Is a Facelift Procedure Painful?

You will be sedated during facelift surgery with general anesthesia so that you will be pain-free. However, patients have reported mild swelling, discomfort, and bruising afterward. Dr. Shastri can prescribe pain medication to relieve these symptoms.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Patients typically will be seen the day after surgery to remove a compressive dressing and possible drains. Dr. Shastri will then want to see you a week after surgery to remove the sutures and monitor recovery. Beyond that, he will inform you if and when he needs to see you next.

How Long Until I See Results?

While you may notice immediate changes after surgery, bruising and swelling in the first few weeks can mask the full results. To fully appreciate your new facial contours, it’s recommended that you wait until six months after the procedure. Eventually, any visible facelift scars will also fade over time, providing you with a comprehensive rejuvenation.

What Will the Scarring Look Like?

The appearance of scarring after a facelift depends on the incisions Dr. Shastri made and how well you follow post-surgery care instructions. This includes using the recommended scar gel, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest. For a deep-plane facelift, the incisions are typically made along the hairline or scalp, while for a mini-facelift, they are usually located in front of or behind the earlobe.

When Can I Exercise Again After My Facelift?

Patients are recommended to abstain from exercise for the first three to four weeks. However, gentle walks are encouraged right after surgery to prevent the formation of any blood clots.

Can I Combine a Facelift With Other Procedures?

Absolutely, you can. Our patients who have received a facelift in Chicago have considered combining other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as a brow lift , lip lift, or a rhinoplasty . You can also improve your facial volume with non-surgical treatments like dermal fillers or BOTOX . Patients should share any ideas for combined procedures at their initial consultation so that Dr. Shastri can consider them as he designs their surgical plan.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Facelift?

A facelift is a procedure that involves some associated risks. Some of these risks include: Anesthesia risks Bleeding Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications Facial nerve injury with weakness Fluid accumulation Infection Hair loss Hematoma (collection of blood hematoma under the skin) Nerve injury Numbness or other changes in skin sensation Persistent pain Scarring While many of these side effects should heal on their own over time, if you experience any long-lasting or unexpected reactions, please contact KSMD Facial Plastic Surgery immediately.

How Do I Find the Best Facelift Plastic Surgeon in Chicago Near Me?

Patients should research craniofacial plastic surgeons’ qualifications and work history in the Chicago area, including their board certifications, hospital experience, and length of practice. They should also read patient reviews from multiple sources to determine the satisfaction rate of past procedures. Finally, we recommend that patients schedule a consultation with the surgeon to gauge their receptiveness to interacting with their facelift surgeon. It is very important that patients feel seen and heard during their consultation and, most of all, feel comfortable and respected in the presence of their medical caretaker.

Chicago, IL

Facelift

Introduction

Introduction to a Facelift

A facelift is a highly demanded cosmetic surgery procedure worldwide because it can reverse the effects of time on facial aging. It achieves this by surgically tightening and lifting the face, eradicating sagging skin and wrinkles, and recontouring the face. If you want a facelift in Chicago, schedule an in-person consultation with double-board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Karthik Shastri at KSMD Facial Plastic Surgery. Take the first step in rejuvenating your appearance and returning your youthful glow. Please read below for more information.

Before & After Photos

Facelift B&A

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What is a Facelift?

A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a transformative surgical procedure designed to restore a more youthful appearance by addressing the visible signs of aging on the face. As we age, skin loses elasticity, and the underlying tissues, including muscles and fat, begin to sag, forming deep wrinkles, folds, and a loss of definition, especially around the cheeks and jawline. A facelift targets these areas, smoothing out the folds and lifting the skin to create a firmer, more rejuvenated look.

During the procedure, Dr. Shastri makes carefully placed incisions to access the underlying tissues, typically around the hairline, temples, or behind the ears. The facial skin is then gently lifted, and the deeper layers, including muscles and connective tissue, are tightened and repositioned. Excess skin is removed to eliminate sagging, creating a smoother, more defined facial contour.

