Transformation
Over the years I have taken satisfaction in knowing that each patient that passes through my care is on his or her way to a better life. Subtle changes have the ability to transform or return the face to a natural state of beauty and harmony. Cosmetic surgery is an area of the medical profession that I have seen bring profound happiness to others. Being happy with one's appearance helps in celebrating life and work, and radiating poise and self-confidence. I feel fortunate to live in a time when so many revolutionary breakthroughs in cosmetic surgery technique have occurred. Through my university academic position and my private practice, I strive to bring the leading edges of technique and technology to my patients.

How do you know when it is time for a face lift?
For many, aging is a process that brings apprehension. As we grow older, our skin loses much of its elasticity due to sun exposure and reduced collagen production. These factors lead to sagging skin, which creates folds and wrinkles. With less collagen and with sagging from above, laugh lines begin to appear. In the lower third of the face, sagging leads to jowling along the jaw line and a double chin may start to appear. As the skin itself ages, it looks worn and wrinkled, especially around the mouth and the eyes. When these processes have taken hold and make-up will no longer do the job, a face lift should be considered.

Can You Really Look Younger Again?
If you are apprehensively contemplating the image in the mirror and wondering what has happened to you over the years, don't worry. The technology that plastic surgeons have available to them has advanced to such a degree that even the "worst" cases can result in the patient being able to project a more natural and youthful appearance. When it comes to skin damage, studies show that the newest chemical peels and lasers can not only treat but actually reverse much of the sun's damage.

My Technique
The "S-Lift" face lift that I perform is actually a two-layer lift. Rather than just pulling the top layer of the skin back, I actually elevate the skin from the face to reveal the later underneath called the "SMAS". This supportive later and its associated muscle groups are tightened and returned to more youthful positions on the face. The loose bands in the neck are then tightened from underneath to further increase the effectiveness of the lift. Endoscopic equipment is used to restore youthful cheeks and to correct sagging that appears at the mid-face. A liposuction technique under the chin and along the jaw line sculpts the face and adds youthfulness to the neck. I have found that the "S-Lift" as well as the other lifting and sculpting techniques that I perform allows me to reach and correct the jaw line and the laugh lines at the sides of the mouth using the least number of incisions.

Healing Time and Misconceptions
Healing varies greatly with age and extent of the facelift, but most patients are back to their usual routines in two weeks time. Patients can attend a wedding or class reunion after three weeks - with full confidence. While the overwhelming majority of bruising and swelling is over by this time, it may take several more months to have the final result.

Many people think that once you have had a facelift, you have to keep having them or you'll look worse than if you'd never had surgery. This is not true. The excessive skin that's removed never returns and the remaining skin will continue to age normally. So if the face lift makes you look 10 years younger, you'll always have a more youthful look than you would have otherwise. A second lift done years after the original can help maintain your youthful appearance by eliminating any new sagging that may occur.

How Will You Look?
One way to tell what a facelift will accomplish is to lie down on a bed with a mirror. Look into the mirror and watch the skin fall backwards into place. A facelift will give a similar result. If you are wondering whether to discuss your fear of the stereotypical, stretched look that you have seen on other, don't worry. Most patients hold a similar fear of looking "operated on". My goal is to enhance your natural appearance without a surgical look. During consultation, you will see before-and-after photographs of others and can decide for yourself the type of transformation that you desire. We make it a point to spend time listening to our patients and forming a close relationship between the doctor, patient, and staff members. It is through this process that we can insure that we can meet your expectations and make cosmetic surgery a truely enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Specialist In Facial Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. Konior believes that "natural" is the key word in facial plastic surgery. Triple-board-certified, the doctor is an in-demand speaker who shares his knowledge of surgical procedures with other doctors. He is Board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, and the American Board of Cosmetic Sugery. He maintains a fully accredited surgery facility in Oak Brook where patients experience first-class safety and comfort with private staff, dedicated anesthesia staff, and private recovery room. Call 630-932-9690 to schedule your consultation with Dr, Konior.