Awake Facelift
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Awake facelift surgery provides long-lasting facial enhancement without the use of general anesthesia. This approach allows for a gentler surgical experience and shorter recovery compared to traditional facelift surgery. At Wick Facial Plastics in Cleveland, awake facelift surgery is expertly performed by board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Wick.
An awake facelift is a surgical facial rejuvenation procedure. Like a traditional facelift, it involves repositioning facial tissues and removing excess skin to restore youthful mid- and lower face contours.
Unlike a traditional facelift, patients are not unconscious under general anesthesia during an awake facelift. Instead, the procedure is performed with local anesthesia to prevent pain and oral sedation, which keeps the patient relaxed, calm, and comfortable while still conscious.
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Who is a Candidate for an Awake Facelift?
Patients who want to achieve noticeable facial renewal but cannot or prefer not to have surgery under general anesthesia are often good candidates. Ideal candidates are often adults in their 40s to 50s who want to address mild to moderate signs of aging, such as:
- Loose, sagging skin
- Deep creases and folds around the nose and mouth
- Drooping cheeks and loss of volume in the mid-face
- Excess tissue along the jawline (jowls)
During your consultation, Dr. Wick will evaluate your facial anatomy, assess your concerns, and review your medical history to determine the safest, most effective treatment approach for your needs and goals.
Benefits of an Awake Facelift at Wick Facial Plastics
While traditional and awake facelifts accomplish similar results, the exclusion of general anesthesia during surgery offers distinct advantages, including:
- Precision contouring: Dr. Wick can assess facial movement and symmetry in real-time, allowing for immediate adjustments.
- Enhanced safety: Performing the procedure with local anesthesia and oral sedation significantly reduces anesthesia-related risks.
- Faster immediate recovery: Patients avoid the uncomfortable systemic side effects of general anesthesia, such as grogginess, nausea, constipation, and chills.
- Reduced post-op discomfort: Most patients experience less post-op swelling and bruising with the awake approach.
Recovery &
Results
Recovery & Results
During Treatment
Dr. Wick will perform your awake facelift in Cleveland in a fully accredited surgical setting using local anesthesia and sedation medication to keep you relaxed. You will be conscious but very drowsy during the procedure. Patients often describe the experience as calm and surprisingly comfortable.
Discreet incisions will be made around the ears or within the hairline. Dr. Wick will then carefully lift and reposition the deeper facial layers before removing excess skin. Surgery time varies by patient but usually ranges from two to four hours.
After Treatment
A week or two of downtime is needed after an awake facelift. It is important to prioritize rest and limit your activity during this initial stage of healing. Post-op tightness, swelling, and bruising are to be expected but will significantly diminish within 10-14 days. Stitches will also be removed within this timeframe.
After about two weeks, most patients feel comfortable returning to light social activities and going back to work, depending on their comfort level and the nature of their job. Subtle refinement continues for several weeks as residual swelling resolves and the facial tissues fully settle.
Recovery
Patients should plan for about 10 to 14 days away from work or social commitments after an awake facelift. Swelling and bruising are most noticeable during the first week of recovery and gradually improve over the next several weeks. Dr. Wick will monitor your healing progress and guide you through a safe transition from limited activity back to your normal routine.
Common Questions
How much does an awake facelift cost in Cleveland?
The cost of an awake facelift at Wick Facial Plastics generally ranges from $18,000 to $35,000. Cost is impacted by factors like the complexity of the procedure and total surgery time. You will receive complete pricing details for your personalized treatment plan during your consultation.
Is a facelift without general anesthesia painful?
No. Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable throughout the procedure. Patients often report feeling pressure or movement, but they do not feel any pain.
Who should not have an awake facelift?
Patients with high levels of anxiety, complex surgical needs, or certain medical conditions may be better suited for a facelift under general anesthesia. During your consultation, Dr. Wick will evaluate your facial anatomy, review your medical history, and speak with you about your preferences and goals to determine which surgical approach is best for you.
Will my awake facelift results look natural?
Yes. Dr. Wick focuses on restoring facial support and balance so you look refreshed, not overdone.
Why Choose Dr. Wick for Your Awake Facelift in Cleveland?
Dr. Elizabeth Wick is a leading facial plastic surgeon in Cleveland whose expertise and proven track record for natural-looking enhancement attracts patients from across the greater Midwest region.
- Elite qualifications: As a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Wick has demonstrated an elite level of skill and commitment to excellence in her field.
- Specialization and experience: Dr. Wick’s practice is devoted exclusively to treatments for the face, hair, and neck, and she has performed over 1,000 procedures.
- Patient-centered, concierge care: From your first visit through recovery, Dr. Wick and her team prioritize your needs, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable at every step.
Find Out if an Awake Facelift is Right for You
To learn more about facial rejuvenation without general anesthesia and find out if you are a candidate, contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wick. Wick Facial Plastics is located in Beachwood and welcomes patients from across the Cleveland metropolitan area and throughout the Midwest, including Columbus, Cincinnati, Detroit, and Pittsburgh.