Many surgeons claim to be experts in facial plastic surgery, but it is essential to do your research before you make a decision. You want to ensure that the surgeon you choose has extensive experience performing your desired procedure and can produce results that match your aesthetic goals. An excellent place to start is by looking at surgeons’ before and after photos. You may also want to read patient testimonials, as these can be very helpful in determining whether the doctor will be a good fit for you.
Experience
A facelift is a complex procedure, and the results will last longer when performed by an experienced surgeon. Look for a plastic surgeon who has performed many of these operations and has a gallery of photos demonstrating their success. The best facelift surgeon in San Francisco will proudly display these images and discuss each patient’s case details. In addition to traditional facelift techniques, some surgeon uses short scar facelifts and growth factor fat transfer, which are innovative, minimally invasive procedures. Using the advanced technique of endoscopic surgery, these allow tightening of the submuscular aponeurotic sheath (SMAS) tissue, which is located under the skin and overlying the muscles of the face. Tightening this tissue helps to address nasolabial folds, jowling, and other signs of facial aging. In the past, a facelift could take between three and six hours. To minimize the length of this treatment, it was common for the surgeon to perform additional cosmetic procedures simultaneously.
Reputation
When researching surgeons, take the time to read patient reviews and testimonials. These can give you a better sense of what the surgery will be like, how trustworthy and pleasant or accommodating the office staff is, and other important information. During your consultation, find a plastic surgeon who takes the time to understand your concerns, needs, and goals. Your surgeon should also explain the procedure in a way that makes it easy to understand. The best facial plastic surgeons will listen carefully to their patients, and they will be able to recommend the most appropriate treatment options. For example, your surgeon may recommend a complete facelift if you have significant skin looseness. This procedure involves making an incision that begins at the temples, travels around the front of the ear, and then down behind it. The surgeon will separate the tissue layers and remove or tighten the excess before closing the incisions. Depending on your specific needs, your surgeon might also recommend additional procedures, such as neck lift surgery or eyelid rejuvenation (blepharoplasty), to achieve the desired results. It is also essential to find a surgeon with a good track record regarding safety and effectiveness. Your surgeon should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and belong to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, which ensures they meet very high standards of practice.
Patient Testimonials
The best way to decide if a plastic surgeon is right for you is to see what their patients say about them. The internet is a great place to find patient reviews. However, it is essential to remember that not all online reviews are equal. Some review websites allow anyone to write a review, while others have verification processes that prevent fake or fraudulent reviews. Some surgeons may have a few ratings, but they may still need to be more competent. They could perform fewer procedures than other surgeons, or their patients only sometimes leave reviews. It could also be that the rating site charges doctors for greater visibility. When choosing a plastic surgeon, patient reviews play a significant role. A surgeon’s reputation is often established by word of mouth or online reviews from happy patients who had positive experiences with the doctor. Whether you are searching for a facelift surgeon or another cosmetic procedure, finding one with extensive experience in facial rejuvenation is essential. A highly experienced surgeon can assess your unique facial structure and goals during your consultation, making it easier to determine what surgical procedure will work best.
Cost
During the initial consultation, your surgeon should take the time to understand your specific goals and needs. They should be open to discussing alternative treatments, pros, and cons. They should also be able to clearly explain how a facelift procedure works, what results can be expected, and the recovery period. An excellent cosmetic surgeon should also be able to demonstrate their skills through photo galleries of previous patients. Look for surgeons with various facial procedures and pay attention to photos with patients who have a similar facial structure and are around your age. This will help you determine which surgeons’ results appeal most to you. When selecting a surgeon, choose one board-certified in facial plastic surgery. This ensures that they have extensive training in facial plastic surgery and rhytidectomy techniques.
Additionally, choosing a surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons will provide peace of mind, knowing that they have met and maintained exceptionally high standards for safety, practice, and ethics. Determining whether the surgeon you are considering has hospital privileges at a local surgery facility is essential. This will allow you to avoid potentially unnecessary complications from traveling for your procedure.