The most important decision facing the facelift candidate is that of choosing a qualified surgeon. There are many important considerations which must be taken into account when making your choice.
First and foremost is safety. Though facelift surgery is a relatively safe cosmetic procedure when performed by a qualified surgeon, the choice to undergo a facelift, and the choice of a doctor to perform that surgery, is not one to be taken lightly. In the hands of an underqualified or inexperienced surgeon, facelift surgery can become dangerous and even lead to disastrous results. Keep in mind that the quality of the surgery, including the surgeon’s expertise and experience, are far more important than cost. Choosing a surgeon based on the lowest price possible may very well prove to be the most expensive, particularly if another surgery, and another surgeon, are required to repair the original work. The choice of a facelift surgeon is one which cannot be made on price alone.
Those considering facelift surgery today are likely to find themselves overwhelmed with the amount of doctors representing themselves as specialists within the field. While many of these doctors are indeed reputable surgeons with excellent credentials and vast experience, many others have only the minimal training necessary to perform the procedure. As with all surgical procedures, facelift surgery carries with it potential risks. A qualified and proven surgeon will thoroughly evaluate the patient prior to the procedure. He or she will take into account any preexisting conditions or other factors which may lead to potential risks, and that surgeon will have been trained to immediately recognize and react to any unforeseen complications.
If you’re not sure where to get started, ask your physician for a recommendation.
Once a surgeon has been chosen based on their proven experience and successful results, the facelift candidate should thoroughly evaluate and discuss with their surgeon the goals and desired results of the procedure. The surgeon should communicate to the candidate all details of the surgical procedure, including the benefits and risks of the surgery, how the surgery is performed, and whether or not the candidate’s goals are realistic. All questions and concerns should be satisfactorily answered prior to the procedure, and at no time should a candidate feel pressured to carry out the procedure with a surgeon they do not feel comfortable with.
Prior to surgery, the doctor should provide you with specific pre-operative instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, the avoidance of certain vitamins and medications, particularly aspirin, and other important considerations. It is very important to follow carefully your surgeon’s instructions in order for both the surgery and recovery to go as smoothly as possible. If you have very short hair, you may want to allow it to grow prior to surgery to help conceal the resulting scars as they heal.
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This page discusses facelift surgeons and provides information about choosing the right face lift doctor. The site includes more about surgeons, stories, and the procedure.