Facelift in Chicago
A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that corrects the aged appearance of the face. Over time, skin elasticity is gradually lost across the face’s bone structure.
The effects of gravity and other factors start to show on the face, producing a tired, drooping, and aged appearance, which may not be the desired aesthetic. A facelift procedure will lift the drooping facial skin around specific regions of the face, such as the cheeks, jawline, and neck, and reduce the prominence of harsh lines and creases.
The procedure restores a youthful contour and stronger definition to the mid and lower part of the face.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Facelift?
Anyone with visible signs of aging can be a good candidate for a facelift in Chicago. The candidate should have adequate skin elasticity for optimal results. They should also be in good health, free from serious illnesses, and have realistic expectations. Non-smokers are particularly ideal, as smoking can affect healing and recovery.
Facelift Procedure
Dr. Makhlouf analyzes facial aging in three stages, described by the following:
At a superficial level, skin quality and texture are affected by dark patches, red spots, or scaling.
At a medium depth, fine lines and wrinkles make their appearance (mainly around the eyes and mouth).
At a deep level, there is a downward migration of fat to the neckline, formation of medium to large skin folds, and relaxation of the neck muscles.
Everyone ages according to these levels in different ways and at different rates. For this reason, there is no ideal age for a facelift. Gravity and genetics determine the rate of skin aging, also activated and accelerated by individual lifestyle factors such as smoking, exposure to the sun, poor nutrition, acute stress, or considerable weight loss.
Dr. Makhlouf examines the patient within this framework, notes at which level the aging process is primarily occurring, and bases his procedure recommendation on this level. He strives for natural results, firmly believing that the treatment should be proportionate to the amount of aging present. Accordingly, he chooses the treatment method that will give the most remarkable result with the least intervention.
Planning for the procedure involves establishing the fixed points on the face and moving the loose skin to the fixed points by correcting the sagging (please see photos for demonstration purposes). A horizontal line is made between the corner of the eye and the upper ear.
OUR FACELIFT RESULTS
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FACELIFT ANATOMY
HOW IT WORKS
The Moving Points (marked green on the images):
The corresponding points on the face meet the points mentioned above. The green markings on the images indicate where the tissues are lifted upward. The areas in red represent the skin that will be removed when the green points meet the blue point. This creates the surface plan; the fat repositioning represents the plan for the deeper tissues.
There is a small variation in the incisions made for men and women. Essentially, the incision has to start at the junction of the hair and temporal area or within the scalp above the ear; it moves in front of the ear, but Dr. Makhlouf prefers hiding part of it at the entrance of the ear canal. After it passes in front of the earlobe and turns behind it, it has to go across toward the hair-bearing scalp. That turning point is behind the upper part of the ears, so the scar is hidden while it heals.
The fixed points (marked blue on the images):
- The intersection of the anterior sideburn with that line
- The junction of the posterior sideburn to that line
- The attachment of the earlobe to the cheek
- The attachment of the earlobe to the cheek
Later, it becomes invisible. Excess skin is removed from all the incision lines, the amount depending on the skin’s laxity and the pull.
Not uncommonly, adjunctive procedures can be performed simultaneously. Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is the most frequent, however, lip lift, peri-oral dermabrasion, chemical peel, and fillers, among other interventions, can also be performed. Dr. Makhlouf does the facelift procedure with general anesthesia or intravenous sedation and local anesthesia.
Cost of a Facelift in Chicago
PRICING
The cost of a facelift in Chicago is an essential step in planning your procedure. The final price of a facelift can vary based on factors such as the type of facelift performed, any supplementary procedures, and the specific needs of each patient. At our Chicago surgical practice, we strive to provide transparent pricing and exceptional value for our patients. Below, you'll find a detailed breakdown of our surgeon's fees for a facelift, along with commonly combined treatments. We hope this helps you make an informed decision about your aesthetic journey.
Procedure | Duration | Cost |
---|---|---|
Rhytidectomy Standard (includes neck lift) | 6.0 hrs | $9,010 |
Midface Lift Standard | 4.0 hrs | $7,950 |
Facelift (face) plus 2 eyelids | 6.0 hrs | $11,010 |
Facelift (face) plus 4 eyelids | 6.5 hrs | $13,010 |
Forehead Lift | 3.0 hrs | $4,000 |
Eyebrow Lift - Forehead | 2.0 hrs | $2,700 |
Corrugator Resection (Between Eyebrows) | 2.0 hrs | $2,700 |
Perioral Rejuventation Package | 1.0 hrs | $2,597 |
Chemical Peel Around Eyes | 20 min | $1,060 |
Lip Lift | 1.0 hrs | $2,300 |
Please note: The prices listed reflect surgeon fees only and are not an exact quote. The total cost of your procedure will vary based on your unique needs and will be provided during your consultation.
Benefits
Our Chicago facelift procedures offer a range of benefits, making them a popular choice for those seeking to rejuvenate their appearance. These include:
- Enhanced facial contours: Facelifts tighten sagging skin and redefine the jawline, removing jowls and double chins.
- Reduction of wrinkles: The procedure smooths deep lines and wrinkles, especially in the mid and lower face.
