look like myself only more refreshed and younger! The of...

I recently underwent a facelift at Holcomb & Kreithen Plastic Surgery and MedSpa, and I couldn't be happier with the results and overall experience. The professionalism and ...

I went in, feeling pretty discouraged. I can say that, from the beginning of my experience, through the surgery, and the end of my experience, which is now has been almost 6 mon...

Fortunately, I have had the pleasure to have procedures done by both Dr. Kreithen and Dr. Holcomb. Their office staff and nurses are considerate and caring. They sho...

I had a breast implant replacement done by Dr Kreithen. I did my research on all the Sarasota Plastic surgeons and Dr Holcomb and Dr Kreithen and their clinic ...

I had procedures done by both holcomb and kreithen. I cant sing their praises enough. The office staff and nurses are incredibly kind and helpful. The doctors are amazing. I was...

The entire staff at this place went above and beyond for the entire process! I had abdominoplasty with hernia and abdominal wall repair and I was a nervous wreck at first; but t...

Dr. Kreithen is the BEST! I had a Panniculectomy because I lost over 300lbs and am so impressed with the surgery. Dr. Kreithen always answers all of my questions and always make...

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Why Sarasota Patients Trust Holcomb–Kreithen

As one of the most respected aesthetic practices on Florida’s Gulf Coast, our Sarasota office offers an elite combination of surgical artistry, innovation, and compassionate care. Here’s what sets us apart:

Dr. David Holcomb: Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience
Dr. Marc Salzman: Renowned for advanced lifting techniques and aesthetic precision
Fully accredited, private surgical facility in downtown Sarasota
3D imaging tools for detailed planning and natural-looking results
Personalized surgical plans tailored to your lifestyle and anatomy

Vertical FaceliftFrequently Asked Questions

How is a vertical facelift different from a traditional facelift?

Traditional facelifts typically pull skin and tissue backward, which can create an unnatural or "windblown" appearance. A vertical facelift lifts the deeper facial layers upward—counteracting the effects of gravity for a more natural and elegant result.

Will I look like myself after surgery?

Yes. Our goal is to enhance your features—not change them. You’ll look like a refreshed version of yourself, with smoother contours and improved definition, not a “done” appearance.

How long do results last?

Many patients enjoy their results for a decade or longer. Longevity depends on factors like skin quality, lifestyle habits, and ongoing skincare or non-surgical maintenance.

What’s the typical recovery time?

Most swelling and bruising subside within two weeks. You can usually return to work or social events around 10–14 days post-op. Final results continue to improve for several months.

Can this be combined with other procedures?

Absolutely. Many Sarasota patients combine their vertical facelift with neck lift, eyelid surgery, fat transfer, or laser treatments for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Schedule Your Vertical Facelift Consultation in Sarasota

If you’re ready to restore a lifted, youthful version of yourself with results that reflect your unique beauty, our Sarasota team is here to guide your journey. Visit us in Sarasota:

Holcomb–Kreithen Plastic Surgery & Medspa
1 South School Avenue, Suite 800
Sarasota, FL 34237

Contact us today to book your private consultation and explore whether a vertical facelift is right for you.