Elbert Vaca, MD

I had a face and neck lift 12 weeks ago with Dr. Vaca, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. From start to finish, he was calm, professional, and a true perfectionist — but in the best way possible. His approach is meticulous yet subtle, delivering a natural, balanced outcome that miraculously looks completely real. Everyone tells me I look fresh and younger because the past few years approaching 50 I began quickly developing pre-mature "creppy" sagging skin on my cheeks, jawline, and neck) that needed to be revised, but without looking pulled or "fixed". What I received from Dr Vaca is like a natural (major) glow-up that no one can put their finger on! My sons, who are in their twenties, saw me four weeks post-op and had zero clue (what do boys notice anyway?!). My husband, being equally picky, said there are no negative signs of the surgery (unless you raise my hair up in the back and see the fresh pink scars). So no suspicious onlookers other than the fact that my face looks fresh and beautiful and I often catch my husband looking at my face deeply and following up with a heart-melting compliment about how amazing I look and what a great decision it was (he was initially against the idea of me doing surgery). I was blessed with the result I wanted: to look naturally much fresher, but not “done.” Dr. Vaca also did very tiny fat transfers (1.5 volume or less) in a few areas of my face, and his precision is unreal. I still have a few natural surface lines on my lower cheeks, just as he said I would, but I’m 50 years old and 90% of the crepe and wrinkles I had there are gone! The skin isn’t tight or stretched, nor does it sag — it’s just right. If I were to count, there were at least 50 lines on my cheeks and now there are pretty much zero. But no pulling or plumping whatsoever! Now, a few honest tips: my husband stayed with me every minute the first three days after surgery, which I highly recommend. Everyone warns you about feeling doubts or regrets in those first 48 hours, and they’re not joking! Especially if you have a paranoid reaction to whatever trippy opioid they put in the IV drip post surgery. LOL ... Don’t be alone—you need a loving “slave” to take care of you. Then, like magic, by day four, the emotional shock fades and you start feeling wonderful about the ordeal. Also, I noticed something funny: in those first few days (day 1 to 4), all face-lift patients look eerily similar and unrecognizable from the side-view — kind of like how all people with Down syndrome have specific shared facial features with each other. I think that was comforting for me, seeing all previous ladies with the same face. But by day 7, you’re unmistakably yourself again, just with a little bruising. In summary, I look soooo much better!!! And there’s a million-to-one chance anyone would guess I had surgery on my face or neck because all is so perfectly balanced and healed so quickly (just strategically styling my ponytails). I feel incredibly lucky to have found such a talented surgeon. Even great doctors can have an off day, but Dr. Vaca delivered an incredible, natural result that I’m so proud of. If you want a refresh that truly respects your natural beauty, he’s your guy.

I would encourage anyone seeking attention to detail, perfectionism and tact to see Dr. Vaca. The process from beginning to end was smooth, at ease, well informed and last but most importantly exquisitely executed. I’ll continue to visit his practice and refer him to anyone I know.

I do not often leave reviews, but my experience with Dr. Vaca was one to rave about. I was nervous to get Botox for the first time, but he was incredibly professional, patient and experienced. His bedside manner is informative yet calming. Also, his academic and professional accolades pretty much speak for themselves. I highly recommend using him!

I've been self-conscious about my smile lines and under-eye folds for years. I've tried several eye creams, chemical peels, and lasers, but the results were less than stellar. After some research, I decided to try fillers and a friend of mine recommended Dr. Vaca. During our consultation, Dr. Vaca took the time to listen to my concerns and clearly explain the procedure and process. His calm demeanor, knowledge, and confidence put me at ease. The results were fantastic and exactly what I wanted. The subtle changes gave me a refreshed and natural look. I wish I had done this sooner! I will be seeing Dr. Vaca for all of my future cosmetic procedure needs.

I have been a nurse at Northwestern Hospital for over 20 years. Northwestern is a teaching hospital -so I have seen many doctors come and go. I work in the PACU and recover patients after various surgeries. Plastic surgery is one of them.So about 2 years ago there is all this talk about this guy doing his fellowship in plastics who is a true “prodigy”.... of course my curiosity got the best of me and I started asking around. Elbert Vaca...Dr. Elbert Vaca... the best surgeon anyone has come across in a very long time.... ( this talk is coming from well known (experienced) surgeons ) ...Over the next 2 years, I was able to recover Dr. Vaca’s patients after various types of plastic surgeries. And the results were dumbfounding....he was Incredible .....his results impeccable...honestly, “perfection” in its truest form... I have Personally seen him for Botox and filler.... his work is amazing. *People look like a better version of themselves, not fake or unrecognizable.*His fellowship is now over and he has relocated to Florida. I am 48 years old and will travel to Florida to see Dr.Vaca when the time comes for me to get my face and neck lift... this will also include my upper and lower eyes and, at some point, a brow lift. He is going to do some fat transfer into my lips as well.. ( Trend alert: this is the new filler ladies!!!)..........I want the world to know about Dr. Vaca because he is so gifted. This is an example where “years of experience” need not be considered... he is a prodigy. He was born to do this and if you go to him... your life will change! I no longer have a fear of aging..... as long as he is around! That is also a gift.

I have been going to Dr. Vaca for about a year for botox. I was very nervous to have this done but Dr. Vaca's results were very natural looking. I have recommended my closest friends and family to him but would also recommend him to anyone interested in this procedure. He is great!

Dr. Vaca is wonderful. He performed my abdominal surgery. Dr Vaca is very professional yet also relaxed and easy to talk to. I felt he fully explained the surgery and what I could expect. He answered any and all questions I tendered and I always felt he listened carefully and ensured I understood. Most importantly my after surgery concerns were also addressed. He returned calls immediately and again responded to any questions. He is consistently pleasant and I never felt rushed. For these reasons I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Vaca.

My experience with Dr. Vaca was amazing. His presentation is warm , knowledgeable and sincere. I had stomach FAT that wouldn't go away. Dr. Vaca evaluated my abdomen and due to my previous C sections recommended abdominalplasty. I LOOK GREAT now. I asked him about the sagging jawline (jowls) and wanted a quick fix. He assessed the face and recommended a modified face lift procedure. Because of his proven honesty and talent, I agreed and I cannot be HAPPIER. He is a truly talented and humble surgeon. Never thought I would use those two adjectives in one sentence about a surgeon, but that's the magic of Dr. Vaca.

I had the best experience under Dr. Vaca's care. I had a mommy makeover (that consists of a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty and a breast lift or mastopexy) with a little lipo for contouring. I am beyond delighted with my results and wish I had it done 15 years ago! My scars are beautiful and healing well. My pain was minimal, and I was back at the gym lifting heavy weights at 7 weeks post-op. Dr. Vaca is an incredible, compassionate, professional, and extremely skilled surgeon. He takes the healing process and follow-ups very seriously. My results have far exceeded my expectations and I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking a plastic surgeon.

Dr. Vaca is truly exceptional. He is patient, detail oriented and has a great bedside manner. You can tell that he is passionate about what he does and is committed to giving you the very best result. He creates a plan specifically designed for you in order to give you the results you desire. I would highly recommend him to anybody and everybody - especially first timers as he takes his time and explains what he's doing.