Facelift in Chicago

What is a

Facelift?

  • What is a facelift?
    • A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure performed to elevate sagging tissues of the face and neck. With aging, the face and neck lose youthful appearance due to loss of elasticity of the skin, loosening of muscles, and descent of fat pads. With a facelift, we can redistribute the face and neck to a more youthful position, providing a rejuvenated and refreshed appearance.
  • Benefits of a facelift:
    • A refreshed appearance
      • Facelift surgery is the best way to reverse the effects of aging and gravity on the face and neck, but does not necessarily make patients look unnaturally young. A well done facelift is aimed to provide patients with an age appropriate, rejuvenated appearance which helps them look as young as they feel inside.
    • Improved neck/jawline contour
      • As the fat pads of the face and neck age, they typically descend along the jaw line, causing jowling and sagging underneath the chin. Some patients have had issues with a ‘double-chin’ even at younger ages. By contouring the neck and removing excess sagging skin, patients can get the ideal jaw and neck line that they’ve always wanted.

The Consultation

  • During your visit, Dr. Shastri will start by asking what your goals are regarding your face and neck. Following a thorough analysis, he will discuss the ways in which he may be able to help realize your goals while still preserving a natural, balanced facial appearance. Image modification can be done in real time with your photographs to help make sure you are both on the same page about what a realistic outcome may look like. Dr. Shastri will take the time to make sure you feel heard and are confident in the surgical plan. 
  • Facelifts can often be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as forehead lift, blepharoplasty, facial fat transfer, and chin augmentation.

The Procedure

  • In most cases, the surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. The procedure takes several hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the case and other add on procedures. Dr. Shastri will use well hidden incisions along the ears and hairline to access the deep plane of the face and will reposition the underlying tissues and trim excess skin to restore a more youthful appearance. 
  • At the end of the procedure, the incisions are closed with sutures and a dressing is applied to the face and neck. Patients typically spend 1-2 hours in a recovery room after surgery, and can be taken home after. Detailed instructions will be provided discussing pain management, wound care, activity restrictions, and dietary restrictions.

Facelift Recovery

  • Recovery varies from person to person and depends on how much work is needed. You may expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort initially,  which gradually subsides
    • Patients typically go home following the procedure with a large facelift dressing, which gently cushions the face and neck. This is typically removed the morning after surgery along with possible drains, and a lighter dressing is applied with elastic wraps. Patients are expected to keep these in place for 1 week, taking them off briefly to apply ointment to the incisions 2-3 times per day.
    • Sutures are removed 1 week after surgery, after which patients may start to apply makeup around the incisions or facial skin. The face/neck wraps are continued at night and while sleeping for 3-4 weeks, but may be removed during daytime hours. 
    • Swelling and bruising continue to gradually improve over the first few weeks after surgery, with most patients expected to feel ‘restaurant ready’ within 2-3 weeks. Patients typically return to work within 1-2 weeks of the surgery, and can return to full physical activity/exercise within 3-4 weeks. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • During a deep plane facelift, well hidden incisions are made along the ears and hairline to access the deep tissues of the face and vertically restore sagging fat pads and muscle to a more youthful position. A small incision is made underneath the chin to remove excess fat underneath the chin and tighten the platysma muscle. Excess skin is then redraped and tailored to provide the definition of the jaw and neck desired from the procedure. 
  • Facelifts are often combined with complimentary procedures, such as forehead lifts, upper/lower blepharoplasties, lip lifts, facial fat grafting, and rhinoplasties. During a consultation with Dr. Shastri, he will review your features and determine a plan that will provide facial harmony and fit your goals. 
  • Facelifts are typically not considered to be very painful. Dr. Shastri provides medications to help with discomfort for the first few days after surgery,  most patients are able to stop prescription pain medications and use just Tylenol after 2-3 days.
  • Patients undergoing facelifts are recommended to take 1-2 weeks off of work or school after the procedure. Light work or activity, such as answering emails from home, can start 2-3 days after the procedure, but give yourself time to rest and recover.
  • Facelifts are generally considered to be safe with a relatively quick recovery time and limited pain. Risks and complications are rare, but certainly are possible no matter how experienced a facelift surgeon may be. Risks include the following:
    • Bleeding
    • Infection
    • Scarring
    • Need for revision surgery 
    • Temporary or permanent facial weakness/numbness
  • These risks can be minimized by choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon who follows proper surgical techniques and provides comprehensive pre- and post-operative care.

Costs of a facelift can vary depending on complexity of the surgery and possible inclusion of complimentary procedures. These costs will be discussed during a consultation.

  • Facelifts are typically considered cosmetic procedures, and as such are not eligible for insurance coverage. 
  • Traditionally, facelifts were thought to be necessary only for patients in their 60s or 70s. As the techniques have become more sophisticated and the surgery has become more popular, a trend has been seen where patients are seeking facial enhancements at an earlier age. Patients may be eligible for a facelift starting from their later 30s to early 40s, all depending on their facial anatomy and skin laxity. Younger patients who desire more definition of the neck and jaw but have excellent skin elasticity may be good candidates for a deep neck lift, which can be performed through a single incision underneath the chin and does not need further incisions around the ear/hairline. 
  • The results of a deep plane facelift are long-lasting. While the natural aging process will continue, the repositioned deeper facial structures and tightened skin can provide significant improvement for many years, if not decades . Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, protecting your skin from sun damage, and following a proper skincare regimen can help prolong the results of your facelift. Regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Shastri are also important to monitor and maintain your results over time.

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2701 Patriot Blvd, Glenview IL, 60025

(847) 535-6545

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