Facial plastic surgery isn’t something to rush into. Depending on the procedure you choose, the results you get can last for a decade or longer, so you want to make sure you dot all of your i’s and cross all of your t’s before making a final decision about whether or not to have surgery. Having a list of questions to ask yourself and your surgeon before the procedure can help you be as prepared as possible not only for the surgery itself but for the recovery period afterwards and for the results you can expect.
Is The Surgery Right For Me?
One of the more important questions to ask yourself is “is this surgery right for me?” Everyone’s face ages in a slightly different way, so a surgery that’s great for one person might not be great for another. For example, if you have a considerable amount of loose skin and jowling in the lower part of your face, a facelift might be the ideal procedure for you.
But, there are a few other things to think about when deciding whether or not a surgery is appropriate for you, aside from the type or degree of aging you have. For example, a facelift usually requires about a week or two of initial recovery, during which you’ll need to take time off from work. That initial recovery is important to the overall success of the procedure and to making sure you heal as well as possible afterwards. If you’re not able to take that much time off, it might be worth postponing surgery or considering another option with a shorter recovery period.
Your health overall is another determining factor in whether or not a facelift is a good option for you. Ask your doctor if you have any conditions or issues that might make facial plastic surgery more risky for you and if there is anything you can do to minimize your risk or if you should wait before having surgery.
What is the Surgeon’s Experience?
Your surgeon’s experience and training is something that’s as important to consider before surgery as your own health and whether or not you’re a good candidate for a procedure. Along with finding out how frequently and how often a surgeon has performed the procedure you are considering, you also want to get a full idea of what her training was like. The ideal surgeon will be board certified, meaning she completed medical school, plus several years of additional training in facial plastic surgery and surgery, and that she has passed a number of tough examinations.
Additionally, your surgeon should perform the procedure regularly, at least several times a week. Ideally, the surgeon will have hundreds of the same type of procedure under her belt, so that you can rest assured that she is well-versed in the surgery. When talking to a surgeon you might potentially work with, don’t be afraid to ask about her past patients and past experience. She should be happy to show you photos of patients before and after their surgeries and should be willing to give you the contact information of past patients who have agreed to provide a reference or review.
Do I Fully Understand the Risks?
Even if you’re the ideal patient and you’re working with a talented, experienced, and trained surgeon, every facial plastic surgery procedure brings with it some risks for complications or other issues. It’s important to get the full story on what the risks are, how likely they are to occur, and what you can do if they do occur during or after your surgery. Your surgeon should be willing to have a frank and honest discussion with you about the potential for complications and be willing to put your mind at ease when it comes to what she does to minimize those risks.
How Long Will My Results Last?
Finally, you want to be sure you understand how long your results will last after surgical procedure or even after a non-surgical procedure. There’s often the misconception that facial plastic surgery will be able to freeze your face and stop it from aging. While a facelift or eyelid lift can turn back the hands of time when it comes to your appearance, you’ll continue to age, and so in another decade or so, might want a repeat procedure.
Knowing how long results can last can help you decide between one procedure or another. You might be thinking of Botox, but end up deciding on a brow lift instead, for example, because Botox injections only last for a few months while the results from a brow lift will last for years and years.
Dr. Jessica Kulak, an aging face specialist who practices in Virginia and Maryland, is available to answer any questions you have about facial plastic surgery, about her training and experience, and about whether you’re a good candidate for a procedure or not. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Kulak at the Naderi Center in Virginia, call (703) 481-0002. For a consultation at the practice in Maryland, call (301) 222-2020 today.
