Every year in the United States, people spend more than $16.5 billion on cosmetic procedures. These range from breast augmentation to hair translations to rhinoplasty and facelifts. So if you are thinking about having a little work done you’re in good company and the world really is your oyster.

However, choosing the procedure that you want isn’t the only thing you have to think about. In fact, finding the right surgeon to complete the procedure is equally as important. And with more than 6,900 surgeons to choose from this can feel a little overwhelming.

If you are looking for a facelift surgeon, then it’s important that you find someone who you trust and get on with well. They should be willing to work to produce the results that you are looking for. So how do you find the best facelift surgeon to suit you?

Read on to find out our tips for finding a brilliant facelift surgeon.

Understand What You’re Looking For

Unfortunately, 65% of women who undergo plastic surgery are not completely satisfied with their results. Before you get in touch with a surgeon or start looking up the ‘best facelift surgeon near me’ it is important to think about what exactly you want. This involves considering:

• What has prompted your interest in getting a facelift
• What you expect the results of your facelift to be
• What exactly a facelift procedure involves
• Alternative procedures that may produce similar results
• Collecting examples of the type of results that you’re looking for

Understanding exactly what you’re looking for will help your surgeon determine the best possible procedures for you. For example, let’s say you bring in a photo reference for your facelift. A surgeon will be able to explain exactly what a facelift will achieve and if any other procedures have been involved in your photo reference.

Having a clear idea of what you want to achieve is essential if you are going to be satisfied with your results. So this should be your starting point before you make a facelift surgeon choice.

Look for Recommendations

Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to start searching for a facelift surgeon. In that case, it’s a good idea to start by looking for recommendations.

Obviously, first-hand experience is a great way to find recommendations for surgeons. With more than 56,000 facelifts performed annually in the US, it shouldn’t be hard to find someone to ask about theirs.

You could also speak to your doctor about resources for finding a good plastic surgeon. For example, they may direct you towards the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. These can both provide you with a lot of information about finding a surgeon or clinic for your procedure.

Read Reviews

When looking at reviews, try to search for people who have undergone the same procedure as you recently. This will tell you a lot about the quality of a surgeon’s work now (rather than five years ago, for example.) If you spot any serious red flags on your search, you should look elsewhere immediately.

Look at Before and After Pictures

They say a picture tells a thousand words so make sure you use these resources as well. All reputable surgeons should be able to provide photographs from their procedures to demonstrate their work.

It is important to note, however, that the after photos will usually be taken a little way into the procedure recovery time. This is because a lot of cosmetic procedures take a while to settle before.

For example, your face should settle a month after a facelift and will look its best six months after the procedure. So don’t expect to come out of the procedure looking exactly like an ‘after’ photo immediately.

Check a Facelift Surgeons’ Qualifications

You have to put a lot of trust in your plastic surgeon so you should always make sure that you are using someone with proper qualifications. This means that they should have:

• Appropriate surgical training
• Specialist training in plastic surgery (and in your particular procedure)
• A number of years experience in their field
• Certification from the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (or a similar board)
• A medical license to practice plastic surgery (also known as a USMLE)

Any reputable surgeon will be happy to provide proof of these qualifications for you. So do not be afraid to ask about these when you call or have your initial consultation.

Look for a Personality That You Trust

When choosing a surgeon you obviously want someone who is extremely skilled. After all, this will determine how successfully they are able to deliver results. However, it’s also important to find someone that you trust and feel confident working with.

The ideal facelift surgeon should be:

• Friendly, confident, and professional
• Ready to listen to your concerns and needs
• Empathetic towards any concerns that you might have
• Prepared to manage your expectations
• Ready to answer any questions that you might have
• Able to explain your procedure in a way that is understandable

Meeting a surgeon who is down-to-earth and honest is extremely important. They should be confident in their abilities without needing to showboat their expertise or have an ego. That way you know that they will always put your needs as a patient first throughout your procedure.

Assess Them During Your Consultation

Obviously, finding a personality that you can trust is easier said than done. You might be able to tell a little from a surgeon’s website but you’ll need to meet them in person to really assess them.

An initial consultation is a good opportunity to assess whether or not a certain facelift surgeon clinic is the right place for you. It’s a good idea to look out for:

• Surgeons who don’t rush through your appointment and give you plenty of time to ask the questions you need
• Specific answers to your questions that satisfy you
• Surgeons who are realistic and honest about the outcomes of your procedures

Knowing what to avoid is as important as knowing what to look for. You should steer clear of any surgeons who:

• Try to sell you additional surgeries during your consultation
• Can’t answer your questions or provide vague answers
• Aren’t willing to discuss possible risks or complications
• Employ gimmicky sales techniques
• Make grand promises or sweeping statements about the quality of their facelift techniques

Try to keep these tips in mind during your initial consultation as they’ll help you find a surgeon that suits you.

Don’t Rush the Decision-Making Process

Once you have decided that you want to get a facelift, you may want to get on with the surgery. However, it is very important to take your time when looking for a surgeon.

Speaking to a few different clinics can quickly give you a good idea of what you like or don’t like in a surgeon. This will give you helpful points of comparison and can help you learn more about your planned procedure as well.

A facelift is a procedure that will last you a lifetime so it’s not a decision to rush into. Most surgeons will recommend waiting for two weeks after your consultation before booking any surgery.

This gives you plenty of time to reflect and consider all of your options. It also lets you assess various important factors. This includes thinking about your financial situation and emotional well-being, before undergoing surgery.

Start Looking for Your Perfect Facelift Surgeon Today

As you can see, when it comes to deciding between different facelift surgeon clinics there are a lot of things to consider. Most importantly, you should take your time and collect all of the facts about a surgeon before you make a decision. Keeping these top tips in mind will ensure that you find the best possible surgeon for your procedure.

Ready to start looking for a facelift surgeon to suit you? Then, there’s no need to start Googling ‘facelift surgeon near me’ — get in touch today to book a private consultation. We’re happy to help you find exactly what you need!