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The Best Facelift and/or Necklift in Chicago

As we age, we sometimes find that our outward appearance no longer reflects how we feel inside. The years that pass us by can bring deep wrinkles and unwanted sagging skin, making us feel unrecognizable to the young, vibrant person we once were.

Face/necklift surgery is a common procedure that turns back the hands of time just enough to allow that inner glow to shine through. Keep reading to learn what our experts at Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery can help you achieve with a facelift and/or necklift. Afterward, schedule your initial no-pressure consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.

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What Our
Patients Say

“Dr. Schierle was amazing, he spent so much time making sure I was comfortable and felt good about my decision. He responded to several of my emails with questions after my initial consultation, even late at night. His staff was so kind and they all went above and beyond all of my expectations even after my surgery, they called to check up on me and have always worked around my schedule to fit me in for appts. I would recommend them to anyone, it has been the best experience and I could not be more pleased with my results. I feel like a woman again and not just a mom (4 kids under 6).”

- Brandy R.

What is a Facelift and/or Necklift?

A face or necklift is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the face or neck by lifting and tightening the skin and underlying tissues. The procedure is typically performed on individuals who are experiencing signs of aging, such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and jowls.

At Northwestern, our experienced plastic surgeons will work with you to decide on the techniques that will best meet your needs.

Depending on your goals, we may use techniques such as muscle tightening, laser resurfacing to smooth fine lines, dermal fillers to restore fullness, and liposuction to remove excess fat deposits. In combination, these techniques help you achieve a more vibrant, youthful appearance.

A facelift permanently turns back the hands of time, but it does not stop the aging process. With good sun habits and daily skincare you can maintain the results from surgery. Maintenance with periodic treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling, or laser treatments will continue to slow the effects of aging.

Benefits of a Facelift and/or Necklift

Benefits of a Facelift and/or Necklift

A facelift and/or necklift focus on both the upper and lower regions of the face. At Northwestern, we also perform fat grafting to address issues in the upper facial region, such as deflated temples and sagging eyelids.

As we age, the fat in our faces tends to drop and settle into undesirable areas. By harvesting fat from another area and injecting it into areas in the face, such as the temples, cheeks, tear trough, marionette lines, nasolabial folds, and upper lids, we can revitalize your facial structure and re-volumize these depleted areas.

Using these techniques, the facelift can improve flattened or sagging cheeks, jowls at the sides of the jawline, undereye bags, loose skin under the jawline, sagging skin around the nose and mouth, deep creases around the nose and mouth, and hollowed eyelids and temples. While the necklift can help improve the laxity of the skin below the jawline and underneath the chin.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Facelift or Necklift?

Am I a Good Candidate for a Facelift or Necklift?

If your skin has become looser and you are noticing more lines and wrinkles, a face/necklift surgery may be right for you! If you are looking to address these issues, but are looking for something with less downtime, non-surgical facelift options are also available, such as MyEllevate or Ellacor.

We highly recommend setting up a consultation to discuss which surgical or non-surgical facelift technique will best help you achieve your goals.

What is a Full Facelift or Necklift?

What is a Full Facelift or Necklift?

A full face/necklift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is performed to address signs of aging on the face and neck. It involves tightening and lifting the skin, muscles, and tissues on the face and neck to create a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.

During the procedure, incisions are made in the hairline, around the ear, and sometimes under the chin to allow access to the underlying tissue. The surgeon will then lift and reposition the skin, muscles, and other tissues to create a smoother, firmer, and more youthful appearance. Excess skin is trimmed away, and the remaining skin is tightened and sutured in place.

A full facelift can address a range of concerns, including sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of facial volume. It can be customized to meet the specific needs of each patient and may be combined with other procedures such as a brow lift or eyelid surgery for more comprehensive results. The recovery period can vary, but patients typically need to take several weeks off work and avoid strenuous activities for several weeks after the surgery.

What is a Mini-Facelift?

What is a Mini-Facelift?

A mini-facelift, also known as “The Weekend Lift” in Chicago is a surgical procedure that focuses on rejuvenating the middle area of the face, including the cheeks, lower eyelids, and nasolabial folds (the lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth).

During a mini-facelift, the surgeon makes incisions around the hairline and inside the mouth to access the underlying tissue. The surgeon then lifts and repositions the fat, muscle, and tissue in the middle of the face to create a more youthful appearance. Excess skin is trimmed away, and the remaining skin is sutured in place.

The mini-facelift is designed to address signs of aging in the middle of the face, including sagging cheeks and under-eye bags. This procedure is often recommended for patients who want to rejuvenate their appearance but do not yet require a full facelift.

