Chicago Facelift by Dr. David Dreyfuss
You are refreshed and have energy, but that’s not what the mirror says. The sagging jowls and the disappearing chin tell a different story. You may look much more tired than you really feel.
You have contemplated surgery – a facelift – but yet you hesitate. You see the celebrity that looks unnatural, and you shy away. But in actuality, you do see successful facelift results daily – it’s just that you can’t detect the work that was done! That’s the point, isn’t it? To have work done without any evidence of it. Subtle changes that make you look better!
Dreyfuss Plastic Surgery is a premier cosmetic surgery practice. We have multiple ways you can reach us. Please feel free to call us at (815) 806-9400, or you can get us by submitting your information on the contact page.
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Facelift Chicago – Facts
Rhytidectomy (facelift surgery) revives the mid to lower face and neck. A facelift can help you regain your youthful appearance sought by removing excess fat, tightening the underlying muscles, and re-draping the skin around the neck and face. Facelifts can be performed alone or in conjunction with another procedure such as a brow lift, eyelid surgery, chin augmentation, or nose reshaping. Having a facelift does not change the shape of your nose, eyes, or forehead. It corrects:
- A sagging mid-face
- The deep creases under the eyes
- The deep creases between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds)
- The jowls due to fading muscle tone
- Excess fat
- A double chin due to fat and loose skin under the chin and jaw
For some, a facelift can remove eight to twelve years from their appearance. Aging, sun exposure, pollution, anxiety, the fierce Chicago wind, and gravity all take their toll on your the face, neckline, and self-esteem. Resulting creases and wrinkles, as well as folds and fat deposits, can begin to harm your appearance and identity. Professional and personal relationships might be affected as self-confidence dwindles.
Your Consultation for a Facelift in Chicago
Upon arrival at our Orland Park office, you will be greeted by one of our friendly front desk receptionists. They will guide you through the administrative process and orient you to the practice. You will be introduced to Karen, our patient coordinator, who will be with you throughout the process. She is well-versed in all aspects of cosmetic surgery, and you will find her a valuable resource before and after your procedure.
During your initial consultation, you may voice any concerns you may have and ask any questions you feel are relevant. You consult with Dr. Dreyfuss to learn his recommendation and understand what realistic expectations you can have. You will be provided enough information to make an informed decision.
Dr. Dreyfuss is a wonderful doctor, as I have had several procedures done under his care. Each encounter with him and his staff has been of kind, compassionate care. I will continue as a patient for future procedures and would recommend him to all my friends and family. Knew from the first consult I was making the right choice!
Why Choose Dr. David Dreyfuss?
With decades of experience and board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. David Dreyfuss offers a refined balance of surgical skill, artistic vision, and personalized care. Patients from across the region trust him for his expertise in procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, laser skin resurfacing, and eyelid surgery. Known for his compassionate approach and commitment to excellence, Dr. Dreyfuss personally guides each patient through every step of their surgical journey—from the first consultation to your final results.
If you’re considering a change—whether it’s enhancing your features or restoring what time has altered—our Orland Park practice is here to help. Dr. Dreyfuss invites you to schedule a private consultation and discover the many surgical and non-surgical options available to help you look and feel your very best. Your vision, paired with his experience, can create results that are both natural and transformative.
Suitable Candidates for a Facelift in Chicago
Dr. Dreyfuss will evaluate your facial anatomy and discuss which facelift procedures may be implemented. A facelift is a good option for you if you:
- Are healthy and have no medical conditions that can impede healing.
- Don’t smoke.
- Have a positive outlook and realistic goals.
- Are not satisfied with your aged facial appearance.
What to Expect with Your Facelift in Chicago
A full facelift is a combination of separate facial surgery procedures that correct different parts of the face. Each of our facelift techniques involves a custom approach. Dr. Dreyfuss will tailor a facelift to full rejuvenation specific to individual needs.
A full facelift may include:
- A browlift
- Chin augmentation
- Eyelid surgery
- A lower facelift
During your consultation at our Orland Park office, Dr. Dreyfuss will help you decide the best facelift option.
Facelifts are performed in our state-of-the-art AAAHC and JCAHO accredited surgery center in the Orland Park community. Local anesthesia with IV sedation will be administered for your comfort. The facelift procedure takes two to three hours.
SMAS or muscle repositioning is included along with fat sculpting and the re-draping and excising of the skin. It allows for the ideal relocation of both skin and muscle so that there is no tension left on the skin. With this technique, Dr. Dreyfuss can produce results that look natural.