Facelifts can be customized to meet each patient’s specific needs, whether that involves restoring volume, lifting the mid-face, or tightening the lower face and neck. With advanced techniques, including options like the deep plane facelift or mini facelift, the procedure offers both natural-looking and long-lasting results. In many cases, a neck lift is also performed in conjunction with the facelift to address sagging skin and muscle laxity in the neck, providing a more harmonious and youthful result.

KSMD offers a variety of facelift options in Chicago, tailored to each patient’s unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals. Whether you’re looking for subtle refinement or a more dramatic transformation, the skilled surgeons at KSMD can guide you through your options and create a treatment plan designed to enhance your natural beauty and restore youthful vitality.

A mini-facelift is a less invasive alternative to a traditional facelift. It is designed for patients who are seeking subtle, natural-looking rejuvenation rather than a dramatic transformation. Typically favored by younger individuals or those with mild to moderate signs of aging, a mini-facelift addresses early sagging or skin laxity in the lower face. It focuses primarily on the “jowls,” as well as the chin, jawline, and neck areas—regions where the first signs of aging, such as loose skin or a loss of definition, often appear.

Unlike a full facelift, which may involve more extensive incisions and address the entire face, a mini-facelift uses shorter, more discreet incisions around the ear, which allows for quicker recovery and less post-operative downtime. The procedure gently lifts and tightens the skin and underlying tissues to restore a more youthful contour, improving the appearance of sagging skin and softening the jowls while preserving the natural shape and expression of the face. As a result, patients can enjoy a refreshed, revitalized look with minimal disruption to their daily routines.

Overall, a mini-facelift offers an ideal solution for those who desire a subtle enhancement rather than an extensive overhaul. It is often recommended for individuals in their 30s to mid-40s who want to address factors of the aging process without the need for more invasive surgery.

A deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical technique that goes beyond the skin’s superficial layers to address the face’s underlying structures, offering more natural and long-lasting results. The procedure involves carefully releasing the four primary ligaments that anchor the connective tissue and muscles in the facial anatomy. These ligaments, which play a key role in supporting the face’s natural contours, can become stretched or weakened with age, leading to sagging and loss of volume.

By working in the “deep plane” beneath these ligaments, Dr. Shastri can reposition and lift the deeper layers of tissue—muscle, fat, and connective tissue—without pulling or distorting the outer skin. This allows for a more comprehensive and balanced lift that restores the face’s youthful shape while maintaining its natural appearance.

The result is a smoother, firmer look that doesn’t appear tight or artificial, which is often a concern with more superficial facelifts. Since the procedure addresses the deeper structures of the face, it also tends to provide more durable results, with a natural, rejuvenated look that lasts longer.

A liquid facelift is a non-surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate and enhance the appearance of the face without incisions or extensive downtime.

Using a combination of injectable dermal fillers and topical treatments, the procedure strategically restores lost volume and smooths out wrinkles, effectively lifting and contouring the face.

Targeted areas such as the cheeks, temples, jawline, and under-eye region can be enhanced to create a more youthful, refreshed appearance. The results are subtle yet impactful, offering patients a non-invasive alternative to traditional facelifts with minimal recovery time.

- A mini-facelift is a less invasive alternative to a traditional facelift. It is designed for patients who are seeking subtle, natural-looking rejuvenation rather than a dramatic transformation. Typically favored by younger individuals or those with mild to moderate signs of aging, a mini-facelift addresses early sagging or skin laxity in the lower face. It focuses primarily on the “jowls,” as well as the chin, jawline, and neck areas—regions where the first signs of aging, such as loose skin or a loss of definition, often appear.
  
  Unlike a full facelift, which may involve more extensive incisions and address the entire face, a mini-facelift uses shorter, more discreet incisions around the ear, which allows for quicker recovery and less post-operative downtime. The procedure gently lifts and tightens the skin and underlying tissues to restore a more youthful contour, improving the appearance of sagging skin and softening the jowls while preserving the natural shape and expression of the face. As a result, patients can enjoy a refreshed, revitalized look with minimal disruption to their daily routines.
  
