Considering a Facelift? Ask the Right Questions (Before-and-After Photos)

Even with the popularity of nonsurgical facial rejuvenation treatments increasing, facelift surgery remains one of the leading cosmetic procedures performed throughout the nation. Facelift patients at my cosmetic plastic surgery offices in Sacramento and Granite Bay, CA, typically arrive for their consultations well-informed about the surgery.

If you’ve just started thinking about getting a facelift or know someone who is considering it, this blog post provides some essential questions to ask your doctor before undergoing plastic surgery. There are a number of facelift techniques marketed under impressive-sounding names. Still, it’s important to remember that it’s the surgeon—not the technique—that is the critical factor when it comes to getting excellent results.

What questions should I ask at a facelift or plastic surgery consultation?

Here are the most important questions to ask before choosing a surgeon:

What are your certifications? Are you experienced with facelift surgery?

You may already know that it’s important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon. But did you know that not all boards are created equal?

Before selecting a plastic surgeon who says he or she is board-certified, make sure that the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). That is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties because it requires more training and experience than other official-sounding boards. You can check here to see if a surgeon is certified by the ABPS.

What are your facelift results like? May I see your patients’ facelift before-and-after photos?

Ask to see before-and-after photos of a surgeon’s actual patients. They demonstrate what a surgeon believes are satisfactory results, so you can gauge whether they match your expectations.

Here’s an example from my own facelift photo gallery:

What is the best facelift procedure for me?

During the consultation, you and your surgeon collaborate to decide on the treatment best-suited to meet your cosmetic goals based on the condition of your skin. Some patients arrive believing they need a facelift to get the results they want, when the best solution may be a nonsurgical option. If that’s the case, you can be sure I’ll recommend that. We’ll also discuss various surgical alternatives, such as a neck lift or eyelid surgery,  which may be what you need to get the results you want.

Are there risks with facelift surgery?

Be wary of any surgeon who downplays the possibility of complications following facelift surgery. Side effects and complications are possible with all procedures and treatments, and it’s important to know what to look for and expect during your recovery.

I encourage my patients to contact me with any concerns they have after their surgery. Complications are rare, but they do occur, and it’s best to know as soon as possible so I can prevent a problem from getting worse. By discussing this beforehand, you can learn about a surgeon’s post-op procedures and how your doctor will work to reduce the chance of complications in the first place.

If you’re ready to explore your facelift options with an experienced plastic surgeon and you’re in the Sacramento, Granite Bay, Roseville, or Folsom, CA, areas, I’m happy to discuss your specific goals and how we can achieve them. You can request a consultation with me using our online form or call my office at (916) 929-1833 (Sacramento) or (916) 773-5559 (Granite Bay).