In this age of social media selfies and video calls, many of us have become more aware of our appearance and how we look to others. If you feel your appearance is changing more rapidly than you would like, you may be wondering if you are a good candidate for facelift surgery.
While pondering facelift surgery, you may be hesitant to explore this procedure if you are worried about the results looking unnatural. The good news is that with the right preparation, choices, and recovery strategies, you can enjoy beautiful, long-lasting facelift results. Here are our top four tips for maximizing your facelift experience, before and afterward.
1. Do Your Homework Before Your Consultation
A pre-surgical consultation is the opportunity for you to “interview” a potential facelift surgeon and get a feel for his or her personality, bedside manner, and aesthetic philosophy. This meeting is also a chance for you to ask lots of questions that will help ensure you go into the surgery with realistic expectations and will be pleased with the result.. Write down all your essential concerns and bring them with you, at the consultation you want to remember all your questions.
Examples include:
- How long have you been performing facelift surgery?
- Where did you train to become a plastic surgeon?
- How often do you do facelifts?
- Where and how will you complete my surgery?
- Am I a good facelift candidate?
- Will you show me before-and-after photos of your previous facelift patients?
- Are there any risks I should be aware of?
2. Choose the Best Facelift Surgeon
The human body is extraordinarily complex, and each area of plastic surgery requires a set of highly specialized skills. Do not assume every plastic surgeon in your community has the artistic eye and extensive knowledge of facial anatomy necessary to provide you with an outstanding facelift outcome. It is essential to pick someone with comprehensive experience in the procedure you are considering. For example, Dr. Schmidt is double board-certified in plastic surgery and head and neck surgery. He has used his extensive skills to build a practice specifically focused on facial cosmetic procedures.
3. Prepare for Your Recovery
Most facelift patients take 10 to 14 days off work to heal from surgery and focus on their well-being. Consider whether you will have any work-related obligations, projects, or deadlines that might coincide with your recovery period. If so, make sure to finish them early or delegate them to a trusted colleague. If you have younger children at home, you might want to arrange for extra child care and finish chores like laundry and meal preparation in advance. Have plenty of light entertainment on hand, so you do not feel bored or restless while you relax and allow your body to restore itself after the stress of surgery.
4. Carefully Follow Your Post-Surgical Instructions
Dr. Schmidt and his surgical team will send you home with a list of detailed instructions to follow during your recovery. Following these to the letter will ensure a smoother healing process with less discomfort. These include instructions like:
- Avoid strenuous activities and excessive sun exposure
- Sleep with your head elevated
- Take the correct doses of prescription pain medications
- How to take care of your incision sites
- When to return for follow-up appointments
Denver’s Leading Facelift Specialist
If you are ready to learn more about facelift surgery in Denver or Steamboat Springs, Colorado, please contact us today. During your in-person or virtual consultation, Dr. Schmidt will use his knowledge and experience to craft a tailored, facelift plan to meet your needs and expectations.