  Overall, a mini-facelift offers an ideal solution for those who desire a subtle enhancement rather than an extensive overhaul. It is often recommended for individuals in their 30s to mid-40s who want to address factors of the aging process without the need for more invasive surgery.
- A deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical technique that goes beyond the skin’s superficial layers to address the face’s underlying structures, offering more natural and long-lasting results. The procedure involves carefully releasing the four primary ligaments that anchor the connective tissue and muscles in the facial anatomy. These ligaments, which play a key role in supporting the face’s natural contours, can become stretched or weakened with age, leading to sagging and loss of volume.
  
  By working in the “deep plane” beneath these ligaments, Dr. Shastri can reposition and lift the deeper layers of tissue—muscle, fat, and connective tissue—without pulling or distorting the outer skin. This allows for a more comprehensive and balanced lift that restores the face’s youthful shape while maintaining its natural appearance.
  
  The result is a smoother, firmer look that doesn’t appear tight or artificial, which is often a concern with more superficial facelifts. Since the procedure addresses the deeper structures of the face, it also tends to provide more durable results, with a natural, rejuvenated look that lasts longer.
- A liquid facelift is a non-surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate and enhance the appearance of the face without incisions or extensive downtime.
  
  Using a combination of injectable dermal fillers and topical treatments, the procedure strategically restores lost volume and smooths out wrinkles, effectively lifting and contouring the face.
  
  Targeted areas such as the cheeks, temples, jawline, and under-eye region can be enhanced to create a more youthful, refreshed appearance. The results are subtle yet impactful, offering patients a non-invasive alternative to traditional facelifts with minimal recovery time.

What Are The Benefits Of A Facelift?

Our patients who received a facelift in Chicago at KSMD Facial Plastic Surgery have enjoyed their rejuvenated appearance. They have shared some of the following added benefits:

Boost in self-esteem
Elimination of saggy jowls
Improved facial contours
Long-lasting results
More defined chin
Reduction in deep wrinkles
Tighter jawline

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Facelift?

The best candidates for a facelift surgical procedure in Chicago will be those experiencing signs of aging and wanting to look as young as they feel internally. They will invest in rejuvenating themselves. Some other characteristics of ideal candidates for a facelift will typically include:

Have a double chin
Have facial wrinkles
Have low self-esteem due to an aging face
Have nasolabial folds
Have neckbands
Have sagging skin
Maintain realistic expectations
No underlying medical conditions
Non-smokers

Consultation and Assessment

What’s the first step?

The process of getting a facelift in Chicago starts early with a consultation with double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Shastri.

During the consultation, Dr. Shastri will examine your face in detail, noting your aesthetic targets and identifying potential facelift incision sites. He will then discuss the various techniques available, outlining the pros and cons of each and analyzing which one would be the best match for you. This is the right time to discuss your medical history and ask any questions about the procedure and its associated risks.
Once you both agree to move forward with the type of facelift, Dr. Shastri will design your surgical plan. You can take your plan to the patient concierge for pricing, scheduling your procedure, and receiving any pre-operative instructions.

What to Expect on the Day of Facelift Surgery

On the day of your facelift in Chicago at KSMD Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Shastri and his surgical staff will settle you in their state-of-the-art surgical suite and review the surgical plan with you. Once you are ready to go, a board-certified anesthesiologist will administer the predetermined type of anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.

Once sedated, depending on the type of facelift being performed, Dr. Shastri will initiate the incisions to access the underlying tissue and achieve the target facial contours. Once that work is complete, the incisions are closed with sutures, and if needed, drains might be placed to prevent fluid build-up.

Facelift Recovery

Once the surgery is complete, Dr. Shastri’s staff will monitor you in the recovery room until the sedation wears off. Since this is an outpatient procedure, patients are recommended to have a family member or friend drive them home.

Patients are advised to take a few weeks off from work and any strenuous activity. The bruising and swelling will resolve during this time. They should also keep their faces elevated and use cold compresses and pain medication as needed.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost in Chicago, IL?

The cost of a facelift in Glenview and Chicago depends on the type of facelift you get, Dr. Shastri’s fees, and the cost of anesthesia, among many factors. To get an accurate estimate of the price, patients should schedule a consultation with Dr. Shastri to receive their customized surgical plan, which can then be priced out for them.

