Facelift
Conveniently located to serve Chicago and North Shore
Natural, Long-Lasting Facial Rejuvenation
At MetropolitanMD, Dr. John D. Rachel delivers natural-looking facial rejuvenation. Dr. Rachel’s quadruple board certification and extensive experience provide the expertise needed for sophisticated, elegant outcomes.
What Is a Facelift Procedure (Rhytidectomy)?
A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, lifts and tightens sagging facial tissues to restore a more youthful appearance. As we age, skin loses elasticity, fat pads descend, and facial muscles weaken, leading to jowls, deep folds, and an undefined jawline. The procedure repositions underlying facial structures, removes excess skin, and re-drapes remaining tissue for smoother, firmer contours.
Key Benefits of Facelift Surgery for Long-Lasting Youthful Contours
Facelift surgery restores jawline definition by eliminating jowls and creating a sharper contour. It smooths deep folds and wrinkles, including nasolabial folds and marionette lines, while tightening loose neck skin to address “turkey neck” and platysmal banding.
Results can last 10 years or more, and patients consistently report feeling more vibrant after facial rejuvenation. Dr. Rachel’s approach prioritizes natural-looking outcomes that preserve your unique facial characteristics.
Areas Treated and Facial Concerns Addressed by a Facelift
A facelift procedure targets visible signs of aging in the mid-to-lower face and neck. Common concerns addressed include:
- Jowls – Sagging tissue along the lower jawline that creates a heavy appearance.
- Nasolabial folds – Deep lines running from the nose to the mouth corners.
- Marionette lines – Creases extending from the mouth corners toward the chin.
- Loose neck skin – Excess skin creating vertical banding or a “turkey neck.”
- Loss of jawline definition – Blurred contour between face and neck.
- Midface volume loss – Sagging cheeks that flatten facial contours.
For upper face concerns, Dr. Rachel may recommend brow lift or eyelid surgery. Fat grafting can restore lost volume.
Types of Facelift Procedures
Dr. Rachel offers several facelift techniques, each designed to address different levels of aging.
Mini Facelift / Minilift
The mini facelift addresses early signs of aging with shorter incisions hidden within the ear creases. It can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation, and most patients return to work within five to seven days.
S-Lift Facelift Technique
The S-lift provides more significant lifting through small incisions hidden within the ear recesses and beneath the chin. Dr. Rachel elevates sagging facial muscles to restore contours of the neck, jawline, and cheeks. The procedure takes about two hours with less swelling than full facelifts.
Traditional Full Facelift
A traditional full facelift addresses moderate to severe facial aging through longer incisions extending from the temples, around the ears, and into the hairline. Dr. Rachel repositions deeper facial structures (the SMAS layer) for maximum lifting. This approach provides the most dramatic and long-lasting results, often combined with neck lift surgery.
Revision Facelift Surgery
Dr. Rachel specializes in revision facelift procedures for patients who require correction or enhancement after previous facial surgery. Revision facelifts are technically complex, requiring advanced understanding of altered facial anatomy and scar tissue.
This man is not only a MASTER surgeon, he’s one of the kindest and most humble people I have ever met. […] Last week (for my 60th birthday present to myself), I had a mini-face lift. I’m only 5 days post-op and cannot believe the transformation! Dr. Rachel is thorough, professional, caring, and patient, as is his entire staff. Most importantly, his work is nothing short of perfection. Would recommend him in a heartbeat!
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Facelift
Good candidates show visible signs of facial aging—sagging skin, jowls, deep folds, or loss of jawline definition—that cannot be adequately addressed with non-surgical treatments. Candidates should be in good overall health, maintain realistic expectations, and be non-smokers or willing to quit several weeks before and after surgery. Stable weight is important, as significant fluctuations can alter results.
During your facelift consultation, Dr. Rachel evaluates your facial anatomy and recommends the most appropriate surgical approach.
How a Facelift Surgery Works
Dr. Rachel creates a customized surgical plan based on your facial structure and goals. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia or twilight sedation at his accredited surgery center in Glenview.
Incisions are strategically placed within the hairline and natural ear creases to minimize visible scarring. Dr. Rachel lifts and tightens the underlying facial muscles, repositions fat pads, removes excess skin, and carefully re-drapes remaining skin over the new facial contours.
What to Expect After Facelift Surgery
During the first 24-48 hours, swelling and bruising are most noticeable and can be managed with pain medication and head elevation. The first week sees swelling peak around day three to four, then gradually improves as sutures are removed. Most minilift patients return to work during this time.
By weeks two to three, many traditional facelift patients return to work and light activities. Weeks four to six mark completion of most visible healing, with gradual resumption of exercise. Over months three to six, residual swelling resolves as scars fade, revealing the final results.
When Will I See Results from a Facelift?
Initial improvement is visible once swelling and bruising subside, typically within two to three weeks. Most patients see significant improvement by six to eight weeks. Final results become fully apparent within 3-6 months, revealing smoother contours and improved definition.
How Much Does a Facelift Cost in Chicago and Glenview, IL?
Facelift cost varies based on the type performed, the extent of correction needed, whether additional procedures are combined, and anesthesia and facility fees. Dr. Rachel provides transparent pricing during consultation. Financing options are also available.
Before and After Facelift Results
View real patient transformations in Dr. Rachel’s facelift photo gallery. Our before-and-after photos showcase natural-looking improvements in jawline definition, facial contours, and overall rejuvenation achieved through various facelift techniques.
FAQs About Facelift Surgery
Why Choose Our Facelift Surgeon in Chicago and Glenview?
Dr. John D. Rachel is a quadruple board-certified surgeon—a distinction held by very few physicians in the United States. His certifications include the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, and American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery.
This extensive training provides Dr. Rachel with unparalleled expertise in facial anatomy and surgical technique. His background as an otolaryngologist allows him to address both cosmetic and functional concerns. Dr. Rachel has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and serves as a Trustee and Examiner for the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.
Schedule Your Facelift Consultation in Chicago or Glenview, IL
Take the first step toward a refreshed appearance with a personalized facelift consultation at MetropolitanMD. Dr. Rachel will evaluate your facial anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and recommend the surgical approach that best addresses your needs.
