A Structured, Private, and Fully Supported Experience

Traveling for a Deep Plane Facelift requires precision — not just in procedure, but in planning.

With Thomas Mustoe, the fly-in process is structured, repeatable, and designed to reduce uncertainty at every step.

How the Fly-In Process Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Virtual Consultation

Your journey begins privately and securely.

During your Zoom consultation:

Comprehensive medical review
Facial analysis and photo evaluation
Discussion of aging patterns and candidacy
Deep Plane technique explanation
Realistic outcome discussion
Clear recovery timeline

You leave knowing:

If you are a candidate
What improvements to expect
How long you’ll need to remain in Chicago
No ambiguity. No vague timelines.

Step 2: Travel Planning Assistance

Once scheduled, our team helps you coordinate:

Airport guidance
Recommended hotels (5–10 minutes from the clinic)
Quiet, recovery-friendly properties
Accessibility features
Optional concierge coordination

You will know:

Where to stay
How far you are from the clinic
How transportation works
What your daily post-op structure will look like

This process is consistent for every out-of-town patient.

Step 3: Procedure Day

Your Deep Plane Facelift is performed in an accredited procedure facility.

On procedure day:

Pre-operative markings and final review with Dr. Mustoe
Board-certified anesthesia team
Meticulous deep plane dissection and repositioning
Careful skin redraping without tension
Close monitoring in recovery

Most patients return to their hotel or recovery residence the same day with support arranged in advance.

Step 4: Recovery & Monitoring (Days 1–7)

Once scheduled, oThe first week is structured and supervised.

You will receive:

Scheduled in-person follow-up visits
Swelling management guidance
Medication protocol
Drain care (if used)
24/7 contact access for urgent concerns

Swelling and bruising are expected.

Our job is to manage them predictably.

Step 5: Suture Removal & Travel Clearance (Days 7–10)

For most Deep Plane Facelift patients:

Sutures are removed between days 7–10
Final in-person assessment performed
Healing progress evaluated
Travel clearance provided

You fly home only when it is medically appropriate.

After returning home:

Virtual follow-up visits
Long-term monitoring
Coordination with your local physician if ever needed

How Long You’ll Need to Stay

4-Star & Excellent Comfort Options — Recovery-Friendly & Central

For a Deep Plane Facelift:

Recommended stay: 7–10 days
Safe to fly: After suture removal and clearance
Return to social activities: Usually 2–3 weeks
Residual swelling: Gradually resolves over several months

Precision builds trust.

Where You’ll Stay

5-Star Luxury Options — Ultimate Comfort & Service

These are top-rated luxury hotels perfect for a calm, supported stay after the procedure, with concierge services, spa access, quiet rooms and exceptional hospitality.

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago – Iconic five-star hotel steps from the Magnificent Mile with spa, skyline views, and elevated service — ideal for a tranquil recovery environment.
The Langham, Chicago – Refined luxury and river-view rooms with bespoke amenities and exquisite dining options.
Park Hyatt Chicago – Voted among Chicago’s best luxury hotels with elegant rooms and near Water Tower Place, great for leisurely recovery walks.
The Peninsula Chicago– Sophisticated Parisian-style luxury with concierge service and spa — perfect for rest and privacy.
The Ritz Carlton - Chicago – Classic luxury atop Water Tower Place with panoramic views and wellness-focused amenities.

4-Star & Excellent Comfort Options — Recovery-Friendly & Central

Great balance of comfort, location and value. These are well-reviewed, reliable hotel choices near River North, Magnificent Mile and Streeterville — all close to restaurants, quiet cafes and transit.

Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile – Popular 4★ option right on Michigan Ave with spacious rooms and proximity to essentials.
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile – Elegant and classic comfort with excellent concierge services and city views.
Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile – Stylish, convenient base close to shops and cafés (great for light post-op walks).
Omni Chicago Hotel – Well-reviewed and centrally located, with easy access to recovery-friendly streets and dining.
Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile – Extended-stay comfort with suite-style rooms and kitchenette options — ideal for longer stays.

Private Duty Nursing & Recovery Support

Many Deep Plane patients choose elevated support.

Available services include:

Private duty nurses
Overnight assistance (if requested)
Transportation coordination
Medication pickup
Drain management
Assistance with showering and mobility
24/7 on-call access

You will not be navigating recovery alone.

Recovery-Friendly Environment in Chicago

Subtle reassurance matters.

Chicago offers calm, controlled spaces ideal for light walks once cleared:

The peaceful Chicago Riverwalk
Quiet cafés in residential neighborhoods
Discreet luxury shopping along Magnificent Mile
Lakefront views along Lake Michigan

This is not a chaotic medical trip.

It is a controlled recovery retreat.

Travel Logistics

Closest Airport

O'Hare International Airport (approximately 25–35 minutes depending on traffic)

Transportation Options

Uber / Lyft
Private car service
Hotel-arranged transportation

Parking

Nearby parking garages
Valet options at many hotels

You’ll receive specific travel instructions before arrival.

Clarity = confidence.

Deep Plane Facelift Fly-In FAQs

What if I have a complication after I return home?

You will have direct access to our team. Virtual evaluation is available immediately, and coordination with your local physician can be arranged if necessary.

When can I fly?

Typically 7–10 days after surgery, once sutures are removed and healing is stable.

Will swelling make it obvious at the airport?

Swelling and bruising are expected during early recovery. Strategic scheduling and compression guidance minimize visibility.

Can I travel alone?

Yes — though many patients prefer to bring a companion or arrange private support for the first 48–72 hours.

Do I need medical clearance to fly?

Clearance is provided by our team before departure.

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.*