Why Choose KSMD Facial Plastic Surgery?

Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Karthik Shastri aims to provide his patients with outstanding, natural, long-lasting results based on the most advanced and innovative techniques. He is an excellent choice for your facelift in Chicago. Board-certified by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), Dr. Shastri has published several articles in medical literature and lectured across the country. He remains committed to evidence-based medicine and participates in several multi-institutional research endeavors.

Facelift FAQ’S

While you may notice immediate changes after surgery, bruising and swelling in the first few weeks can mask the full results. To fully appreciate your new facial contours, it’s recommended that you wait until six months after the procedure. Eventually, any visible facelift scars will also fade over time, providing you with a comprehensive rejuvenation.
The appearance of scarring after a facelift depends on the incisions Dr. Shastri made and how well you follow post-surgery care instructions. This includes using the recommended scar gel, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest.

For a deep-plane facelift, the incisions are typically made along the hairline or scalp, while for a mini-facelift, they are usually located in front of or behind the earlobe.
Absolutely, you can. Our patients who have received a facelift in Chicago have considered combining other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as a brow lift, lip lift, or a rhinoplasty. You can also improve your facial volume with non-surgical treatments like dermal fillers or BOTOX.

Patients should share any ideas for combined procedures at their initial consultation so that Dr. Shastri can consider them as he designs their surgical plan.
A facelift is a procedure that involves some associated risks. Some of these risks include:
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Facial nerve injury with weakness
- Fluid accumulation
- Infection
- Hair loss
- Hematoma (collection of blood hematoma under the skin)
- Nerve injury
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Persistent pain
- Scarring
While many of these side effects should heal on their own over time, if you experience any long-lasting or unexpected reactions, please contact KSMD Facial Plastic Surgery immediately.
Patients should research craniofacial plastic surgeons’ qualifications and work history in the Chicago area, including their board certifications, hospital experience, and length of practice. They should also read patient reviews from multiple sources to determine the satisfaction rate of past procedures.

Finally, we recommend that patients schedule a consultation with the surgeon to gauge their receptiveness to interacting with their facelift surgeon. It is very important that patients feel seen and heard during their consultation and, most of all, feel comfortable and respected in the presence of their medical caretaker.

5.0 – 3 Reviews

Mohs Procedure

I had a very minor Mohs procedure about a year ago. It has healed incredibly well and the scar is barely visible (people do not notice it unless I point it out to them). The receptionist at the hospital told me that Dr. Shastri was “phenomenal” and that I was in great hands before my procedure. This was true. As someone else described in a previous review, Dr. Shastri exudes a calm confidence and is gentle. He did an excellent job stitching up my wound and monitoring the scar throughout the healing process. I appreciate his attentiveness; his skillful suturing is like a work of art. I am grateful that I was referred to him by my dermatologist. He is a phenomenal plastic surgeon — both in his work and bedside manner

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Mohs Surgery

Dr. Shastri was very competent at my facial Mohs surgery and thats saying alot, it was major.. His skill is obvious, as more than 15 tiny stitches were virtually painless and will be hard to spot. He was punctual. Clear regarding the procedure. Super bedside manor. Highly recommend him and his staff.

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Skin Cancer

Wonderful! He patiently explained the different types of skins cancers, identified the one I had, then described how he would treat it. He answered all my questions, even the dumb ones. He just exuded a calm competence. For the skin graft, I felt like I’d had the benefit of an artist ad well as a doctor. Mary, the nurse, contributed greatly to making the entire experience positive. The online system for getting an appointment, confirming it and messaging the medical team is complicated, Byzantine, and frustrating, particularly for old guys like me. However it is definitely worth struggling through it. If I could add more stars I would.

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Meet the Doctor

Schedule a Consultation

A facelift can take ten to fifteen years off your face. Consider learning more about getting a facelift in Chicago at KSMD Facial Plastic Surgery. Don’t delay scheduling your consultation with Dr. Shastri so that you can begin discussing the next steps toward your youthful transformation.