The recovery period for a mini-facelift is usually shorter than for a full facelift, and most patients can return to work and other normal activities within one to two weeks after the surgery. However, patients should avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for several weeks after the procedure to allow the tissues to heal properly. Schedule a consultation with us to see if a mini-facelift is a good option for you!

What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift is a type of surgical facelift that is designed to provide more comprehensive and long-lasting results than a traditional facelift. It involves lifting and repositioning the deep tissues of the face, including the SMAS layer (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and the muscle layer beneath it.

During the procedure, the surgeon makes incisions around the hairline and in front of the ears to access the deep tissues of the face. The surgeon then lifts and repositions the SMAS layer and muscle layer to create a more youthful appearance. The skin is then redraped and any excess skin is removed.

The deep plane facelift is considered a more advanced technique and requires more skill and experience from the surgeon. However, it can provide more natural-looking and longer-lasting results than a traditional facelift. It can address a range of concerns, including sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of facial volume.

The recovery period for a deep plane facelift is similar to that of a traditional facelift, and patients may experience some swelling and bruising for several weeks after the procedure. Patients will need to follow specific post-operative instructions to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.

What is the SMAS Layer during a Facelift?

What is the SMAS Layer during a Facelift?

The SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) is a layer of tissue in the face that is located beneath the skin and fat layer and above the deeper facial muscles. It is a fibrous layer of connective tissue that connects the facial muscles to the skin, providing support and structure to the face.

The SMAS layer is an important component of facial anatomy, as it plays a crucial role in maintaining facial shape and volume. With aging, the SMAS layer can become lax and sag, leading to wrinkles, jowls, and other signs of facial aging.

During facelift surgery, the SMAS layer is often addressed to provide a more comprehensive and long-lasting result. By lifting and repositioning the SMAS layer, the surgeon can create a more youthful and refreshed appearance. This technique is used in deep plane facelifts, which involve lifting and repositioning both the SMAS layer and the muscle layer beneath it.

In addition to facelift surgery, the SMAS layer can also be targeted with other cosmetic treatments such as injectable fillers, which can help to restore volume and improve the appearance of the face.

What is Recovery Following a Facelift and/or Necklift?

What is Recovery Following a Facelift and/or Necklift?

The recovery period after a facelift can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual patient’s healing process. Generally, patients should expect to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort following a facelift, but these symptoms should subside over time.

In the first few days after surgery, patients should rest as much as possible with their head elevated to reduce swelling. Ice packs and prescription pain medication may be recommended to manage discomfort. The surgical site will be bandaged and drains may be placed to remove excess fluid.

Patients should avoid strenuous activities, bending over, and lifting heavy objects for several weeks after surgery to avoid putting strain on the healing tissues. They should also avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, which can impede the healing process.

Most patients are able to return to work and other normal activities within two to three weeks after the surgery. However, it may take several months for the full results of the procedure to become visible as the swelling subsides and the tissues continue to heal.

It’s important to follow the specific post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. Patients should attend all follow-up appointments and report any concerns or complications to their surgeon.

Schedule a Consultation with our Award-Winning Chicago Facelift Surgeons

Schedule a Consultation with our Award-Winning Chicago Facelift Surgeons

If you’re considering cosmetic surgery to restore a youthful appearance, a facelift may be a great option for you. At Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery, our doctors are committed to patient education so we can help you feel confident moving forward with treatment.

Call us today at (312) 266-6240 or submit an inquiry to set up your initial no-pressure consultation.

Facelift/Necklift FAQs

Read All FAQs →

Will I need drains after my facelift or necklift?

Depending on the patient, we may use drains during your surgery. This can be discussed further at your consultation.

A facelift primarily focuses on lifting and tightening the skin and tissues of the lower face, while a necklift specifically targets the neck and jowl area to improve definition and contour.

As with any surgery, there are risks and potential complications associated with a face and necklift. These can include bleeding, infection, scarring, nerve damage, and poor wound healing. However, serious complications are rare when the procedure is performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon.

Yes, there are non-surgical facelift alternatives to a face and necklift, including injectable fillers, Botox, and skin resurfacing treatments. MyEllevate is a new, permanent suture suspension system that can be done in the office and provide necklift results under local anesthesia with minimal downtime.

https://northwesternplastics.com/procedures/face-procedures-chicago/myellevate/

Yes. The facelift and necklift both target different areas. This can be further discussed at your consultation.

Most patients will benefit from a scar underneath the chin as it will help "debulk" the heavy neck and disrupt and muscle banding. The exact length and location of this scar will vary from patient to patient.

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Northwestern Specialists
Plastic Surgery

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Chicago, IL 60611

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Sunday: Closed

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