10 Facelift Myths Everyone Should Stop Believing
In Chicago & Glenview, IL

Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa in Chicago & Glenview, IL is led by Dr. John D. Rachel, MD, FACS, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is quadruple board-certified.

Medically reviewed for accuracy.

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure to reduce visible signs of aging in the face and neck. By tightening underlying muscles, removing excess skin, and smoothing deep wrinkles, a facelift restores a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

However, several facelift misconceptions persist, often deterring individuals from considering this effective solution. Let’s debunk 10 common facelift myths and uncover the facts.

1. Myth: A Facelift Starts with Surgery

Fact: Every successful facelift begins with a comprehensive consultation. At Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa in Chicago, John D. Rachel, MD, FACS, a quadruple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, evaluates each patient’s goals, facial anatomy, and skin condition. This personalized approach ensures that your potential facelift procedure is tailored to achieve the most satisfying results.

2. Myth: Facelifts Look Unnatural

Fact: Modern facelift techniques prioritize subtlety and natural results. John D. Rachel, MD, FACS‘s advanced methods focus on repositioning facial tissues rather than merely stretching the skin. The outcome is a refreshed appearance that enhances your features without looking artificial.

3. Myth: Facelifts Are Only for Older People

Fact: While facelifts can certainly be beneficial for older adults into their 80s, they are also suitable for individuals as young as 30 starting to experience the telltale signs of aging, such as sagging skin or deep wrinkles. Early intervention can address these concerns before they become more pronounced, allowing for a less complex procedure and shorter recovery period.

4. Myth: Facelift Surgery Is Extremely Painful

Fact: Advancements in anesthesia and surgical techniques have significantly reduced facelift discomfort. For example, the minilift and S-lift methods only require local anesthesia with moderate or twilight sedation rather than general anesthesia.

Most patients report mild soreness and tightness post-procedure, which are manageable with prescribed medications. Patient comfort is one of John D. Rachel, MD, FACS’s main priorities throughout the facelift process.

5. Myth: Recovery Takes Forever

Fact: Recovery times vary, but many patients return to their daily activities within two to three weeks. Swelling and bruising typically subside within the first 10–14 days. John D. Rachel, MD, FACS provides detailed post-operative care instructions to facilitate a smooth recovery.

6. Myth: Facelifts Are Unsafe

Fact: Facelifts are safe procedures when performed by an experienced and qualified surgeon like John D. Rachel, MD, FACS. Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa‘s state-of-the-art facilities adhere to the highest standards, ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes every step of the way.

7. Myth: Results Don’t Last Very Long

Fact: The longevity of facelift results varies among individuals, but many patients enjoy the benefits for several years. Factors such as skin quality, lifestyle, and aging influence the duration of results. John D. Rachel, MD, FACS will discuss realistic expectations with you during the consultation.

8. Myth: Non-Surgical Options Are Just as Effective

Fact: Non-surgical treatments like fillers and Botox® can address minor signs of aging for temporary improvements but cannot achieve the comprehensive tissue restructuring of a facelift. A facelift is the only procedure that can fully tighten and lift sagging skin and underlying muscles, providing a more significant rejuvenation.

9. Myth: Facelifts Are One-Size-Fits-All

Fact: Every face is unique, and so is every facelift. John D. Rachel, MD, FACS offers various facelift techniques tailored to individual needs and aesthetic goals, including the:

Full Facelift: This comprehensive procedure addresses significant sagging and deep wrinkles in the face and neck.
Minilift: This less invasive option targets mild to moderate sagging in the lower face and jawline.
S-Lift: This focused technique improves the lower face and neck with additional tightening over a minilift.
Revision Facelift: This procedure refines or corrects results from a previous facelift.

10. Myth: Consultations Are Unnecessary

Fact: A thorough consultation is essential to determine if a facelift is right for you. Ready to explore your options? Schedule a consultation with John D. Rachel, MD, FACS at Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa in Chicago today and take the first step toward a more confident you.