Dr. Dreyfuss will start the procedure with incisions around the hairline, behind each ear, and under the chin. He will then remove excess tissue and reposition specific fat pads under the skin. Next, he will re-drape the skin by lifting and tightening it.
A short scar approach can be performed with an incision under the chin resulting in an isolated neck lift. A drain may be inserted for a short time to allow excess fluid to escape.
Recovery – Facelift in Chicago
Following surgery, your head and face will be bandaged. This will help in the healing process by reducing swelling and bruising and preventing fluid and blood from settling under the skin.
Pain medication will be prescribed for your comfort during the recovery phase. Adequate time should be allotted for healing before resuming work and everyday activities. Swelling, numbness, and skin discoloration should be anticipated, lasting about two weeks.
Your dressings and incisions should be kept dry until Dr. Dreyfuss allows you to bathe or shower. Your head should remain elevated and immobile for the first few days to minimize swelling. The first glimpse of your facelift outcome will be after the postoperative bandage is removed after 24 hours.
The facelift healing period may range from one week to several weeks, contingent on the type and combination of procedures undertaken. Full facelift and mid-facelift patients can expect to return to work within two weeks. Endoscopic facelift and mini-facelift patients can expect to return within a day or two. Blow-drying hair and wearing earrings may be prohibited for a more extended period.
Rest and sleep are critical for proper healing. Avoid vigorous activities, heavy housework, and intimate relations for at least two weeks. Alcohol, saunas, and steam rooms are also prohibited for several months. Light walking and mild stretching are encouraged to prevent blood clots.
View Real Patient Results
Explore our before and after gallery to see real patient transformations performed by Dr. David Dreyfuss. From subtle enhancements to dramatic results, these photos showcase the artistry and precision behind every procedure.
How Long Do the Effects of a Chicago Facelift Last?
One of the main advantages of facelift surgery is that it can last 10 years or longer. This depends to some extent on the patient, but it also depends on the skill of your plastic surgeon. Dr. Dreyfuss has performed several facelifts patients during his 25 years of surgery. Many return to him because they trust his abilities and results.
What Won’t a Facelift Correct?
A facelift cannot lift the eyebrows, eyelids, or nose. These may be corrected in other procedures. It cannot lift the cheekbones, although your cheekbones will appear more prominent after a facelift with the mid-face portion of the process.
Some patients opt for a brow lift (forehead lift), eyelid lift (blepharoplasty), or cheek augmentation, if indicated and recommended by Dr. Dreyfuss. For some, non-surgical injectables like Botox®, or dermal fillers can provide additional enhancement after a facelift by further smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, particularly on the upper part of the face, which is not affected by a facelift. This can enhance facial rejuvenation. Skin resurfacing procedures can also be helpful and provide an even more comprehensive result on the finer lines of the skin.
Is there an ideal age for a facelift?
There is no specific age for a facelift, as it depends on an individual’s aging process. Most patients are in their 40s to 60s when they consider a facelift, but good health and skin elasticity are key factors.
Natural Results for Facelift in Chicago
To ensure a natural and beautiful facelift result, you must choose the right plastic surgeon—a surgeon with the proper training and plenty of experience and a long history of satisfied patients. You need a compassionate surgeon with the eye of an artist!
Chicago’s own Dr. David Dreyfuss has dedicated his career to facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. He has been in practice for over a quarter-century and has thousands of satisfied Chicago area patients.
His skill will ensure a successful result. You will receive a younger and natural-looking version of yourself!
Why Choose Dr. David Dreyfuss for Facelift in Chicago?
A graduate of the prestigious Emory University Medical School in Atlanta, Dr. Dreyfuss continued his training as a resident in general surgery at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago. He also completed a fellowship at the University of Chicago.
He is recognized by his peers as an expert in cosmetic surgery. He has presented at many national meetings on breast surgery and breast implants.
He is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Dreyfuss is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Illinois Plastic Surgery Society, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Dreyfuss Plastic Surgery is a premier cosmetic surgery practice. We have multiple ways you can reach us. Please feel free to call our Chicago office at (815) 806-9400, or you may reach us by submitting your information on the contact page.
Chicago, IL Facelift - FAQs
When Should I Consider a Facelift?