- Youthful appearance: It restores a more youthful and refreshed look by lifting and repositioning facial tissues.
- Long-lasting results: Compared to non-surgical procedures, the results of a facelift can last 10 years or more.
- Improved confidence: The aesthetic enhancements can significantly boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Care and Recovery
The patient will go home the same day of the surgery with drains, which are typically removed the next day. In the first week, they will experience swelling and mild discomfort. Sutures are removed after one week, and the bruising is gone in 10 days. The incisions are usually well hidden. During the second week, swelling will begin to subside. Generally, patients can go out in public after one week and be comfortable going out for dinner in three weeks with minimal make-up. By the end of week three, most swelling will have decreased significantly, although some mild discoloration may persist.
Any residual tightness or numbness will gradually fade by weeks four to six. At this point, patients can resume light exercise. The scars will continue to heal and fade over time, becoming less noticeable. Full recovery takes between six and twelve months.
You can see the results of some of Dr. Makhlouf’s facelift surgeries in the photo gallery.
Results and What To Expect
A smoother, firmer jawline and neck will give you a rejuvenated, more youthful look. Our Chicago facelift procedures restore facial contours, creating a more balanced and natural appearance. The final results are visible once swelling and bruising subside, typically three to six months after surgery.
Most procedures last two to four hours, depending on the type and complexity of the surgery. After the surgery, patients should expect swelling, bruising, and tightness. However, as mentioned above, the side effects will gradually decrease over the first few weeks.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Before choosing a facelift surgeon, ensure they are board-certified by a recognized medical board. It’s also important to find a plastic surgeon with extensive experience, specifically in facelift procedures. Reviewing their portfolio can help you assess the quality of their work. Patient reviews and testimonials can also offer valuable insight into the surgeon’s skills and overall satisfaction from previous clients. Lastly, ask for a quote to compare facelift costs for different procedures.
Our Conveniently Located Plastic Surgery Center
Our plastic surgery clinic is conveniently located just three streets north of Lutheran General Hospital. We're also just a 10-minute drive from The Glen in Glenview, a popular shopping and dining destination. If you're coming from the Niles area, we're 5 miles from The Tower of Niles, a well-known local landmark. Plus, with easy access just off I-294, getting to our location is simple from anywhere in the Chicagoland area.
Rejuvenate your appearance with a customized facelift. Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Makhlouf, one of Chicago’s top plastic surgeons.
What Our Patients Are Saying
"Amazing service, I am really happy with my procedure. I was able to convince my sister and she is also happy with the service. It really helped my self esteem! Dr. Makhlouf and his staff are great!"
- Ericka A.
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Facelift FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below, we answer commonly asked questions to help you understand our services and make an informed decision.
The cost of a facelift can vary depending on the specifics of the procedure and the surgeon’s expertise. For a precise quote, it’s best to schedule a consultation where you can discuss your goals and receive a detailed estimate.
Most patients consider a facelift between their 40s and 60s when signs of aging like sagging skin and deep wrinkles become more pronounced. However, the best age can differ based on individual aging patterns.
A facelift mostly targets the lower two-thirds of the face, focusing on areas where signs of aging, such as sagging skin and deep folds, are most noticeable. The procedure addresses the jawline, neck, and cheeks, lifting and tightening the skin to restore a youthful look.
There are different types of facelifts, each designed to target specific areas of the face. These include mid-facelift, cheek lift, S-lift, cutaneous lift, and brow lift. The mid-facelift focuses on lifting sagging cheeks and smoothing nasolabial folds. As the name suggests, a cheek lift enhances volume and structure in the cheek area. The S-lift is a minimally invasive facelift targeting the jawline and lower face. The cutaneous lift addresses sagging skin by tightening it without altering deeper tissues. Lastly, the brow lift repositions a drooping brow to smooth forehead wrinkles and open up the eyes.
The results of a surgical facelift can last seven to ten years, depending on the patient’s age, skin type, lifestyle choices, and surgical technique. A facelift can significantly slow visible aging by tightening the skin and lifting sagging tissues. However, as the natural aging process continues, additional procedures may be required to maintain the results.
Most patients show signs of healing after a few weeks. However, full recovery may take a year, depending on the type and nature of the surgery. Swelling, bruising, and tightness are common immediately after surgery, but these symptoms gradually improve after the first week. You may resume your daily routines in 10–14 days, but you should avoid strenuous activities until the fourth week. You should also sleep with your head elevated for two to four weeks to minimize swelling and avoid alcohol, smoking, and excessive sun exposure for six weeks.
You will notice minimal scarring after the surgery. During the procedure, Dr. Makhlouf will make small, discreet incisions in areas that are less likely to be seen. In many cases, the scars are hidden within the face's natural contours. The best part is that the scars will slowly fade as you heal, leaving the areas as smooth as they were before the surgery.
Yes. You can pair a facelift with a variety of procedures to enhance the overall result:
- Blepharoplasty, upper and lower
- Peri-oral rejuvenation
- Lip lift.
- Facial filling with fillers or fat
- Skin treatment like peels or laser
We have learned from experience that a facelift procedure itself will not fix all signs of aging in the face, and making the correct diagnosis will direct us to additional procedures that are the most likely to turbocharge the result.
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