Facelift & Neck Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Chicago, IL

Face and Neck Lift

Combining a face (rhytidectomy) and neck lift is an effective way to experience more comprehensive rejuvenation in the areas where aging can be most evident. Face and neck lifts can address the effects of aging by reducing sagging skin, wrinkles, and more.

Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery offers expertise in face and neck lifting surgery to address sagging skin in the jawline and neck areas. Dr. Paul Phelps uses the latest techniques and a combination of tried-and-true methods to provide comprehensive facial rejuvenation. By combining face and neck lifting surgery with our specialized techniques, patients can achieve the highest quality results at our practice.

If you are interested in learning more about how we can help you rejuvenate your appearance, please schedule a consultation with our team. If you have any further questions or would prefer to schedule an appointment over the phone, please call either our Chicago or Winnetka office at (312) 888-5754 and speak with one of our trained professionals.

Before and After Photos

View More Photos

About the Face and Neck Lift

Face and neck lifts are often combined because of how the two areas are affected by aging in similar or adjacent ways. These lifts address complex anatomical structures, involving the layers of skin, fat, underlying muscles, and connective tissue. The goal of this procedure is not only to remove excess skin, but also to reposition deeper structures for longer-lasting results.

Aging and other factors can contribute to a decrease in skin quality and collagen production. (1)

Benefits

Rejuvenating your facial appearance with a combined face and neck lift can effectively enhance your appearance and make you look years younger. Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery patients typically experience the following:

  • Renewed youthful appearance: Reducing signs of aging like wrinkles, jowls, and loose skin can help you appear at least five years younger.
  • Increased confidence: This combined procedure may improve your self-esteem and help you live a more confident life.
  • Improved facial contours: By repositioning underlying tissues, face lifts enhance cheek structure, jawline definition, and overall facial harmony.
  • Reduced jowls: A facelift specifically targets sagging jowls, helping individuals see a more defined jawline.
  • Long-lasting results: Unlike temporary solutions like filler injections, surgical lifts provide durable outcomes that can last for years.
  • Minimally-invasive treatment options: Advanced techniques, require smaller incisions and promote quicker recovery times.
  • Personalized treatment: Each procedure can be customized to meet individual goals and facial anatomy, ensuring unique and satisfying results.

Candidates

Healthy adults who experience sagging skin, wrinkles, or prominent jowls are ideal candidates for a facelift. (1) Ideal candidates should:

  • Be willing to refrain from smoking and using nicotine products for a period of time (if applicable)
  • Be in good overall health
  • Be willing to collaborate with Dr. Phelps and his care team to produce the best results possible

Personal Consultation

The first step in your face and neck lift treatment is a consultation with Dr. Phelps at Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery. At this appointment, you will explain your goals and motivations behind seeking treatment. Considering this, Dr. Phelps will help you explore the treatment options available for your case. Because there are some risks involved in surgical procedures like these, we will also review your medical history at this appointment. Any past procedures, family history, allergies, or medications and supplements that could cause complications are factored into the planning of your procedure to ensure your safety.

Preparation

Preparing for a face and neck lift involves following Dr. Phelp’s instructions on preoperative care, which may involve:

  • Quitting smoking for a period of time
  • Avoiding certain medications or supplements that can increase the risk of complications
  • Avoid consuming alcohol and nicotine for a few days before treatment
  • Pre-operative fasting
  • Arranging transportation

You will receive preparatory instructions specific to your case and your medical history. It is important to attend a thorough consultation with Dr. Phelps to discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure

Procedure

Weakened facial muscles largely contribute to loosened neck skin, so tightening these will be one of the focuses of your procedure. (2) After administering the appropriate anesthesia, Dr. Phelps will precisely mark where necessary incisions need to be made. These are normally along the temple, cheeks, jaw, and under the ears.

Once the incisions are made, Dr. Phelps will begin making the necessary adjustments. If necessary, he can use liposuction to reduce the tissue on the neck. (2) Once unnecessary tissue is removed, Dr. Phelps will tighten your facial muscles as well. This helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin.

