Questions to Ask At Your Facelift Consultation

Before you make the final decision to have a facelift, it’s important to sit down with at least one Board Certified plastic surgeon and find out as much about the surgery as you can, as well as much about the surgeon as possible. Since it’s easy to get overwhelmed when meeting a doctor face to face, it’s a good idea to prepare a few questions about the facelift in advance, so that you leave no stone unturned during your consultation.

Where Will the Incisions Be?

You might be concerned about the possibility of visible scars after your surgery or about other changes that can occur based on the location of the incisions. For that reason, it helps to ask the surgeon where he plans on make the incisions during the procedure.

What Technique Do You Use?

There are several ways of performing a facelift, and some are more advanced than others. Talk to the surgeon about the technique he uses for the procedure and why he uses that technique. The more advanced the surgeon’s technique is, the more likely it is to produce results that look natural, rather than the windswept look associated with facelifts of years past.

What is Recovery Like?

Don’t forget to ask the surgeon about the recovery period after the procedure. While every patient is somewhat different, some are ready to get back into the swing of things almost right away and others need a bit more time. Ask your surgeon how long he recommends that you take off from work or other commitments and what you can expect during your initial downtime.

Are There Any Things You Should Avoid Before or After Surgery?

You might have to make a few changes to your lifestyle and habits before the surgery and continue to avoid certain habits afterwards. Your surgeon will give you a fair idea of what is off limits before and after a facelift. For example, smoking is typically a big no-no starting at least six weeks before surgery and for several weeks after it. Nicotine affects your body’s ability to heal and can make wound healing and scarring worse.

Some medications need to be avoided before and after a facelift, too. You might be surprised to see the list of medications and supplements that are on the “do not take” list before any type of facial plastic surgery procedure. To make sure you don’t accidentally take a medication that can interfere with the procedure or after your healing, give your surgeon a list of everything you take regularly or semi-regularly, including herbal supplements and vitamins.

How Many Surgeries Has the Surgeon Performed?

You want to get a feel for your surgeon’s experience performing facelift procedures. Ask him how often he performs facelifts, particularly the type of facelift you are considering, if you are thinking about a mid-facelift or are seeing a surgeon for a mini-facelift. Ask how long he’s been performing facelifts, for pictures of past patients, and for references from past patients, too. Be wary of surgeons who do not offer before and after photos, this is a sign that the surgeon has not performed many of these procedures.

This is also a good moment to find out more about your surgeon’s training and qualifications. Find out if he is board certified in facial plastic surgery, where he completed his residency, and anything else you can you about his training and experience. Most board certified surgeons are proud of that fact and will happily show you the proof when you ask.

What Type of Anesthetic Will Be Used?

Also take a moment to ask about the type of anesthetic a surgeon plans on using during the facelift. The type of anesthetic typically varies based on the surgeon’s preference, the type of facelift he’ll be performing, and in some cases, your preference. For example, local anesthesia is often used during a mini facelift because the incisions are smaller and the procedure is much less invasive than a standard facelift. IV sedation or general anesthesia might be used during a standard facelift or mid-facelift. Your surgeon will let you know what you can expect from each option and what sort of preparation is required.

Dr. Frederick G. Weniger, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Bluffton, South Carolina with a state-of-the-art facility and the skills to perform a wide variety of surgical and nonsurgical procedures. His passion for his work and his exceptional care for his patients attracts people from all over the world. To schedule a patient consultation with Frederick G. Weniger, M.D., F.A.C.S. or learn more about his procedures, call (843) 757-0123 for an appointment.