Over time, you’ll almost certainly notice changes in the way your face looks. You might start to see more prominent laugh or smile lines, even when you’re making a neutral expression. Or, you might notice sagging and jowls near your cheeks and chin. A facelift can help to better define your neckline, minimize the appearance of deep creases and help you look more well-rested and refreshed.
A facelift isn’t something to rush into, however. When you’re deciding whether or not the procedure is right for you, there are a few things worth considering and a few questions you need to ask. Get to know your surgeon and learn what you can expect during and after the surgery.
So what questions should you ask an expert? Here are a few to put on your list.
Can You Tell Me About Your Experience With Facelifts?
Learn as much as you can about the surgeon’s experience performing facelifts and their qualifications for performing any sort of facial plastic surgery. Ask the surgeon if they are board certified in facial plastic surgery or in a related area, how many facelifts they’ve performed over the course of their career, and how frequently they perform the surgery.
What Happens During a Facelift?
A surgeon can perform a facelift in a few different ways, so it’s important to have an understanding of what will happen during your procedure. You want to find out what method the surgeon uses, where the incisions will be located (and their size) and what the surgeon will do during the facelift to change your facial aesthetics. For example, it’s common for a facelift procedure to involve tightening the muscles and other tissues beneath the skin. Some procedures also involve liposuction to remove fatty deposits from the neck area.
What Happens After a Facelift?
You won’t be ready to leap back into your regularly scheduled life immediately after a facelift. Ask your surgeon how long you can expect your initial recovery to take and what you’ll be able to do during that time. For example, it’s likely that you’ll need to take at least a week, if not two or three, off from work after your surgery.
You’ll also want to learn what’s expected of you after your procedure. Will you be asked to see the surgeon for a followup? Will you be given medications to minimize any discomfort? When you look in a mirror after your surgery, what should you expect to see?
Is a Facelift Right for Me?
Not everyone is a good candidate for a facelift. A few factors influence whether or not the surgery is a good choice for you. One factor is the type of changes you’re experiencing in the facial area. Generally, a facelift is ideal for people who have loose skin that’s still somewhat elastic in the lower portion of their face. Having some elasticity in the skin is important, as it helps with the healing process.
Your overall health also influences whether the surgery is appropriate for you or not. There’s no age limit or cut-off when it comes to facial plastic surgery. But if you have health issues or any uncontrolled chronic conditions, your surgeon might advise against the procedure and suggest alternatives.
What you expect to get from a facelift can also influence whether it’s right for you or not. One thing to remember is that the procedure can help you look more youthful, but it won’t stop the aging clock or change who you are on the inside. If you don’t have realistic expectations, you aren’t likely to be happy with your results, no matter how great they are.
What Other Options Do I Have for Facial Rejuvenation?
It can be worth it to review all of your facial rejuvenation options before settling on a facelift. That includes non-surgical choices such as Juvederm and other fillers as well as surgeries that focus on another area of the face, such as brow lift. In some cases, combining surgeries or combining a facelift with a non-surgical option could end up being the best choice for you.
How Long Will Facelift Results Last?
Another thing worth knowing before you decide to have a facelift is how long you can expect the results to last. You do continue to age after a facelift because it’s impossible to freeze the aging process. However, you’ll always look younger than you would have if you hadn’t had the procedure, even a decade or so in the future. Usually, if a patient wishes to repeat a facelift, they do so after about 7 to 10 years, but your mileage may vary, based on when you have the initial surgery and how you care for your skin afterward.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
To learn more about your facial plastic surgery options, contact the Aesthetic Surgery Center to book an appointment with Dr. Anurag Agarwal. Dr. Agarwal has been featured on many of the major news networks, including ABC, NBC, and FOX as a renowned expert on a variety of plastic surgery topics. Dr. Agarwal believes that educating and communicating with patients are the keys to helping them achieve successful, natural-looking results. Book your appointment at the Aesthetic Surgery Center, located at 1175 Creekside Pkwy, Suite 100, Naples, FL, by calling 239-594-9100.