Antibiotic ointment will be applied to your closed incisions once the necessary corrections are made. You will have to stay at the office for a monitoring period, and then you will be dismissed to carry out the rest of your recovery at home.

Recovery

Recovery from a face and neck lift varies depending on the individual, but it is normal to experience swelling and bruising for the first few days. To promote proper healing, it is important to keep the head elevated and follow the post-operative instructions provided. You can take short walks to encourage normal blood flow and reduce swelling. Discomfort can be managed with prescribed medication. You may also receive a prescription for antibiotics, and these should be taken as instructed.

Most patients return to work in two to three weeks, with less strenuous activities resuming sooner. We will continue to monitor your healing at regular follow-up appointments.

Results

Results from face and neck lifts will become more visible after the swelling subsides, revealing a rejuvenated and more youthful appearance. Patients enjoy lasting results for many years, contingent upon factors such as aging and lifestyle. Scarring fades over time, and there are treatments that can help further lessen their appearance.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

If you have drooping skin around your eyes, you may benefit from a blepharoplasty procedure or a brow lift. Eye bags, fat pads, fine lines, crow’s feet, and more are all signs of aging that form around the eyes, and blepharoplasty can help to reinvigorate your eyes to a younger look. Additionally, many patients will experience sagging skin on their foreheads and eyebrows. This can result in an unhappy or tired appearance. A specialized brow lift treatment can help tighten and smooth the skin above your eyes to appear more youthful.

Cost of Face and Neck Lifts in Chicago

Each face and neck lift procedure we perform is customized to match a patient’s goals. When planning these procedures, we consider a patient’s medical history, the scale of their procedure, the state of their skin, and more. When you meet with Dr. Phelps for a consultation, you will receive a price quote.

If you have any additional questions about pricing, please do not hesitate to call either our Chicago or Winnetka office at (312) 888-5754.

FAQ

WHAT IS A FACE AND NECK LIFT, AND WHO IS IT SUITABLE FOR?

A face and neck lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves lifting and tightening the skin, muscles, and tissue on the face and neck to improve the visible signs of aging. It is suitable for individuals who have sagging skin, jowls, and deep wrinkles on their face and neck.

HOW LONG DOES THE SURGERY TAKE, AND WHAT IS THE RECOVERY TIME?

The surgery duration and recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the procedure, but typically the surgery can take 2-4 hours, and the recovery time is about 2-3 weeks.

HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS LAST?

The results can vary from person to person, but generally, they can last up to 10 years or longer.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS INVOLVED IN FACE AND NECK LIFT SURGERY?

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved, such as bleeding, infection, nerve damage, scarring, and unfavorable aesthetic results. However, choosing a board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon with experience in these procedures can minimize the risks.

WHAT IS THE BEST AGE TO HAVE A FACE AND NECK LIFT?

There is no specific age requirement for face and neck lift surgery, but it is generally recommended for individuals over 40 years old who have significant signs of aging on their face and neck.

CAN A FACE AND NECK LIFT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER PROCEDURES?

Yes, a face and neck lift can be combined with other procedures such as eyelid surgery or fat grafting to achieve a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

WILL THERE BE VISIBLE SCARS AFTER THE SURGERY?

There will be incisions made during the surgery, but a skilled oculofacial plastic surgeon will make the incisions in a way that minimizes visible scarring.

IS THE SURGERY PAINFUL?

The procedure is performed under anesthesia, and most patients report mild to moderate discomfort during the recovery period. Pain medication can be prescribed to manage any discomfort.

WHEN CAN I RETURN TO WORK AFTER THE SURGERY?

Most patients can return to work after 1-2 weeks, but it can depend on the extent of the procedure and the individual’s healing process.

References

  1. Yang AJ, Hohman MH. Rhytidectomy. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564338/
  2. O’Daniel TG. Optimizing Outcomes in Neck Lift Surgery. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Published online February 5, 2021. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjab056