Because the choice of a qualified facial plastic surgeon is of paramount importance, it is best to obtain several consultations before choosing one doctor. Speaking with several surgeons will allow you to compare and contrast your experiences, and ultimately make the best choice.

Before meeting with any doctor, think carefully about your face and/or neck and their appearance. What is it that bothers you? Be specific. What do you hope to achieve through surgery? During each consultation, discuss these issues in detail with the doctor, along with any concerns that you may have. Because each facelift procedure is a combination of both the patient's wishes and the realities of what surgery can actually offer, the surgeon should provide you with a realistic expectation of the results to be achieved through surgery.

The surgeon should examine your face, including the skin and underlying bone structure. He should advise you of any excess skin, fat, or even atrophied muscle which he or she feels should be removed. The surgeon should discuss the possibilities through surgery, along with his or her expectations, the possible techniques, the limitations, and any risks that may be involved. The surgeon should also provide you with information concerning the surgical facility to be used, anesthesia, and the costs associated with the procedure.

The surgeon should conduct a thorough medical history, checking for any medical conditions which can cause problems during or after surgery. Be sure to inform the surgeon of any conditions including but not limited to high blood pressure, allergies, diabetes, problems with blood clotting, or a tendency to form excessive scars. Be sure to also tell your surgeon about any previous surgeries you have had on or around the area to be treated; any medications, vitamins, or other drugs, particularly aspirin, that you are taking; and whether or not you smoke.

The surgeon should also have before and after photographs of previous patients for you to review. Look these over carefully. You may also choose at this time to ask the surgeon if there is any additional surgery that might be recommended to help you achieve your desired look. For example, forehead lifts and eyelid surgeries are often performed in conjunction with facelift surgery.

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