When you hear facelift, it's easy to think of it as a cosmetic procedure widespread in people aged 60 and older. But, in recent years, this anti-aging solution has gained a reputation among the younger population. According to 2019 data, about 6,000 facelifts were performed in the United States on patients below the age of 54. Are you interested in restoring youthfulness and vitality to your face? Here are some questions you need to ask your plastic surgeon before getting a facelift:

 

• What Are Your Qualifications? 
   

  • Your facelift will only be as good and safe as the plastic surgeon who performs it. You'd want the best possible surgeon to help you with the transformation. Never take anyone at face value. It's not rude to find out as much as you can about their background and credentials. So, dig deeper by asking them directly about their board certification, years of training and experience, continuing education, and hospital privileges. The procedure should also be performed in a hospital or accredited surgical center. Also, ask to talk to some of their past patients. A surgeon with lots of happy, satisfied patients will be proud to let you speak with them and even show some photos. 

• Is Facelift Right For Me? 
   

  • Not every patient is a good candidate for this procedure. You might be too young and not have enough sagging or loose skin to truly reap the benefits of a facelift. It's also possible that you have a health condition that will impair your healing process. A good surgeon will review your medical history and assess your overall health. Through their findings, they will let you know whether or not a facelift is the best option for you. The most suitable candidates for this procedure are those who are in good overall health, possess good elasticity as well as bone structure, psychologically stable, and have realistic expectations about facelift. 

• What Can I Expect During the Surgery? 
   

  • ​​​​​​​A facelift is often performed as an outpatient surgical procedure. Your surgeon may use local anesthetics, sedatives, or general anesthesia. The surgery usually takes between two to five hours to complete. Most patients can go home on the same day following their facelift procedure. Your surgeon will discuss how the traditional facelift works. If they use new surgical techniques, such as lasers, endoscopy, and mini-facelift, they will also explain how each is performed. Most surgeons combine your facelift with other cosmetic procedures, like eyelid surgery.

• How Long Does the Recovery Take? 
   

  • ​​​​​​​It generally takes a few months before you can start noticing the final results of your facelift. But it takes much less time to recover from the surgery. There's no one-size-fits-all recovery time for all patients. This is because your healing depends on several factors, like age, health status, the extent of surgery done, and your post-operative care. Rest is crucial during the recovery period. So, it's best to take time off work and avoid any strenuous activity for at least a month. Many patients can hide their scars with makeup and start going out in public after a week or two.

Are you looking for a highly qualified plastic surgeon in New York, New York? Contact Alan Matarasso, MD, FACS, today at (212) 249-7500 to schedule your initial consultation.