5 Factors to Consider Before Getting a Facelift

By  //  August 18, 2022

Have you noticed signs of aging on your face and neck? It can be challenging to look in the mirror and not recognize the person you see – your skin loses elasticity, causing wrinkles, excess skin, and sagging tissue. If you struggle with signs of aging, a facelift could be an ideal solution. An experienced surgeon can tighten and lift your face and neck, which can take years off your appearance. 

A modern facelift, or rhytidectomy, won’t leave you looking windswept or overly stretched. Instead, it should leave you looking and feeling like a younger version of yourself. While a facelift beverly hills can be a highly successful treatment, it requires quite a commitment. Before you book your session, consider these five factors to ensure you’re prepared for the procedure. 

1. Do Your Research

You don’t want to undergo an intense surgical procedure like a facelift blind. Be sure to research all your options to find the clinic and the doctor right for your needs. There is no one size fits all approach to a facelift. Be ready to talk with your doctor about which procedure is best suited for you. The more knowledgeable you are, the more specific you can be about the results you expect. 

Many plastic surgeons offer a variety of procedures. Different surgeons will have specific names for their operations, but you can expect to find a mind of more minimal procedures and facelifts that are a bit more invasive. Consider what parts of your face and neck you hope to tighten. 

 Mini Lift – can help patients tighten sagging skin and wrinkles on the lower part of the fact less invasively but who do not need to address excessive neck sagging. 

■ Full Facelift – will tighten sagging skin of the face and neck which can also help shrink or remove the appearance of jowls.

2. Consider the Cost 

A facelift typically costs between $7,000-$12,000 but could be more or less depending on what practice and anesthetic you choose. A more experienced surgeon can also drive up the cost. While many insurance companies do not cover cosmetic surgeries, financing programs are usually available to help you pay for your facelift. Your face is the first thing people take in when they look at your, so it can certainly be worth the investment.

3. Consult with Your Doctor

Now that you have researched a variety of clinics and surgeons, you’ll want to go in person and have a consultation. An experienced surgeon will ask you what you hope to achieve from a facelift and share their opinion on the best procedure for you. Ask them to see a portfolio of the before and after photos of clients who have had that procedure. Do they still look like the same person? Did they get a similar effect to the one you desire? 

Whoever you choose to perform your facelift should be someone you trust. After walking out of the consultation with your plastic surgeon, you should feel comfortable and confident. If you leave feeling any doubts, consider meeting with another surgeon. 

4. Be Prepared to Follow the Pre and Post-Op Directions 

After your consultation, your doctor will provide you with clear instructions to follow as you move toward your procedure date. They will include specific information to follow before your surgery.  They will include things like: not eating solid food after midnight, how to prepare for anesthesia, and having a friend or family member available to drive you to and from the procedure. 

Your surgeon will also provide resources to help you care for your skin once you’ve recovered. This will include regularly applying sunscreen and retinol or collagen boosters to help you achieve lasting results. Be prepared to change up your skincare regimen to maintain your new youthful appearance. 

5. Leave Yourself Adequate Time for Recovery 

Before booking your surgery, make sure you give yourself enough time to recover fully. Avoid scheduling any important events around your surgery date. While you may feel better two to three days post-op, swelling and bruising will take some time to go down and have you looking refreshed. You will need a minimum of one to two weeks off work to allow your skin time to heal after the procedure. 

Choose a surgery date when you know you can take that time off work and have the necessary support at home. You will experience some numbness and tightness of the fact during this period, but most patients do not suffer extreme pain. Your doctor will provide pain meds, so you are not too uncomfortable during this time. 

A facelift can help you gain confidence back in your life by turning back the clock on your face. After recovering, you will have results that can last up to ten years with a proper skin care regimen.