Name: Dermacare Plastic Surgery
Address: US

Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Facelift Surgeon During Consultation

Rhytidectomy, more commonly known as “facelift,” is a popular cosmetic procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck. Over 125,000 facelifts have been performed by cosmetic surgeons all across the United States, with the numbers steadily increasing annually. It is normal to feel nervous despite these figures and want to learn all that you can about facelifts—even before stepping inside the surgeon’s office for an initial consultation.

Where To Start

The first thing you should do in your search is to find a board-certified plastic surgeon. While any licensed doctor in the US can perform a cosmetic procedure, a certified plastic surgeon with the proper qualifications and experience is likely to answer your questions truthfully and provide you with a more detailed plan.

Once you find a list of board-certified facelift surgeons, it is time to book a consultation. Remember to schedule a consultation with each surgeon and find the one you are most comfortable with.

Make sure to ask the right questions during the consultation. Patients who asked for detailed answers to each of these questions tend to be happier and more satisfied with their decision. These questions will not only help you select the right surgeon for you, but they can also help you decide if a facelift is right for you.

Question 1: Am I a good candidate for a facelift?

Facelift surgery is not for everyone. Generally speaking, people who are over 50 years old are considered good candidates for a facelift because signs of skin aging become prevalent at this age range.

However, age is not the only thing to be considered when getting a facelift. According to ASPS, you need to have the following to qualify for the procedure:

Be in good overall health (with no existing medical condition or undergoing treatment)
Be a non-smoker or quit smoking many months ago
Trust the procedure but have realistic expectations

Facelifts are usually classified into two types:

Standard facelift – Involves incisions behind your hairline, near the temples, and around the front ear to eliminate excess and sagging skin while smoothing the creases in your face. This traditional surgery is more involved, but it can fully address moderate to advanced aging from mid-face down to your neck.
Mini-facelift – Less invasive than a standard facelift and involves shorter incisions to lift, tighten, and correct jowls. Doctors recommend mini-facelift for patients who want to prevent the signs of aging.

There are also non-surgical options such as injectable fillers and BOTOX® to address facial signs of aging. It is important to discuss with your surgeon all possible options and learn about their pros and cons before making a final decision.

Question 3: How frequently do you perform this recommended procedure?

It is important to ask how many facelifts a surgeon has performed throughout their careers and their success rate. Here are two things you can expect from choosing an experienced surgeon:

Experience – Just like any surgeon, a board-certified plastic surgeon also has their specialization. The more frequently a surgeon performs a procedure, the more skilled they become at it.
Safety – You will feel safer with an experienced surgeon than with a newly licensed one. The higher the success rate, the more reliable a surgeon is. Having vast experience meant that they have already worked with different patients and are familiar with the typical complications during the operation.

Be sure to ask for before-and-after photos of previous patients in order to see the types of results you can expect.

Question 4: What kind of anesthetic will be used during facelift operation?

All operations require either local or general anesthesia. Although both are relatively safe, surgeons typically administer sedation by a board-certified anthologist as well as local anesthesia. The effects of the anesthesia may be present for up to 24 hours and may require you to pre-arrange a ride home post-surgery. It is also essential to ensure that only a certified anesthesiologist will administer the anesthetic for a smooth, safe procedure.

Question 5: How long will the facelift surgery be, and what is recovery like?

Facelift surgeries are typically an outpatient procedure that lasts from 4 to five hours. The incisions are placed where they are well hidden, and the scars are not noticeable. However, depending on the extent of the facelift surgery, recovery can last from a few days to a month. After the surgery, you need to take good care of the incisions and prevent them from getting infected. During the consultation, you need to clarify with your surgeon how much time it will take for you to recover and what activities you are prohibited from doing while recuperating.

Trust Your Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Being inquisitive could mean the difference between a successful facelift and a failed one. When you choose a board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Rod, you can expect a comprehensive consultation and examination before undergoing surgery. Take the opportunity to prepare yourself with the right questions. This will help you feel calm during the procedure and understand your responsibilities before and after the surgery. For more information on how to achieve your desired appearance with a facelift, contact Dermacare Plastic Surgery in Phoenix, AZ today.

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