A facelift is an excellent way to restore youthful facial contours. As we age, facial skin loses volume and elasticity, which causes unwanted wrinkles, folds, and sagging tissue. Facelift surgery not only permanently elevates and supports these tissues but improves volume as well.
If you are interested in learning more about a facelift in Chicago, including benefits, the overall procedure, and the recovery process, or if you are ready to schedule a consultation contact the Rhinoplasty Institute of Chicago, by calling 630-574-8222.
Is a Facelift Right for You?
The aging process affects everyone differently but many individuals notice the undesired development of wrinkles and frown lines. If you are frustrated with these aesthetic facial concerns, a facelift can help achieve your goals.
A facelift could give you a much-needed boost in confidence, helping you to look and feel your absolute best. Ultimately, a facelift helps your skin look plump, smooth, and firm; less like a raisin and more like a grape. Further, in the hands of a skilled and educated surgeon, a facelift can – and should – look very natural. Let our Chicago facelift surgeon help determine if cosmetic surgery is right for you. During your consultation, board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Dutton will discuss your particular concerns, carefully communicate with you to better understand your goals and expectations, and work closely with you to formulate an ideal plan for your facial surgery.
How Our Facelift Surgeon Can Help You
Dr. Dutton of the Rhinoplasty Institute of Chicago is double-board-certified in Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and has served as the Division Chief of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Rush University Medical Center. His extensive plastic surgery training and experience allow him to devise a facelift plan that will provide you with optimal aesthetic results without compromising your safety.
When performed successfully by a well-trained and experienced doctor, a facelift can offer a variety of benefits. More so, a facelift can improve the following:
- Lines and wrinkles on the lower portion of the face
- Jowls
- Sagging skin in the cheek area
- Deep nasolabial folds from the nose to the mouth
- Drooping or “bands” on the neck
Previously, some of our patients have opted to schedule cosmetic eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or a chin implant at the same time as their facelift. Depending on your cosmetic surgery goals, you may wish to pursue on (or more) of these extra procedures.
The Facelift Procedure at our Chicago Practice
Facelift is a generic term for a plastic surgery that restores the position and volume of the middle and lower face and neck. There are many variants to this procedure, which allow for the customization of your treatment plan. Some methods involve minimal incisions, minimal elevation, and the use of endoscopes to accomplish aesthetic results with a short recovery period. Other surgeries are lengthy and intricate to achieve an ideal outcome in multiple areas and for significant problems.
On the day of your Chicago facelift procedure, you may be placed under general anesthesia or a local anesthetic with sedation. Conveniently, facelift incisions are usually hidden in the hairline, or they can sometimes be placed discreetly behind or in front of the ears. In some cases, a small incision under the chin might be necessary in order to achieve your desired outcome.
During the surgery, any excess skin is removed and the skin and muscles are re-draped for a natural-looking, firm, and youthful appearance. Volume might be replaced with fat transfer or injections of dermal fillers.
The Mini-Facelifts – A Minimally Invasive Alternative
Depending on the areas of concern, Dr. Dutton may recommend a mini facelift during your consultation. A mini-facelift can provide a wide variety of benefits for qualified patients, similar to traditional treatment, but with less invasive methods. To help you understand the procedure, consider the following about the mini facelift:
- Treatment targets the face and neck, creating a rested and youthful appearance
- Following the procedure, recovery can take about one week
- Results of a mini-facelift can last up to seven years
- Like a conventional facelift, a mini-facelift procedure can be combined with other surgeries, such as chin, cheek, or jowl liposuction.
Recovering from a Facelift
With advanced facial plastic surgery techniques, recovering from a facelift is easier than it has ever been. You can expect some discomfort; however, this typically only lasts for a few days. Fortunately, your comfort can easily be managed with pain medications, and you can reduce swelling by elevating your head as you sleep. Your recovery may vary significantly, depending on the type of facelift you and Dr. Dutton select.
Generally, most patients take one to two weeks off from work for the recovery process. Any bruising can be covered up with makeup, and swelling should resolve within two to three weeks. After your surgery, Dr. Dutton will provide you will full post-operative instructions and monitor your progress. If any sutures require removal, a follow-up appointment will be set to ensure proper care.
You cannot ask for a better plastic surgeon to perform your facelift than Dr. Dutton of the Rhinoplasty Institute of Chicago. Dr. Dutton is an expert in facial surgery who has taught these procedures to others and performs complex facial reconstructions. Don’t trust your face to anyone else other than our skilled facial plastic surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions about Facelift Surgery in Chicago, IL
Do you still have questions and/or concerns regarding the facelift procedure? Below, you will find a list of questions frequently asked regarding this procedure. Fully understanding the surgery will result in a smoother process, as well as a quicker and easier recovery period.
If you are still unsure about any aspect of the facelift procedure, don’t hesitate to contact the professional staff at our Chicago office by calling 630-574-8222.
