If you are considering a facelift, there are good odds that you are already digging deep and doing your research. This cosmetic procedure may be quite common, but it is still a major surgery. It is not something that you should undergo without extensive research into the procedure and into the surgeon you’re considering.

Sydney Plastic Surgeon, Dr Chaithan Reddy, has gathered some of the most important questions that you should be asking prior to making your decision to undergo the facelift procedure.

How many facelift procedures have you completed?

It’s important that you select a plastic surgeon who has ample experience performing the facelift procedure. Facelift procedures require precision and delicacy in order to achieve the best in natural results. Some patients may feel uncomfortable or may not want to be rude in asking this question. However, Dr Reddy is always happy to discuss his experience and his expertise.

If you feel any hesitation about asking this question, keep in mind that Dr Reddy would be likely to ask a surgeon he was consulting with this very same question.

An experienced and confident surgeon will be more than happy to share information with you.

Is the facelift surgery right for my needs?

The truth is that the facelift procedure may not be the right choice for you to meet your aesthetic goals. There are several other less invasive cosmetic treatments or procedures that may be the better choice to help you meet your needs. This is why it is so important that you meet with a qualified surgeon in whom you can place your trust. The right surgeon will help to guide you in the direction of the procedures that are truly the best option for you. During your consultation with Dr Reddy, he’ll be able to give you an honest opinion that will align with your aesthetic goals.

Am I a good candidate for a facelift?

Not every patient is going to be the right candidate for a facelift procedure. You should be in good health and have reasonable expectations for the results of the surgery. You may not be the ideal candidate for a facelift if you have one or more serious health conditions. These could include high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease or a bleeding disorder.  Optimal body weight is also desired, as a high body mass index (BMI) can bring with it a series of additional complications, particularly when you are under anaesthesia.

Your mental health is also just as important as your physical health. Patients who are depressed, or otherwise struggling with mental health concerns, should not consider any major surgical procedures that can impact their appearance.

Your surgeon may ask that you make a few changes before you undergo the procedure, including the following.

• Smokers should stop smoking for up to a month prior to surgery. Smokers should avoid smoking for several weeks after surgery. Smoking can impact the blood vessels in the body, and have an impact on the body’s ability to heal.
• Some medications or supplements may need to be stopped. Many can lead to extensive bleeding during surgery or may hinder healing.
• If your weight is not in healthy ranges you may need to lose some.

Can I see a gallery of before and after photos of previous patients?

Viewing a gallery of the results that previous patients have seen can help you to better understand the level of work that your surgeon is capable of. It can also help you to gain a realistic understanding of what your results might be. Dr Reddy can offer you a gallery of his work to look at here.

What are the potential complications of this surgery?

No surgery can be considered to be risk-free. Understanding the potential for complications can help you to better determine whether this is truly the right choice in cosmetic procedure for you.

There are several normal and expected side-effects of any major surgery, including swelling, bruising and some discomfort. Serious complications may occur, but they are quite rare. The most frequently seen complications of any surgical procedure is infection and bleeding. Beyond these two concerns, each procedure will carry its own complication potential. Dr Reddy and team will provide you with details about any complications that may impact you.

What anaesthesia will be used for my facelift?

It’s quite important to discuss any potential risks of anaesthesia with Dr Reddy. There are several types of anaesthesia. Each has its own set of benefits and potential risks. If you’ve ever had an issue with anaesthesia in the past, it’s vital that you make Dr Reddy aware of this.

How long does the surgery last?

No two surgeries are alike. The length of surgery can vary, based upon the individual’s needs. The surgery could last between 90 minutes and several hours depending on the number of facial rejuvenation procedures being undertaken. During your consultation with Dr Reddy, you’ll be provided with an individualized estimate for your surgery.

What is the recovery like after a facelift?

The recovery experience can vary greatly between individual patients. We recommend that our patients plan to spend between two and four weeks recovering from the surgery.

The first few days recovering at home may be a challenge. It’s recommended that you have a family member or friend stay with you.

The postoperative swelling and bruising will settle drastically after the first week recovering at home. Patients should use cold compresses to help with the management of the bruising.

How much discomfort or pain can be expected?

The team will make every effort to minimise your discomfort during recovery. A pain management program could include prescription pain relievers and recommended over the counter pain relievers. Most patients find that they don’t need pain relievers past the first week, with many patients no longer needing the prescription pain relievers after the second or third day of recovery. Once the bruising and swelling subsides, so will much of the discomfort.

Rest assured, Dr Reddy will cover every aspect of the surgery itself and postoperative recovery expectations. You will be provided with specific aftercare instructions. These instructions will detail how you should be managing your recovery at home. The goal is to ensure that your postoperative downtime is minimal and is as comfortable as is possible.

If you have any questions or concerns about your postoperative recovery, Dr Reddy and team are just a phone call away.