Facelift in Chicago
A facelift, also known as a Rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that focuses on correcting an aged appearance of the face. Over time, there is a gradual loss of skin elasticity 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 be less than a desired aesthetic. A facelift procedure will lift the drooping facial skin around specific regions of the face such as around 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.
Facelift Procedure
Dr. Makhlouf will analyze facial aging in a matter of three stages include the following:
At a superficial level, skin quality and texture is affected with 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 to have 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 in this framework, notes at which level the aging process is primarily occurring, and will base his procedure recommendation on this level. Dr Makhlouf strives for natural results; he firmly believes that the treatment should be proportionate to the amount of aging present. Accordingly, he chooses the method of treatment 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 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 above mention points. By lifting the tissues upward these are marked green on the images. The area in red represents the skin that will be removed when the green points meets the blue point. This gives 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 then turns behind it. At that point, it has to go across towards the hair-bearing scalp. That turning point is behind the upper part of the ears because the scar is hidden while it heals.
The fixed points (marked blue on the images):
1. The intersection of the anterior sideburn with that line
2. The junction of the posterior sideburn to that line.
3. The attachment of the earlobe to the cheek.
4. The attachment of the earlobe to the cheek.
Later it becomes invisible. Excess skin is taken out throughout all the incision lines, the amount depending on the laxity of the skin and the pull.
Not uncommonly adjunctive procedures are done at the same time. Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is the most frequent, but lip lift, per-oral dermabrasion, chemical peel along fillers, among other interventions, are done as well.
Dr. Makhlouf performs the facelift procedure with general anesthesia or with intravenous sedation and local anesthesia.
Care and Recovery
The patient goes home the same day of the surgery with drains, which are typically removed the next day. Sutures are removed after one week, and the bruising is gone by ten days. The incisions are usually well hidden. Generally, patients can go in public for one week, and be comfortable to go out for dinner in 3 weeks with minimal make-up.
You can see the results of some of Dr. Makhlouf’s facelift surgeries in the photo gallery.
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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PLASTIC SURGERY
Frequently asked questions
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.
Recovery time typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks. Swelling and bruising are common, with full recovery usually taking several months to see the final results.
A facelift tightens the facial muscles, removes excess skin, and repositions the skin for a smoother, more youthful appearance. It addresses sagging in the lower face and neck, reducing wrinkles and giving a rejuvenated look.
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