Chicago Aesthetics
Reviews & Testimonials

    Excellent4.8254 reviews
 4.8
 Excellent254 reviews
  Write a review 
 
 
 
    
 
 
       
   Ruby Kelly 
 September 13, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been seeing Carol for Botox for over two years, and she is absolutely amazing! I trust her completely with my face. She always takes the time to listen to what I want and makes sure my results look natural and beautiful—she never overdoes it. I especially appreciate how honest she is; she will tell you when you don’t need something rather than trying to sell you more treatments. Carol truly cares about her patients and always makes me feel comfortable, welcomed, and at home. She is professional, knowledgeable, gentle, and incredibly attentive. I always leave feeling confident and happy with my results. It’s hard to find someone you can trust this much, and I’m so grateful I found Carol. I wouldn’t trust
  
 
      
   Daniella Bella 
 September 13, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had Lipo 360 and a Skinny BBL this summer, and I am so happy with my results. I was always extremely nervous about going under the knife, but I really wanted to do something that would help boost my self-confidence. Dr. T and his entire team were truly amazing throughout the whole process. I am naturally pretty skinny, so I was always worried about whether this procedure would work well for my body type, but I honestly wish I had done it sooner. I am currently about five weeks post-op, and I am already so pleased with how everything is turning out. My results continue to improve as I heal, and I’m excited to see the final outcome. I’m very grateful to Dr. T and his team for making me feel comfortable and confident throughout the experience.
  
 
      
   Stephanie Sanchez 
 September 9, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. carol’s the absolute best! very fast and great at what she does. My go to for any botox or filler!
  
 
      
   Roberta Livingston 
 September 6, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
Tom is amazing!! Caring and knowledgeable very, very excellent experience.
  
 
      
   Kim Jones 
 September 2, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been seeing Carol for 10 + years She’s the best and has a perfect eye for what’s needed and what is not. I’ve always trusted her completely and highly recommend!
  
 
      
   Mary S 
 August 29, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful service, everyone is knowledgable and friendly. Dr. Rachel is fabulous and quadruple board certified. I would not trust any other company.
  
 
      
   Laura Rosenhauer 
 August 28, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Carol is the best in the business! She is professional, kind, and incredibly attentive throughout my experience. She took the time to understand my concerns and made sure I felt comfortable. I love my results! I truly appreciated her expertise and attention to detail. I highly recommend Carol!
  
 
      
   Angel 
 August 28, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nurse Carol always does an outstanding job no matter the procedure. She literally has light hands and you barely feel a thing. She brightens my day whenever I have an appointment with her. Very kind, professional and very knowledgeable. I have never had anyone as thorough as her. She communicates with me before and after all appointments and reaches out to ensure I safely drive there sooner due to the weather conditions. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I cannot say enough wonderful things about Nurse Carol Donohue. After four years as her client, I can genuinely say that the trust, care, and relationship we have built over the years means so much to me. Carol has always been incredibly easy to communicate with and accommodating with my schedule. She consistently goes above and beyond for her clients—even coming in early before her shift to make sure she can see me when needed. That level of dedication and care does not go unnoticed. What I appreciate most about Carol is her integrity. She doesn’t simply recommend a cosmetic procedure because she can perform it. She takes the time to honestly tell me what would be beneficial, what may be unnecessary, and what she believes is best for me. My health, well-being, and safety have always come first, and that has given me an incredible amount of confidence and trust in her. Carol is knowledgeable, professional, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. She explains everything in detail, makes sure I understand every step of the process, and always makes me feel comfortable and cared for. She values her clients as people, not just appointments. Beyond her professionalism, Carol’s kindness has touched me personally. There have been days when I walked into her office feeling at my lowest, and simply being met with her warmth, compassion, and kindness helped me leave feeling a little more confident and a lot better than when I arrived. That is something I will never forget. Thank you, Nurse Carol Donohue, for four wonderful years of professionalism, honesty, compassion, and exceptional care. I am incredibly grateful for the client-and-nurse relationship we have built, and I look forward to many more years to come. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a provider who combines expertise with integrity and truly cares about the people she serves.
  
 
      
   Julie Rosenhauer 
 August 28, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been getting Botox from Carol for several years now, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience! She is incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and professional, and she always takes the time to make sure I feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. I truly trust her expertise and appreciate how carefully she listens to what I want while providing honest, thoughtful recommendations. My results have always looked natural and beautiful, which is exactly what I’m looking for. I highly recommend her to anyone considering Botox or looking for someone skilled, trustworthy, and genuinely caring!
  
 
      
   Diana T 
 August 26, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Carol was great! She made the experience comfortable and pain-free while also being efficient. Would definitely return!