Questions You Should Ask Before Your Facelift

As we age, the skin and underlying tissues of our face lose elasticity, which leads to skin sagging, creases, and wrinkles. These age-related impacts on our facial skin can be accelerated by genetics and too much sun exposure, making some people display signs of premature aging. People who feel that they look older than their age and vitality suggest often turn to medical solutions to restore their youthful appearance.

Also known as a “rhytidectomy,” the facelift is an effective surgical procedure that lifts and tightens facial tissues of the face. The facelift entails strategic incisions, extraction of excess skin and fat as needed, and repositioning of the skin and underlying tissues. The procedure is customized for each patient in a manner designed to remove tissues causing sagging, smooth wrinkles and creases, and lift and tighten the skin.

The esthetic results of a facelift are highly dependent upon the surgical skills and artistry of the cosmetic surgeon, as well as on the condition and health of the patient’s skin. As such, patients considering facelift surgery should research the procedure and ask prospective plastic surgeons relevant questions. With extensive facelift expertise, Drs. Paul M. Gardner, Leo Baccaro, Mark Walsh and Andrew Bonnet at Southwest Florida’s Naples Plastic Surgery suggest that patients always ask the following questions before undergoing a facelift:

Am I a Good Candidate for Facelift Surgery?

Determining one’s candidacy for effective facelift surgery is based on three primary factors. The condition of one’s facial skin should be assessed to determine if a facelift is needed and whether it can correct the signs of aging. In particular, a facelift candidate should show signs of sagging skin, wrinkles, creases, jowl formation, and lost volume in the midface region. Second, a suitable candidate is in good health and does not smoke, excessively drink alcohol, or abuse recreational drugs. Last, a good candidate should have realistic expectations about the aesthetic results that a facelift can deliver.

Should I Consider Other Options?

This is a multi-faceted question because an option might replace a facelift or in addition to one. In some cases, a patient’s skin condition may not warrant the level of surgery involved in a facelift. Your surgeon might suggest a less invasive mini facelift or minimally invasive cosmetic injectables. Your surgeon might also determine that the most prominent visible signs of aging on your face are in the upper facial area or neck. Thus, you might get better esthetic results from a neck lift or brow lift. In some cases, your surgeon might recommend one of these other options instead of a facelift, while in others, they might recommend adding one of these different procedures to the facelift.

Is the Surgeon Board Certified?

You should always seek out the services of a board-certified plastic surgeon because they have advanced training and experience in performing cosmetic surgery procedures. Board certification is granted by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Patients operated on by board-certified surgeons report fewer complications and higher satisfaction rates than those operated on by non-certified surgeons. For the record, the facelift specialists at Naples Plastic Surgery are board certified.

Where Will the Procedure be Performed?

This question is essential because you want to ensure that the medical facility and staff performing the procedure have met federal and state safety standards by receiving accreditation from a medical organization. Our surgical center and staff are accredited by the American Association of Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery facilities (AAAASF), which has one of the country’s highest standards.

How Can I best Optimize the Results?

Given the investment you’ll be making to enhance the esthetics of your face, you’ll want your facelift results to look their best for the long term. Your surgeon should provide you with short-term directives designed to promote optimal healing and skin repair, and longer-term advice to maintain your renewed skin’s youthful look. Fundamental measures for optimizing long-term results include limiting sun exposure, keeping hydrated, eating healthy, exercising, and limiting alcohol intake. The skin can be prepared for the best results by having hydrating facial treatments and using quality skin care products including Retin-A based products and a pigment suppressant.

Are There Any Risks with the Surgery?

Any surgical procedure comes with risks for complications, and while rare, patients should always be forewarned about them. Your surgeon should review all potential surgical risks with you and detail how they intend to mitigate them.

What Does My Recovery Period Entail?

Even though a facelift is typically an outpatient procedure, it takes several weeks to recover from the surgery fully. During that time you should clear your schedule from work and social interactions. Your surgeon should detail how your recovery will progress by describing the healing process and expectations for how long it will take for the swelling and bruising to subside. They should also highlight aftercare instructions, including any medications you might need to take and the application of postoperative garments.

Consult with Naples Plastic Surgery About Your Facelift

If you would like to learn more about how a facelift can help restore the youthful look of your face, Dr. Gardner, Dr. Baccaro, Dr. Walsh and Dr. Bonnet would be glad to speak with you personally. For all your esthetic concerns, contact Naples Plastic Surgery today at 239.566.2611 to schedule your initial consultation.