Facelift in Hinsdale, IL

Board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon Dr. George Kouris provides a full spectrum of facial cosmetic surgeries in Hinsdale, IL. One of the most popular surgeries at Kouris M.D. Cosmetic Plastic Surgery is a facelift. This procedure focuses on specific areas of the face to address loose skin and wrinkles to create a younger, softer appearance. Based upon your unique presentation, a facelift can can focus on the mid-face area (cheeks), the lower face (jaw line and jowls) and neck, or both to help restore an all-over younger look. The facelift method used depends on your desired outcome, the health and condition of your skin, the degree of skin and soft tissue laxity, age, lifestyle, and other influences. Some individuals may be candidates for a full facelift which includes the midface, lower face and neck areas while some may only want or need a lower face and neck lift. Dr. Kouris is a skilled surgeon who understands the complex anatomy of the face and will guide you on the recommended approach and procedure to achieve the desired aesthetic result. The goal is to produce a natural appearance that's soft and beautiful.

Candidates for facelift surgery wish to correct visible lines and facial wrinkles whether it be the face as a whole or on the upper, mid, or lower sections. A facelift can target many aspects, depending on your unique needs. It's also important to note that age doesn't always define the appropriate time to have cosmetic facial surgery. There are countless factors and concerns, and also numerous lift methods, depending on what is being corrected. The facelift chosen may be different for patients who are 40 years old vs. those in their 50s, 60s and 70s. Skin quality, degree of soft tissue descent and skin elasticity are the key factors in the decision-making process. An ideal candidate should be physically healthy, a nonsmoker, and also have expectations that are realistic.

Depending on your individual needs, there are a number of facelifts available. Some patients desire rejuvenation of the upper face called the mid-face (cheek areas) with a mid-face lift, others desire rejuvenation of the lower face and neck lift (jaw-line, jowls and neck) with a lower face and neck lift and some patients desire the mid-face, lower face and neck to all be lifted.  During the consultation, Dr. Kouris will listen to your aesthetic goals and make recommendations based on those goals and your individual anatomy.  

• Facelift
  The full or "traditional" facelift generally uses an incision that is strategically placed in the natural crease in front of the ear, which then extends in the crease behind the ear and usually ends along the hairline behind the ear.  If there are muscular bands in the midline of the neck present, an additional incision placed in the natural crease under the chin is often used to correct the midline bands.  The incisions are well concealed and and become imperceptible with time after healing occurs. Once the skin is elevated through these incisions,  deeper layer of facial soft tissue which envelops the facial muscles  is gently repositioned and tightened to create a lifted look, which softens excessive lines and wrinkles. The skin is then re-draped and the excess skin is trimmed and removed.  A facelift is used for men and women who have signs of significant aging. During a facelift, additional facial rejuvenation options are commonly performed, including upper eyelid lift, lower eyelid lift and brow lift to rejuvenate these areas as well.  Depending on a patient's health and extent of the work to be done, facelift patients most often have the option to have face lift surgery done using local anesthesia with oral sedation or the method of performing the surgery under general anesthesia.
• Mini Facelift
  Mini-face lift surgery is usually recommended for patients in their early to mid 40's that begin to notice skin laxity and the beginning signs of aging and sagging skin of the face and neck.  When undergoing a mini facelift, shorter incisions  are placed in the natural creases in front of the ears and to a lesser extent behind the ears to lift and tighten the skin of the face and neck, which affects the mid to lower face. This procedure creates nice and refreshed enhancement that look beautiful and natural.  The procedure is most commonly done by Dr. Kouris using local anesthesia with oral sedation and avoids the down-time and recovery associated with general anesthesia.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Kouris will listen to your aesthetic goals, perform an examination, discuss his findings, review your options and develop a customized surgical plan to address the desired goals for facial rejuvenation.  After the initial consultation and once surgery is scheduled, a second preoperative consultation with Dr. Kouris will occur 1-2 weeks prior to the scheduled surgical date.  The purpose of this preoperative consultation is to review and confirm the surgical plan, take photographs, review your medical history, prescribe medications required for surgery, schedule your follow up appointment and answer any questions you may have.  Following your procedure, you will be monitored until you can be safely released to be taken home by a friend or family member.  Dr. Kouris will then see you the day after surgery in his office for the first post operative check examination.  Dr. Kouris expects a full 2 week patient commitment to healing after facelift surgery.  Sutures are usually removed 7-10 days after surgery.  The usual social downtime associated with facial rejuvenation is 2 weeks.  The majority of our facelift patients are social after the first two weeks of facelift surgery and can resume ordinary activities using coverup or makeup as needed to help conceal any residual bruising that may exist.   It's normal to have initial swelling and puffiness, slight to moderate pain, and soreness, and a feeling of tightness which may be reduced with pain medication. You should feel and physically look better after 2-3 weeks. Patients are usually allowed to resume all activities including exercise activities after 4-6 weeks of healing time.  Residual incremental healing, areas of nubmness and tightness continue to improve as the body continues to heal for up to 6 to 12 months after facial surgery.  Overall you can expect a softer, more youthful appearance as your face will appear naturally lifted and rejuvenated.

How much does a facelift cost?
The total cost of your facelift will depend on the technique and other factors. In your consultation, Dr. Kouris will create your unique treatment plan to match your needs and goals. When this is complete, he can go over estimates of fees. To avoid unnatural-looking results, it's better to concentrate on finding a skilled surgeon, like Dr. Kouris, instead of the lowest price. Kouris M.D. 

Which technique is best for me?
The best surgical facelift technique for you will vary based on your concerns, goals, level of skin laxity, what areas of your face are being addressed, and other factors. To produce your best results, Dr. Kouris will discuss the different surgical techniques in your consultation. He can then help you choose which technique is best.

Should I get a surgical or nonsurgical facelift?
Although there are several noninvasive skin tightening treatments, these can usually only give you small improvements and are ideal for patients under the age of 40 with mild skin laxity who may be premature surgical candidates. For moderate to severe skin sagging, facelift surgery is the best choice to significantly improve your appearance. In your consultation, Dr. Kouris will discuss your choices, including nonsurgical procedures if you are a candidate, to help you decide which is best for your needs and goals.

What about wrinkle fillers and relaxers over facelift surgery?
Wrinkle fillers and relaxers, like BOTOX and Juvéderm, have become more popular in recent years to improve fine lines and wrinkles. Also known as a liquid facelift, nonsurgical wrinkle treatments can treat early signs of aging; however, the results won't last more than 1 year depending on the amount and type of filler used. A facelift will produce more significant improvements than injectables with long-lasting results. Ask Dr. Kouris about nonsurgical wrinkle treatments in your consultation.

Will my results look natural?
Some patients worry that a facelift will make their skin look shiny, overly tight, or like they are in a wind tunnel. Dr. Kouris focuses on giving you results that look natural so you appear refreshed, not fake or over-pulled. The best way to help understand what a person will potentially look like after surgery with DR. Kouris is to lay fully reclined with your chin up looking into a hand-held mirror.  In this position, gravity helps demonstrate the goal of facelift surgery in Dr. Kouris's hands.  

Facelift surgery can turn back the hands of time for your face and help create a rejuvenated appearance. Thankfully, there are a wide variety of choices for surgery, depending on your personal needs and goals. This treatment is meant to make you younger-looking but still natural. To learn more, we welcome you to call Kouris M.D. Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Hinsdale, IL to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Kouris.