Facelift & Necklift in Chicago and Vernon Hills, IL

There’s truly no such thing as the “ideal age” for a facelift patient. If you are in overall good health and have enough sagging skin on your lower face and neck, this procedure can benefit you. Our average facelift patients are in their 40s to 60s, but our experienced surgeons have successfully performed facelifts on patients in their 70s and even 80s as well.

No procedure can halt the natural aging process. However, a facelift will improve your appearance by reversing some of the most common signs of aging. Factors such as anatomy, genetics, and lifestyle choices will all play a role in the extent of the improvement you can expect to see, as well as how long you will be able to maintain your results.

During a facelift, our surgeons will remove excess fat and skin and tighten underlying muscles in the lower two-thirds of the face and neck, providing a youthful and refreshed appearance. Our goal with every facelift is to make you look natural, not for you to appear as if you are permanently caught in a wind tunnel.

Facelifts do not address the upper third of the face. If you’re concerned about the look of your eye and eyebrow region, combining your facelift with a brow lift or eyelid surgery may be right for you. Your surgeon will review your aesthetic goals with you and recommend the best approach for a full facial rejuvenation.

Though some amount of scarring is inevitable with any surgery, Dr. Leonard Lu knows how to make incisions as small as possible and place them in areas where they will heal discreetly, such as in the hairline or the natural creases in your face. Once the scars have had several months to mature, they are usually unobtrusive.

For the first few days after a facelift, you will need to take it easy at home and rest with your head elevated. Most people take at least a week off work to recover from their surgery, though you may prefer to allow yourself more time for the bruising and swelling to resolve. We generally recommend avoiding strenuous activity for the first two to three weeks after surgery.

Good candidates for a facelift are typically individuals who are in good overall health and have noticeable signs of aging in the face, such as sagging skin, deep creases, and jowls.

A facelift can provide a more youthful and refreshed appearance by lifting and tightening facial tissues, smoothing wrinkles, and restoring facial contours. Results can vary depending on individual factors such as skin quality and the aging process.

The results of a facelift are long-lasting, but they do not stop the aging process altogether. While aging will continue, most patients enjoy a significantly more youthful appearance for many years following surgery.

Like any surgical procedure, facelift surgery carries certain risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Drs. Lu or Bakhos will discuss these risks with you in detail during your consultation.

Preparing for facelift surgery may involve lifestyle modifications, cessation of certain medications, and arranging for post-operative care and support. Our plastic surgeons will provide you with specific instructions tailored to your needs.

Yes, facelift surgery can be combined with other procedures such as eyelid surgery, brow lift, or neck lift to address multiple areas of concern and achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

There is no specific age requirement for a facelift, as candidacy is based on individual factors such as skin quality, overall health, and aesthetic goals. Dr. Lu will assess your suitability for surgery during your consultation.

Facelift surgery is considered an elective procedure and is typically not covered by insurance. However, we do accept CareCredit to make your aesthetic goals within reach. You can learn more about applying for CareCredit on our financing page.

Yes, before and after photos of facelift patients are available on the website, and we encourage potential patients to look through them prior to their consultation. These photos can help you visualize potential outcomes and discuss your goals referencing specific results.

Common neck lift techniques include traditional neck lifts, minimally invasive neck lifts, and neck liposuction, each tailored to address specific concerns and achieve desired results.

Neck lift surgeries are typically performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation to ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure.

While some scarring is inevitable with any surgical procedure, a skilled surgeon strategically places incisions in inconspicuous locations, such as behind the ears or under the chin, to minimize visible scarring. Over time, scars typically fade and become less noticeable.

During the surgery, you will be under anesthesia, so you should not feel any pain. However, it is common to experience some discomfort during the initial recovery period, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications.

Yes, a neck lift is specifically designed to address common concerns such as loose skin, excess fat, and muscle banding in the neck area, often resulting in a smoother, more youthful neck contour.

Drs. Lu and Bakhos will provide specific guidelines for post-operative care, including when it is safe to resume exercise and other physical activities. Generally, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities for several weeks following surgery to ensure proper healing.

In many cases, surgeons recommend wearing a compression garment or supportive chin strap following a neck lift to minimize swelling, promote tissue healing, and help maintain the new neck contour during the initial recovery phase.

Yes, revision neck lift surgery is an option for patients who are dissatisfied with the outcomes of their initial procedure or who experience changes in their neck appearance over time. Your surgeon can discuss the possibility of revision surgery during a consultation.

To schedule a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons at RL Center in Vernon Hills, simply contact our office by phone at (847) 367-8815 or through our online contact form.