8 Questions To Ask a Plastic Surgeon Before Your Facelift

A woman smiling with her hands resting on her left cheek. (Model)

If you’re considering a facelift, making the most of your consultation with a plastic surgeon involves doing some initial research and making a list of questions to help you select the best plastic surgeon in the Idaho Falls area. Some questions you can answer on your own, such as confirming a surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and other credentials.

This post includes a list of questions that will help you evaluate the surgeon’s perspective and approach to cosmetic surgery and confirm that you feel comfortable with both the surgeon and the practice. Walking into your consultation prepared with the right questions can make all the difference between a smooth facelift journey and one filled with uncertainties.

What is the best age for a facelift?

Early in my career, facelift surgery was typically performed on people in their 60s. That’s changed. Plastic surgery is now seen as a way to maintain a youthful appearance, and there is a growing trend of getting facelift surgery at a younger age. We now often see facelift patients in their 40s and 50s.

How long do facelifts last?

On average, facelift results can last about 10 to 15 years, though this varies from person to person. The actual longevity of your results depends on several factors, including your skin’s condition at the time of surgery, your age, lifestyle habits, and how well you maintain your skin afterward. That’s another benefit of getting a facelift at a younger age: When skin retains more elasticity, the results tend to last longer.

Is a facelift very painful?

Recovery after a facelift typically involves mild to moderate discomfort during the first few days, which is manageable with prescription medication. Some people describe it as an uncomfortable tightness or numbness.

What is a deep plane facelift?

A deep plane facelift involves repositioning the deeper tissues of the face beneath the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer. This technique addresses more significant signs of aging and targets nasolabial folds, cheeks, jowls, and the neck. It typically requires more recovery time than a SMAS facelift.

How long does it take to recover from a facelift?

The recovery from a facelift falls into two categories—physical healing and social recovery. You can expect bruising and swelling to peak about 3 to 5 days after surgery and then significantly fade in about 2 weeks. You’ll feel well enough to return to a nonstrenuous job after 10 days. Social recovery involves the time it takes to heal before a significant social event, such as a wedding or class reunion. You should plan on getting a facelift at least 3 months before the event to ensure you’ll look your best.

Can I combine a facelift with other procedures?

It’s common to combine other surgical and nonsurgical procedures with a facelift. Because a facelift addresses the lower two-thirds of the face, you may also want eyelid surgery for overall facial rejuvenation. Laser skin rejuvenation, which targets complexion issues, is also a common complement to facelift surgery.

What is a liquid facelift?

Not everyone who schedules a facelift consultation needs surgery. Cosmetic injectables, such as BOTOX® injections and dermal fillers, temporarily target early signs of aging in a liquid facelift. This no-downtime nonsurgical facelift is effective for some people with mild to moderate signs of aging because fillers and BOTOX each address different types of wrinkles. You can take our quiz to see if you might be a good candidate for a nonsurgical facelift.

How much does a facelift cost?

This question typically arises at the end of your consultation, after you’ve discussed the extent of the procedure and whether you want to combine the facelift with other procedures. Pinpointing the cost isn’t possible until you’ve met with a surgeon. Even though price is a factor in most patients’ decisions, you shouldn’t base your choice of surgeon on who is the least expensive.

Schedule Your Consultation

We can answer all your facelift questions and discuss your aesthetic goals during a personal consultation. Request a consultation using the online form or by calling our office at (208) 881-5351 to schedule an appointment.

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