10 Questions to Consider Before Getting a Facelift
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Posted on May 28, 2020 under Facelift
If you’re considering a facelift, it’s common to have some questions. Before scheduling your consultation, it’s important to have the right information so you know what to expect. Here are 10 of the most common questions that patients ask about facelifts and what to expect from your plastic surgeon.
1. Who is the right candidate for a facelift?
Typically, there is no age requirement for patients who want to get a facelift. However, you will get customized services based on your age, body size, and type. Most people who opt for a facelift are in their 40s, 50s, or 60s, but everyone ages at different rates.
2. Which Type of Facelift is the Best?
There are myriad options for facelift techniques that you can consider, such as SMASectomy, deep plane, short scar, high SMAS, skin only, and MACS lift. It’s important to find a plastic surgeon who specializes in facelift techniques and can create the ideal surgical plan for you and your goals.
3. How long does a facelift take and how much recovery do I need?
The time you’ll spend in the operation room depends on the procedure. For instance, standard facelifts take about 3 to 4 hours, while mini-facelifts requires two hours or fewer. You can expect about two weeks of downtime while most swelling subsides, but may require longer if you’re not comfortable returning to public.
4. What will be my new look?
It’s important to know that a facelift can’t create a new you, but rather a younger and more refreshed version of yourself. Most patients report looking up to ten years younger after recovering. For the most natural and refreshed results, you should look for a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facelift techniques.
5. What should I look for in a plastic surgeon?
Your plastic surgeon should have board certification with the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This ensures they have the skills and experience needed to get the best results possible. You should also look at before-and-after photos from their past patients to judge their skills.
6. What are the potential risks?
Facelifts come with minimal risks if you find a highly-skilled plastic surgeon. You can expect bleeding, which is normal, and infection in rare cases. If you smoke, you should reduce or quit well in advance of your surgery date so that you can heal effectively.
7. If I want to lose weight, when should I have my procedure?
If you’re planning to lose substantial weight in the near future, you should wait until you’re at a stable body weight before opting for a facelift. This is because weight loss can leave behind lax skin, meaning you might compromise your results if you wait until after your facelift. Additionally, you should be in good health before opting for invasive surgery.
8. How long will my facelift results last versus fillers?
Dermal fillers can last about 6-9 months depending on the type and treatment location. On the other hand, facelift results can last for ten years or more with the right anti-aging steps, making it a worthwhile investment.
9. What procedures can I combine with my facelift?
Facelifts (which includes the neck) usually go hand-in-hand with other facial rejuvenation procedures like a brow lift or eyelid surgery. If you want to address these areas at the same time, your plastic surgeon can create the right surgical plan for you and your goals.
10. What’s the difference between a facelift and neck lift?
It’s extremely common to combine these together for effective rejuvenation– in fact, it is unusual to opt for a facelift without also needing correction in the neck. A typical lift addresses the cheeks and jowls as well as the neck. Your plastic surgeon can give you the best idea of what to expect from your ideal procedure.
Schedule a Consultation
The best way to learn more about facelifts is by scheduling a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. To meet with our team, we invite you to contact our Bethesda office by calling or filling out our online form.
Our Plastic Surgery Associates team includes Dr. Franklin Richards, Dr. A. Dean Jabs, and Dr. Keshav Magge. Each of our plastic surgeons is board-certified, and together they have over 60 years of combined experience. Drs. Richards, Jabs, and Magge are all highly qualified in procedures for the face, breast, and body, and pride themselves in providing excellent results through our state-of-the-art, Quad A certified operating centers
