Considering a Facelift? Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon

Social Media Has Changed the Way We See Ourselves

The focus on the face in today’s social-media-filled world is intense. "Selfies" are a way of life, and have left many seeing every single line, wrinkle and flaw on their own face.

The social media focus on the facial appearance has been a major motivation for facelift requests.

Whether you use social media or not, perhaps over the years, as you have seen your face age and change in ways you are not happy with, you have briefly considered a facelift. If so, you likely then quelled those thoughts as being too vain, costing too much, or a litany of other reasons.

But consider this: Your face is the "you" that the world sees. When you feel better about your appearance, others respond in kind. If you are considering a facelift, there are many new techniques which are much less invasive-and much less expensive.

Maybe it’s time to talk to an experienced plastic surgeon who can help you choose the facelift procedure which is just right for you.

Facelifts are Among the Top Five Cosmetic Procedures Performed in the U.S.

Facelifts have consistently ranked among the top five most common cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. Between the years 2000 and 2014, there has been a 6 percent increase in the number of facelifts performed in the U.S. each year.

Facelifts for the Business Sector

Career-minded individuals and business people-a substantial portion of whom are male-are undergoing facelifts as a way of enhancing their appearance and remaining competitive in the market.

If you are considering getting a facelift, it is important to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon, and ask the necessary questions to ensure you are getting the very best. Having a facelift is something you should consider carefully, as you must take certain steps to ensure your body is ready prior to the procedure.

You must be in good health, be able to deal with anesthesia, and you must be able to take off from your job for a minimum of two weeks so make sure you can be off that long.

When you speak to your plastic surgeon, here are some of the questions you must ask (Don’t be embarrassed to be frank about any concerns you may have).

• Do you have American Board of Plastic Surgery Certification?
• How many years of training in the field of plastic surgery have you had?
• Is your office/surgical facility accredited by the state?
• Do you believe I’m a good candidate for a facelift?
• What will I need to do prior to the procedure?
• What specific technique will you use for my facelift?
• How long do you expect my recovery period to be?
• Will I need help during my recovery period?
• What specific risks or complications are associated with the facelift technique I will be undergoing?
• If I have any complications, how will they be handled?
• How will my looks change over time following the facelift?
• If I am dissatisfied with the outcome of my facelift, what are my options?
• Can I look at "before" and "after" photos of others who have had the same procedure?

The Procedure for Your Facelift

Although the exact procedure will vary, depending on what type of facelift you choose, the basic steps of a facelift include:

-the administration of anesthesia

-the incision (typically in the hairline at the temples, continuing around the ear, and possibly under the chin, to improve an aging neck)

-pulling the loose skin up

-stitching the incisions

There have been few long-term studies which give a good idea of how long a facelift will last in particular because there are so many variables, and each person ages differently. The most important aspect of your facelift, is to ensure you have all the answers you need from your chosen plastic surgeon prior to the actual surgery.

Contact Pasadena Plastic Surgery Specialists

There is a reason why so many Pasadena men and women continue to choose Dr. Kevin Ruhge to perform their plastic surgeries. His personalized approach to plastic surgery means that his clients can contact him 24/7 after a surgical procedure.

If you would like to learn more about facelifts, skin rejuvenation, brow lifts, rhinoplasty, or any plastic surgery procedure, we invite you to meet with Dr. Ruhge for a private consultation at our office in Pasadena by calling 626.397.9095, or by scheduling an appointment online.