Secondary Deep Plane Facelift in Chicago

35+ years specializing in facelift procedure
3,000+ facelifts performed, including many secondary and tertiary procedures
Former Chief of Plastic Surgery at Northwestern University
Approximately one‑third of facelifts performed on returning patients

A specialized deep plane facelift approach for individuals who have previously undergone a first facelift and now require further facial rejuvenation, performed by a surgeon with decades of experience in complex first, second, and third facelifts.

$300 consultation fee, applied toward procedure if procedure is scheduled.

Natural, Harmonious Appearance After a Previous Facelift

A second facelift presents a unique challenge: achieving meaningful additional rejuvenation without creating a distorted or “overdone” appearance on a face that has already been altered once. Dr. Mustoe’s goal in secondary deep plane facelift is to restore a natural, harmonious version of the patient’s own features, so the face appears refreshed and more youthful rather than surgically altered.

Emphasis on restoring balance between cheeks, jawline, and neck, not simply pulling tighter
Careful incision placement and closure to respect and refine existing scars where possible
Focus on appearance in motion as well as at rest, to avoid dimples, banding or unnatural contours
Private, in‑office photo galleries include examples of recovery and long‑term outcomes after earlier facial procedure

What Makes Secondary Deep Plane Facelift Different?

Facial tissue behaves differently after a prior operation. There is scar tissue, altered anatomy, and in many cases a previous technique that may have relied on more superficial tightening. For these reasons, many surgeons are reluctant to perform true deep plane facelifts as a second operation and instead rely on sutures alone to pull existing tissues tighter.

Scar tissue and prior dissection planes require careful, precise navigation to avoid nerve injury
Deep plane access must be adjusted to respect previous work while still repositioning deeper structures
Simple “tightening” alone risks creating the overly pulled or flattened appearance many individuals wish to avoid
A surgeon who regularly performs secondary deep plane facelifts is better positioned to make informed decisions about what is safe and achievable in each case

Revision outcomes depend heavily on surgeon experience and honest planning about what is realistically achievable. This is a significant focus of consultation with Dr. Mustoe.

Why Choose Dr. Thomas Mustoe for a 2nd Facelift

Revision facelift is not simply a repeat of the first operation; it is a more technically demanding procedure that amplifies the importance of the number of procedures done, precision, and judgment.

Experience with Complex Cases

Decades of experience specifically with secondary and tertiary facelifts
Many patients return 10–15 years after an original facelift with him for further rejuvenation
Regular referral destination for individuals from other cities seeking additional procedure after prior facelifts elsewhere
Extensive familiarity with the altered anatomy and scar tissue commonly seen in revision cases

Technique & Safety Philosophy

Use of true deep plane techniques even in secondary facelifts, when appropriate, rather than relying only on superficial tightening sutures
Efficient operating times: deep plane facelifts typically around 2.5 hours; combined procedures often around 4 hours instead of 7–8 hours
Intravenous sedation administered by a board‑certified anesthesiologist in an accredited facility
Extremely low rate of complications

A Central Destination for Complex Facelift

Chicago functions as a major tertiary center for many types of specialist care, including complex facial rejuvenation. Dr. Mustoe’s practice regularly evaluates individuals from across the Midwest and other regions who are considering secondary facelift and are prepared to travel for a surgeon with specific experience in this area.

Guidance on nearby hotels at different price levels within a short distance of the clinic
Optional private duty nursing for approximately the first 24 hours; additional days can be arranged for those who prefer it
Detailed written recovery plans and in‑person visits during the immediate post‑operative period in Chicago
Direct access to the surgeon via cell phone in early recovery, in addition to the office team

Evaluation and Investment for Secondary Facelift

Secondary facelift is one of the more technically demanding operations in aesthetic medicine. Fees reflect the time, expertise, and resources required to perform this work safely and predictably.

Total fees for deep plane facelift with Dr. Mustoe, including surgeon, anesthesia, and facility, typically fall in the $30,000–$50,000 range, depending on the combination of procedures and case complexity

Individuals seeking revision often compare these fees with ultra‑high‑priced markets, where similar operations may be priced several times higher

Approximately one‑third of facelifts performed are on long‑term patients returning after a prior operation with him, which supports long‑term value and trust

Consultation details:

Comprehensive virtual photo review and discussion: $300, applied toward surgical fees if scheduled

Secondary or in‑person pre‑operative consultation in Chicago included without additional consultation fee

Frequently Asked Questions About Secondary Facelift

Can deep plane facelift be performed safely after a prior facelift?

In appropriate candidates, yes. Technique is adapted to the individual’s anatomy and prior surgery. The decision to proceed, and the specific plan, are made only after detailed examination and review of previous records when available.

Is the risk higher with a second facelift?

Any additional operation has its own set of risks. The presence of scar tissue and altered anatomy requires greater care. Surgeon experience, especially in revision settings, is a key factor in minimizing risk.

How are existing scars handled?

Incisions are often planned to incorporate or refine existing scars where possible. In some cases, scars can be improved; in others, the goal is to keep them stable and inconspicuous while focusing on deeper structural improvement.

Is recovery different after a second facelift?

Many individuals are pleasantly surprised that recovery is manageable and, with Dr. Mustoe’s technique, often involves less bruising and no drains or prolonged head wraps in most cases. However, specific recovery experiences vary based on prior surgery and individual healing.

How long after a first facelift do individuals usually consider another?

Many people begin to consider further surgery 10–15 years after an earlier facelift, when aging changes progress beyond what non‑surgical treatments can address.

What if the previous facelift used a different technique?

Many prior facelifts were performed with more superficial methods. These can often be converted to or complemented by a deep plane approach, based on anatomy and scar patterns.

Is it possible to address other facial areas at the same time?

In many cases, additional procedures such as eyelid surgery or brow lifting are combined with secondary facelift to create a balanced apperance. This is decided individually during the evaluation process.

Patient Feedback and Professional Background

Consistently high ratings from facelift and secondary facelift patients on respected review platforms.

Dr. Mustoe’s work was delicate and precise, yielding a noticeable rejuvenation of my facial appearance without me looking “done.” [Single best thing is...] The level of care. From the front office staff to the nursing care to Dr. Mustoe himself, I felt like a priority the entire time. *

Verified Review

3/16/2020

Excellent results - very satisfied!!!! [Single best thing is...] Doctor's professionalism *

Verified Review

6/23/2019

I look younger and refreshed. I feel more confident. Dr. Mustoe is patient and kind and instills confidence with his excellent skills.The support staff are all warm and caring and encouraging.The office is comfortable and immaculate. I have had other procedures with Dr. Mustoe and have always been delighted with the results.*