When you schedule your consultation with a facial plastic surgeon in New York City, it’s usually your first encounter with the person who could become your surgeon, so it’s an important opportunity to ask questions and share your concerns. That time is valuable, so you’ll want to go in with a clear idea of what you want to know. The field of cosmetic surgery is very complex especially if you’re considering a facelift. You may be overwhelmed with questions and have a hard time deciding what to ask.
As a starting point, here are 3 of my favorites — as well as the answers from my perspective.
“What are your certifications, and what’s your experience with facelift procedures?”
Your chosen surgeon should certainly have achieved board certification; that’s the universal standard we have for excellence in surgery. For example, I’m certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology. This dual certification means I’ve proven my competence in cosmetic surgical treatment of the face and neck.
With such a narrow clinical focus, I’ve had ample time to refine my skills, keeping up with the newest and most credible techniques. I typically perform more than 1,000 facial cosmetic procedures each year, my expertise had been highlighted through featured articles in numerous publications, such as Allure, and Harper’s Bazaar.
“May I see before-and-after photos of facelifts you’ve done?”
Before-and-after photos are an excellent glimpse into the actual results a surgeon has achieved, giving you a much more tangible sense of your potential outcome. However, when you look at these photos, remember that each face is different and your personal results may vary from other people. I work closely with each patient to plan facial rejuvenation procedure that makes their face look years younger while preserving unique facial features. You can see before-and-after photos of my own patients in our photo gallery.
“What can I expect recovery to be like?”
We see many patients from out of town, and we do ask them to stay nearby for at least a week after the surgery. Wherever you go for your procedure, it’s important to remain within driving distance of the practice for the immediate postoperative period. This makes it easier to manage your follow-up appointments, and being in close proximity to our office also contributes to peace of mind for everyone.
Depending on the extent of the facelift, patients can expect to spend 1 to 2 weeks away from work. It’s important to do your part to ensure a good outcome and smooth healing. That means paying close attention to your postoperative instructions. Following postoperative recommendation will minimize the risk of complications and help to speed up your healing process. No matter where you are in your postoperative process, rest assured that my staff and I are here to address any concerns that may arise.
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