You may be a facelift candidate if you’re in good health and have excess facial skin on the face and neck that makes you look older. The average facelift patient in Chicago are in their 40’s to 60’s. Although a facelift can be performed successfully on patients in their 70’s or 80’s, too.
How Much Younger Will I Look After a Facelift?
A facelift does not stop the natural aging process. It can improve facial appearance by turning the clock back on an aging face. Factors like heredity, bone structure, sun exposure, smoking history, skin texture, and others play a role in the scope of improvement.
Will a Facelift Give Me That Windblown Look?
A facelift removes excess fat, tightens the skin, and strengthens underlying tissue in the lower two-thirds of the face and neck. It provides a youthful, fresh facial presence. Your results will look natural without pulling the corners of your mouth tight for that windblown look.
Will My Scars Be Noticeable?
Facelift incisions start above the temples hairline extending in a natural line inside the cartilage in front of the ear. They continue behind the earlobe within the hairline. These are mostly hidden behind the hairline or in the natural facial creases. Once the scarring has softened after several months, they are discreet. If a neck lift is included, then a small incision under the chin is performed.
Will My Face Be Numb?
After a facelift, some numbness may reside in the cheek area. The feeling will return in one to two months.
When Can I Return To My Regular Routine After Facelift?
For a few days after surgery, your activities will be restricted. You will sleep and rest with your head elevated, and you should plan on taking it easy for at least one week after the operation. After several days, your dressings will be removed, and you can wash your hair gently with particular care paid to your incisions.
Dr. Dreyfuss instructs you to refrain from strenuous activity for two to three weeks. Stay out of the sun for several months and allow plenty of time for rest and sleep.
What Procedures Are Often Combined with a Facelift?
Facelifts are often combined with other procedures to achieve a more comprehensive rejuvenation. Commonly combined procedures include brow lifts, eyelid surgery, chin augmentation, and neck liposuction. Dr. Dreyfuss will discuss which additional treatments may be beneficial for your specific goals during your consultation.
How Long Do the Results of a Facelift Last?
The results of a facelift can last 10 years or more, depending on various factors such as skin type, age, and lifestyle. While a facelift cannot stop the aging process, it can significantly delay its visible effects and help you maintain a youthful appearance for many years.
What Are the Risks of Facelift Surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, a facelift carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, and scarring. Choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon like Dr. Dreyfuss helps minimize these risks. He follows strict protocols to ensure patient safety and achieve the best possible results.
Why Choose Dr. David Dreyfuss for My Facelift?
Dr. David Dreyfuss is a renowned expert in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery with over 25 years of experience. His commitment to achieving natural and aesthetically pleasing results, combined with his compassionate care, makes him a trusted choice for patients seeking a facelift in Chicago. Dr. Dreyfuss’s extensive experience and personalized approach ensure that you receive the highest level of care and the best possible outcome for your facelift surgery.
What is the difference between a full facelift and a mini facelift?
A full facelift addresses the entire face, including the mid-face, jawline, and neck, while a mini facelift focuses on the lower portion of the face, particularly the jowls and neck. The mini facelift involves smaller incisions and a quicker recovery time.
How long does it take to see final facelift results?
Initial results will be visible within a few weeks as swelling subsides, but it can take several months to see the final results once all swelling has resolved and the face has fully healed.
Will I still look like myself after a facelift?
Yes, the goal of a facelift is to enhance your natural features and restore a youthful appearance without making you look unnatural or like a different person. Dr. Dreyfuss focuses on achieving subtle, natural-looking results.
Are there non-surgical alternatives to a facelift?
Yes, non-surgical options like dermal fillers, Botox, and skin tightening treatments can offer temporary improvements, but they do not provide the long-lasting, dramatic results of a surgical facelift.
What should I expect during facelift recovery?
You can expect some swelling, bruising, and tightness for the first few weeks. Most patients return to work and light activities within two weeks, but strenuous activities should be avoided for about four weeks.
What Are Facelift Complications?
Facelift surgery is not without risk, and complications may occur. Procedures to prevent complications are critical and should be undertaken by a competent and experienced surgeon. Dr. Dreyfuss prides himself and his staff on detailed protocols to reduce any risks and promote a successful cosmetic treatment.
Ensuring that you are a suitable candidate, understanding your body type, selecting the best surgical technique, and receiving compassionate post-surgery care are essential in avoiding surgical complications.
Facelift complications could include:
- Hematoma (bleeding)
- Infection
- Hypertrophic scarring
Following the doctor’s orders will help avoid post-surgery complications.