03 Oct 4 Questions To Ask Your Plastic Surgeon Before A Deep Plane Facelift Procedure
Preparing For A Deep Plane Facelift
In the US, facelifts are some of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed. While popular, traditional forms of the procedure were often maligned for not leaving the patient with a natural visage. Deep plane facelifts are an updated version of the surgery that results in a more natural-looking effect. The approach avoids tightly pulling tissues, which allows the results to last longer. Although a deep plane facelift is a great option, prospective facelift patients should ask questions to understand what to expect before, during, and after plastic surgery.
1. Do facelifts have an age limit?
The simple answer is that facelifts don’t have an age limit. Age alone isn’t the sole determiner of whether or not a person is a good candidate for any medical procedure, including plastic surgery. However, other factors such as an individual’s general health, any underlying medical conditions, or whether previous treatments have been performed will also influence whether or not people are good candidates. The plastic surgeon will be able to let the patient know if a deep plane approach is best at the patient’s current age, considering all factors.
2. How will the results look?
Every person’s plastic surgery journey is different. Additionally, each individual has a unique bone structure that will dictate how markedly any cosmetic procedure can improve appearance. While most people can expect to see some noticeable changes post-surgery, people with more prominent bone structures, such as high cheekbones or strong chins and jawlines, will have the most visible results. By contrast, people with poor skin elasticity, sun damage, or even excess skin from weight loss might not experience dramatic results.
3. What’s your experience?
Not all plastic surgeons are created equal. Some doctors have specialties and may only prioritize certain procedures. Similarly, before selecting a surgeon, people should ensure that the before and after images of previous patients align with the desired aesthetic an individual hopes to achieve. Additionally, always seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon to reduce the risk of questionable scenarios and the side effects that can occur from working with unlicensed individuals. The doctor should easily answer any questions about experience and credentials during an initial consultation.
4. What is recovery like?
In a dream world, plastic surgery would yield instant results as soon as a person woke up from the procedure. In the real world, the body needs time to heal and recover from major surgery. Understand that several months could pass before the final results meet an individual’s desired physical goals. Knowing what to expect, as well as tips to aid in speeding recovery and minimizing the risk of complications, are critical to being an informed patient.
Make an informed choice
People often forget that plastic surgery is still major surgery, even though the event is categorized as elective. To optimize positive outcomes and reduce complications, ask the right questions. Surgeons want potential patients to feel comfortable and ultimately want individuals to be happy with the results. As such, approach plastic surgery as a partnership where both the patient and doctor must work together to complete the procedure and progress through the recovery phase to achieve the final results.