Rediscovering a youthful appearance doesn’t mean changing who you are. At the Julian Institute of Plastic Surgery in Spring Hill, we believe in enhancing your natural beauty with subtle, sophisticated results that reflect your confidence, not the scalpel. Whether you’re looking to smooth away deep folds, lift sagging skin, or redefine your jawline and neck, our facelift procedures are tailored with precision and care. Led by Board Certified Dr. Derek Polecritti, our goal is to help you look refreshed and energized, never overdone.
As we age the deeper muscles and tissues of the face begin to weaken. Additionally, the constant pull of gravity causes the skin to stretch. This process results in loss of facial fullness along the cheekbones, which is characteristic of a youthful face. We instead develop bunching of skin and tissue in the lower mid-face and jaw area. The end products are the “jowls”, and the “parentheses” we all complain about.
The facelift procedure tightens the deeper tissues and muscles of the face and returns them to the positions of youth. The skin laxity is addressed by removing the excess skin without creating tension or a “pulled” appearance. Your neck will appear smoother with a restored youthful neck angle. Jowls will be minimized or eliminated resulting in a smoother jaw line. The deep folds next to your nose or naso-labial creases will be diminished. Your cheeks and mid-face will be smoother with less wrinkles. You will appear refreshed and rejuvenated.
The goal is for you to look like you but a more rested, healthy and refreshed you. You should not look like a different person, nor should your face look pulled, stretched, or distorted. Dr. Polecritti has studied many of the currently performed facelift procedures and uses the best aspects of each in order to provide a natural, consistent outcome. In most cases, the deeper muscle tissue (SMAS and platysma) is elevated and resuspended along natural vectors or directions which restores their positions. This is known commonly as a deep plane facelift. The skin is then gently positioned, and the excess skin is removed. The skin is not pulled too tightly, and the corners of the eyes, mouth, and ears are not pulled or distorted. The procedure will be performed with the assistance of a licensed anesthesiologist who will ensure that you are comfortable during the entire procedure. In most cases, you may return home the same day, or if you prefer, you may choose to spend the night at the hospital or surgery center.
In most cases the process described above occurs along the entire face and continues into the neck region. Because both areas are affected, treating both the face and the neck at the same time results in the best cosmetic outcome. Occasionally, the effects of aging may show more on the face or neck and the patient wishes to only address one of these areas. In this case, the facelift can be limited to the face or likewise limited only to the neck if the neck is the area of greatest concern.
While many techniques aim to lift and smooth the face, the deep plane facelift goes a step further. By addressing the structural layers beneath the skin, specifically the SMAS and facial muscles, this technique repositions foundational tissues instead of simply pulling the skin tighter. The result is a more dramatic yet natural rejuvenation of the cheeks, jawline, and neck, without any harsh tightness or artificial appearance.
This method is particularly effective for restoring volume to the midface, softening deep folds like nasolabial lines, and improving neck laxity. Because the tension is redistributed deeper in the face, the skin heals with less strain and better longevity. Patients who choose a deep plane facelift in Tampa at the Julian Institute of Plastic Surgery benefit from comprehensive, long-lasting facial rejuvenation performed with surgical precision and artistry.
The incisions are well hidden along the front of the ear and extend behind the ear to varying lengths depending on the amount of skin and tissue removed. You will also have a small incision under your chin if you are having a neck lift as part of the procedure.
Most patients report that the recovery is much better than they thought it would be. Pain is minimal, however, medication will be prescribed by Dr. Polecritti should you need it. You will have some bruising and swelling that resolves over the first several days after the procedure. Most of your sutures will be removed at your first post-operative appointment. You can wear make-up after this appointment and most patients return to work at this time. After the surgery, you will be asked to wear a face/chin garment. This is important for healing and to achieve the best cosmetic outcome.
The simple answer is no. Unfortunately, there is a media frenzy surrounding plastic surgery nowadays and with facelifts in particular. It seems that every time we turn the corner we hear about another facelift with a catchy name. Just because a procedure has a trademarked name and a commercial does not mean it is cutting edge or even a good procedure. In most cases the facelifts that promise minimal incisions, short procedure time, minimal anesthesia and recovery yield inconsistent results that do not last, and many times short cuts are taken in order to follow through with these claims. Surgery is an important decision and a bad or less than optimal result cannot be hidden on your face. It is extremely important to do research about the procedure and physician you are considering for your facelift. You should have an open relationship with the physician of your choice and he or she should provide you with information on the pros and cons of all of these “quick” facelift procedures.
At the Julian Institute of Plastic Surgery, we customize every facelift to suit your facial anatomy, aging pattern, and aesthetic goals. Whether you’re a candidate for a traditional facelift or a deep plane facelift, Dr. Derek Polecritti personally performs each procedure, ensuring exceptional, natural-looking results. Let’s explore your options and create a personalized plan for facial rejuvenation that reflects your confidence. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
A facelift targets loose skin, jowls, deep folds near the nose and mouth, and sagging in the cheeks and jawline. It can also improve the neck when performed in combination with a neck lift.
No. At the Julian Institute of Plastic Surgery, the facelift approach focuses on restoring youthful contours without creating a stretched or pulled appearance. You’ll look refreshed, not different.
Incisions are carefully placed around the ears and possibly under the chin. They are well hidden and tend to heal discreetly over time.
Many patients enjoy results that last several years. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, using sun protection, and taking care of your skin can help extend your facelift outcome.
Yes. While many patients choose to treat both areas together, the procedure can be customized to address just the face or just the neck if needed.
Most patients experience mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising that improves within several days. Makeup can usually be worn after the first post-op visit, and many return to work soon after.
A deep plane facelift works beneath the SMAS layer to reposition deeper structures in the face. This allows for more natural movement, better midface volume, and longer-lasting results.
Patients with deeper facial aging, such as midface volume loss, pronounced nasolabial folds, and sagging neck contours, are often ideal candidates for this advanced technique.
While some swelling may be more noticeable early on, overall recovery time is similar to traditional facelifts. Most patients resume normal activity within 1–2 weeks.
Yes. Because the deeper tissues are lifted and repositioned without pulling the skin tightly, the face maintains softness and natural expression while appearing more youthful.
This is one of many answers that your prospects or customers frequently hope to see when they click on the plus icon above. They could vary in length and context. However, make them short and accurate.This is one of many answers that your prospects or customers frequently hope to see when they click on the plus icon above. They could vary in length and context. However, make them short and accurate.
This is one of many answers that your prospects or customers frequently hope to see when they click on the plus icon above. They could vary in length and context. However, make them short and accurate.
This is one of many answers that your prospects or customers frequently hope to see when they click on the plus icon above. They could vary in length and context. However, make them short and accurate.
This is one of many answers that your prospects or
customers frequently hope to see when they click on the
plus icon above. They could vary in length and context.
However, make them short and accurate.
This is one of many answers that your prospects or customers frequently hope to see when they click on the plus icon above. They could vary in length and context. However, make them short and accurate. This is one of many answers that your prospects or customers frequently hope to see when they click on the plus icon above. They could vary in length and context. However, make them short and accurate.
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