Dr. Mustoe’s Signature

Deep Plane Facelift in Chicago, Refined Over 35+ Years

Over 3,000 facelifts performed, focused on the deep plane technique
Former Chief of Plastic Surgery at Northwestern University
Many patients return 10–15 years later for a second facelift with him
No drains or wraps after first 24 hours for all patients and faster recovery

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

A highly specialized technique designed so patients look refreshed and 10–12 years younger, not different – with natural results in motion, less downtime and a smoother recovery for patients traveling to Chicago.

More Rested and Younger Natural Look

The goal of the Mustoe Deep Plane Facelift is that patients look like themselves, simply at an earlier point in time. Many patients find that friends, family, and colleagues notice they look “rested” or “refreshed,” but cannot easily tell why. The operation is planned so that your face looks natural at rest and in motion, without the tight or “pulled” appearance people worry about.

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.

What patients are saying

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.*

Verified Review

11/29/2018

Why Choose Dr. Thomas Mustoe for Deep Plane Facelift?

Many surgeons now use the term “deep plane facelift.” Dr. Mustoe’s approach is distinguished by how long he has done it, how precisely he performs it, and how he integrates face and neck in a single, efficient operation.

Expertise & Experience

Among the earliest adopters of deep plane facelift, performing the operation for over 35 years.
More than 3,000 facelifts performed, with a major focus on deep plane technique.
Former Chief of Plastic Surgery at Northwestern University.
Approximately one‑third of facelifts are long‑term patients returning for a second facelift.

Technique & Patient Experience

Integrated face and neck lift: Lifts the face and neck in the same direction to avoid a mismatched look.
No drains, no head wrap: No drains and no dressings or wraps are required after the first 24 hours for all patients. Recovery allows patients to reliably resume their professional, personal, and social lives within two weeks.
Precise sharp dissection: Uses careful scalpel dissection rather than blunt spreading, which he believes contributes to less bruising and a quicker recovery.
Intravenous sedation instead of general anesthesia: A board‑certified anesthesiologist provides IV sedation so patients are fully asleep and comfortable, breathing on their own, typically without prolonged “foggy” recovery.
Efficient operating time: Most deep plane facelifts are completed in about 2.5 hours
Extensive experience with second and third facelifts: Comfortable performing true deep plane facelifts even when a patient has had previous facelifts, where many surgeons will not.

A Streamlined Fly‑In Experience in Chicago

Chicago is a major destination city with a concentrated downtown, world‑class dining, museums, and theater, and is easily accessible from many medium‑sized cities within a one‑ to two‑hour flight. Many of Dr. Mustoe’s patients come from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, and beyond.

Guidance on several nearby hotels at different price points within a short distance of the clinic and surgery center.
Optional private duty nurse for approximately the first 24 hours after surgery (longer support can be arranged for those who prefer it, though most do not require it).
Clear written instructions and in‑person visits during your stay in Chicago.
Direct access to Dr. Mustoe via his cell phone during the early recovery period, in addition to the office team.

Learn More About Flying to Chicago for Your Procedure

A Typical Visit

Virtual evaluation

Submit photos and medical history.
Schedule a private virtual consultation with Dr. Mustoe (consultation fee required).

Pre‑operative visit in Chicago

In‑person examination and final surgical planning.
Review of recovery plan and logistics.

Surgery day

Deep plane facelift performed under IV sedation at an accredited surgery center.
Optional overnight nursing support.

Early follow‑up in Chicago

Early post‑operative visit(s) during your stay.
Most patients can fly home after the first week, based on individual healing and clearance.

Ongoing accessibility

Continued availability of the office and Dr. Mustoe for questions after you return home, including virtual check‑ins when needed.

Investment and Consultation

Deep plane facelift with Dr. Mustoe is a substantial investment in your appearance and confidence. Total fees, including the surgeon, anesthesia, and facility, are typically in the $30,000–$50,000 range, depending on the exact procedures performed together. His fees reflect his expertise and the time‑intensive nature of this highly specialized operation, while remaining significantly lower than some ultra‑luxury practices in New York, Los Angeles, and other markets that may charge several times more for similar procedures.

Private virtual evaluation and discussion of candidacy: $300.

The consultation fee is applied toward surgical fees if you choose to proceed.

If desired, a second in‑person consultation in Chicago before surgery is included at no additional consultation charge.

Frequently Asked Questions About Secondary Facelift

Am I a candidate for a deep plane facelift

Many of Dr. Mustoe’s facelift patients are in their 50s and 60s, but he has successfully operated on carefully selected patients both younger and older. Suitability depends more on facial anatomy, skin quality, health, and goals than on a specific age. The consultation is designed to determine whether this operation is appropriate for you.

How long do results usually last?

While aging continues after any facelift, patients often enjoy meaningful improvement for about 10–15 years. How long results appear satisfying varies from person to person and depends on factors such as skin quality, lifestyle, and weight changes.

What is recovery like?

Most patients are surprised by how manageable early recovery is. With Dr. Mustoe’s technique, bruising and swelling are typically less than many expect, and there is no need for drains or a bulky head wrap. Most patients are comfortable being in public with makeup and appropriate hairstyling around the two‑week mark, though healing continues to refine over several months.

Will I be awake during surgery?

No. Deep plane facelifts are performed under intravenous sedation administered by a board‑certified anesthesiologist. Patients are fully asleep and do not remember the procedure, but are breathing on their own without a breathing tube, and usually wake up more quickly and clearly than after general anesthesia.

What if I have a problem after I go home?

Serious complications after the first week are rare, but no operation is risk‑free. All patients receive detailed written instructions and direct contact information for the office and for Dr. Mustoe. If questions or concerns arise, he or his team will guide you on whether a local visit, virtual check‑in, or return to Chicago is appropriate.

Do you perform deep plane facelifts as second or third facelifts?

Yes. A substantial portion of his practice involves patients who have had a prior facelift elsewhere or who are returning after a previous operation with him. Many surgeons avoid deep plane techniques for secondary facelifts because of the technical challenge; Dr. Mustoe is comfortable performing true deep plane work in carefully selected secondary and tertiary cases because of his experience and precise dissection technique.

How do you handle privacy and photos?

Many patients prefer not to have their photos online. For that reason, the most comprehensive photo galleries are available privately during consultation. Select examples from patients who have given permission may be shown on the website or in educational materials, but patient privacy is always respected.

READY TO GIVE US A TRY?

Considering a Deep Plane Facelift in Chicago?

If you are seriously exploring a deep plane facelift and want a surgeon with decades of focused experience, a refined technique, and a thoughtful approach to recovery and logistics, we invite you to schedule a private evaluation with Dr. Mustoe. This is an opportunity to understand your options, see whether you are a candidate, and decide, without pressure, whether this is the right next step for you.