What should I look for in a plastic surgeon if I want a facelift?
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Dr. Patrick Byrne of Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:The most important factor is ensuring your surgeon is board certified to perform facial plastic surgery. This should be the first piece of criteria to look at; however, it alone does not guarantee desired results.
Ask your surgeon questions. Inquire about how many facelifts they perform a year, and how many years they have been in practice. Ask to see photographs of their previous results.
When meeting with your surgeon, it's important to feel comfortable during and after the consultation. Does he or she seem to understand your concerns? Are you treated respectfully? Are you provided with realistic expectations? The reality is that facelifts can produce wonderful results, but they are not magic. A surgeon with integrity will be able to communicate to you realistic expectations for improvement.The most important factor is ensuring your surgeon is board certified to perform facial plastic surgery. This should be the first piece of criteria to look at; however, it alone does not guarantee desired results. Ask your surgeon questions.... More -
Dr. Erik A Hoy answered:The things to look for in a facelift surgeon are similar to those in all plastic surgery procedures. First and foremost, he or she should be board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This means a minimum of 5 years of surgical training, with at least 2 years training in plastic surgery. Do not be fooled by clinicians who call themselves "cosmetic surgeons", since this is a general term which can include Ear, Nose and Throat physicians, general surgeons, gynecologists, urologists, radiologists, etc., most of whom have had no formal residency training in facelift procedures. Membership in the major plastic surgery societies, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), is also a good indication that your surgeon is well trained and well regarded in the field of plastic surgery. Choose a surgeon who has experience with the procedure, has previous patients with results you like you desire, demonstrates strong ethical standards, and that you connect with and trust. The surgery should be performed only in an appropriately accredited operating facility. The initial consultation is the time to establish these conditions, not the day of surgery!
Concerns specific to facelift, or rhytidectomy are several. Your surgeon should have a good understanding of the facial anatomy involved and have experience in the face lifting technique you want. Ask to see photos of other patients' results (these patients will have had to have given their consent for this use of their photos), or better yet, ask if you can meet other patients who have had a facelift from that surgeon. Also, ask around: whether a surgeon has a good or bad reputation for his or her results, this gets around. People will know whether or not the surgeon you are considering is truly approachable, affable, and able. Make sure you meet the anesthesiologist who will be caring for you on the day of your surgery, and that all your questions about what medications to take or stop, are answered. Finally, ask your surgeon where the procedure will take place and make sure that it is an American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) accredited facility.The things to look for in a facelift surgeon are similar to those in all plastic surgery procedures. First and foremost, he or she should be board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This means a minimum of 5 years of... More -
Dr. Stuart Linder answered:The most important factor is board certification when considering any cosmetic surgery procedure. When considering a facelift or rhytidectomy make sure the doctor is either Board Certified by either the American Board of Plastic Surgery or American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery. Do your Homework! Check out hospital privileges, malpractice records, surgicenter accreditation, and board certification of the anesthesiologist. Look at hundreds if not thousands of before and after photographs of the doctors work. See 2 if not 3 consultations if necessary. You want a specialist in the specific procedure you hope to have performed.The most important factor is board certification when considering any cosmetic surgery procedure. When considering a facelift or rhytidectomy make sure the doctor is either Board Certified by either the American Board of Plastic Surgery or American... More -
Dr. David Samadi of The Mount Sinai Medical Center answered:Choosing your plastic surgeon (or surgeon for any procedure for that matter) is a very important and personal decision. My advice in choosing your plastic surgeon would be to do due diligence and do not make a decision unless you feel completely comfortable with your surgeon.
Is/has the surgeon you’re considering:
- Board certified in plastic surgery? Look for the American Board of Plastic Surgery designation. You can go to the American Board of Medical Specialities at www.abms.org to check if they are board certified and in what area.
- A member of organizations such as The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) or the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)? Both of these organizations have rigorous membership standards and surgeons cannot be members of these societies unless they are board-certified.
- Have privileges at a local hospital? With privileges comes the approval from the hospital and staff that the surgeon is properly trained and certified. If they perform all surgeries in their office under local anesthesia, that should be a cause for concern.
- Licensed in the state in which you wish to have surgery?
- Well trained and an expert in the field? A plastic surgeon should also be well known in the procedure you wish to have.
- Have a history of malpractice suits? Also make sure they have malpractice insurance coverage.
- Current on latest surgical techniques? Plastic surgeons should attend conferences and meetings to stay current with the latest technology. Plastic surgery (in addition to other fields) requires an on-going commitment to continuing medical education.
- Willing to show you the results of their actual patients? Make sure to see the results from all angles and ask if you might be able to meet some of these patients.
- Informative and willing to answer all of your questions? Plastic surgeons should encourage multiple consultations.
- Referred to you by other physicians, patients or friends?
Choosing your plastic surgeon (or surgeon for any procedure for that matter) is a very important and personal decision. My advice in choosing your plastic surgeon would be to do due diligence and do not make a decision unless you feel... More