Q: What is a facelift?
A: A facelift, sometimes referred to as “rhytidectomy,” is a cosmetic procedure that can help rejuvenate the face by and eliminating unwanted lines and wrinkles. There are different types of facelifts to choose from, including the traditional and mini-facelift. Non-surgical alternatives are also available.
During the facelift procedure, incisions are made, after which the skin in front of, below, and behind the ears is gently lifted and pulled tighter. These incisions are hidden along the hairline and border of the ear. Once the surgery is complete and you’ve healed, there will be no visible evidence of the procedure.
Q: How long does it take to perform a facelift?
A: The time needed to perform facelift surgery will vary, depending on the specific type of facelift you choose. During your initial consultation with Dr. Dutton, the two of you will discuss your different options before choosing the best one that suits you and your needs. You will then receive a detailed outline of that particular procedure, including treatment time and recovery.
Typically, a standard facelift can take between four to six hours to properly perform.
Q: Who is a good candidate for a facelift in Chicago, IL?
A: A facelift procedure is not gender-related; both men and women can and have had cosmetic facial surgery. Further, patients who are unhappy with their appearance, or who have sagging, loose skin along the lower part of their face and upper neck are often the best candidates for a facelift.
It is vital for all patients to be mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy. It is also necessary to have realistic expectations following the surgery. Individuals who consistently smoke or have certain medical disorders are not good candidates for this particular procedure, as complications are likely to occur. If you are unsure whether facelift surgery is for you, should address your concerns with our doctor.
Q: Is the facelift procedure painful?
A: Because pain is subjective, it is difficult to answer this question for every patient. Depending on your own individual pain tolerance, you may experience some discomfort, as discussed above. However, if you follow Dr. Dutton’s instructions, you are less likely to feel any pain following the surgery. If you are worried about pain, Dr. Dutton can prescribe medication to help create a comfortable recovery.
Q: What is the recovery period like following a facelift?
A: There have been many advances made in cosmetic surgery techniques, which makes recovery from a facelift procedure more comfortable than it once was. Post-treatment discomfort should not last long, certainly not more than a couple of weeks – at most. During this time, prescribed pain medication helps promote your comfort.
After surgery, it is common to schedule one to two weeks for recovery, where patients do not work or undertake strenuous activity. During this recovery time, it will be necessary to get plenty of rest, drink water, and avoid direct sunlight. Any bruising you may experience can be covered with makeup, and facial swelling should improve within two to three weeks post-surgery.
Before you do start exercising again or participate in any type of physical activity, it may be appropriate to get permission from your doctor.
Q: Are there any risks or complications associated with the facelift procedure?
A: As with any type of cosmetic procedure, risks and complications can always arise. However, a complication is less likely to occur when the procedure is performed by a skilled and trained doctor. There are (rare) risks associated with facelift surgery, including bleeding, hematoma, bruising, loss of muscle function, and infection.
Though unlikely, if a complication does occur, it is usually only temporary. Regardless, if you do experience any type of trouble following the facelift procedure, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Q: What are the benefits of facelifts?
A: The benefits of a facelift can range, depending on your particular wants and needs, and the outcome of your treatment is dependent upon which type of facelift you and Dr. Dutton choose. Generally speaking, facelift benefits include a boost in confidence, a younger and natural-looking appearance, removal of lines and wrinkles on the face, and an improvement of sagging skin in the chin area.
Contact the Rhinoplasty Institute of Chicago Today
If you are currently unhappy with your appearance, you can make a change. The aging process cannot be stopped completely, but there are ways to look and feel confident as you age gracefully. A facelift can help get rid of unwanted lines and wrinkles, making you look and feel like the absolute best version of yourself.
“With his extensive training, Dr. Dutton is one of the finest ENT/ Facial Plastic Surgeons in the area. He took the time to listen to me, my wants and goals following surgery, and then explain the entire process of the procedure. He worked hard to get the results I both wanted and needed. I am very satisfied with his work, and have recommended him to others.” -Satisfied Patient
“Dr. Dutton was extremely professional and caring. He truly listened to my issues and concerns. His clinical experience made me feel extremely confident in his abilities. Dr. Dutton’s bedside manner before and after surgery was excellent. I had a wonderful experience and would recommend Dr. Dutton to anyone needing or wanting surgery.” -Satisfied Patient
“Dr. Dutton was extremely professional and explained – in detail – the procedure and the results I would experience. He was exactly correct. The doctor was very easy to talk to, and he helped me make decisions. He was very knowledgeable and patient. I have even recommended friends of mine to schedule consultations with Dr. Dutton.” -Satisfied Patient
To schedule a facelift consultation at the Rhinoplasty Institute of Chicago, contact our professional staff today by calling 630-574-8222.
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Today facelifts are sought out by both men and women to improve their overall appearance. Contacting facial plastic surgeon Dr. Dutton for a facelift consultation is your first step to a better you. Call us today!
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