Initial Facelift Consultation: How To Prepare and What To Ask Your Surgeon
Your facelift consultation will help you learn more about the procedure, determine whether you are a suitable candidate, discuss the results that can be achieved, and ask any questions you may have.
To get the most out of your consultation, you can prepare by thinking about the results you want to achieve, knowing the right questions to ask, and getting an idea of what makes a suitable candidate.
When you’re ready to book your consultation, get in touch with our team on the Gold Coast or in Ballina to book with either Dr Layt or Dr Cheng.
Getting clear on the results you want to achieve
Before your facelift consultation, you should think about the results you want to achieve with the procedure so that you can clearly discuss your goals with your surgeon. Having a clear vision allows your surgeon to tailor the procedure to meet your specific needs and expectations.
A facelift can address lost skin elasticity and muscle tone on the face and neck, as well as wrinkles and deep lines. It can also address jowls, the appearance of the jawline, creases between the base of the nose and the corner of the mouth, and the appearance of the chin.
The type of results you want to achieve will be entirely personal to you, based on your personal preferences and needs. When you have your consultation, your surgeon will gain an understanding of your goals and can discuss what can realistically be achieved.
Asking your surgeon the right questions
During your facelift consultation, asking detailed and specific questions will help you fully understand the procedure, its potential results, whether the procedure is right for you, and what to expect throughout the process.
Firstly, you should ask your surgeon about the results that can be achieved based on facial structure, skin condition, and age. As we discussed above, having a good understanding of what the surgery can achieve will help to manage expectations and help you decide if it’s the right procedure.
Next, ask your surgeon about preparation and recovery steps. Your surgeon should be able to outline the steps you’ll need to take to prepare for a facelift and what you can expect during recovery. Understanding the recovery timeline, including how long swelling, bruising, and discomfort will last, helps you to prepare mentally and logistically.
You should make sure to discuss the potential complications of a facelift, such as scarring, infection, or nerve damage, and how your surgeon plans to minimise these risks. All surgeries result in some degree of scarring, but asking your surgeon where the incisions will be placed, how noticeable scars will be, and what steps you can take to minimise scarring will help you know what to expect.
No question is too silly to ask. We recommend taking some time before your consultation to write down any questions or concerns you have about the procedure so that you don’t forget to ask them during your consultation.
Last, but not least, we recommend asking your surgeon about their experience and qualifications. While Dr Layt and Dr Cheng are both highly experienced surgeons, it’s always wise to get to know your surgeon and familiarise yourself with the essential qualifications needed to perform procedures to a high standard.
Knowing what makes a suitable candidate for a facelift
One of the purposes of your facelift consultation is to determine if you are a suitable candidate. Before your consultation, we recommend becoming familiar with what makes a suitable candidate for the procedure and preparing to discuss any past or current health factors that may impact your suitability.
A suitable candidate for a facelift is someone in generally good physical health, as the procedure requires the body to recover and heal properly. Candidates with serious medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease, may face higher risks during surgery, so it’s essential to provide your surgeon with a complete medical history.
Skin quality is another important factor. Those with skin that still retains some elasticity tend to be suitable candidates, as the skin can adapt and conform to the underlying changes made during surgery. Although facelifts are commonly performed on individuals in their 40s to 60s, age alone is not a determining factor. What matters most is skin condition and overall health.
Non-smokers are typically more suitable candidates, as smoking impairs healing and increases the risk of complications. If you smoke, most surgeons will ask you to quit for a period before and after surgery. Maintaining a stable weight is also important, as significant fluctuations can affect the longevity of the results.
If you’ve had previous surgeries, especially on your face, your surgeon will want to assess how those procedures might affect your facelift. Scar tissue from past surgeries or treatments could impact how your skin heals, and other factors should be considered before proceeding with your surgery.
Your surgeon may consider some additional factors when determining your suitability, which you can discuss during your consultation. Your surgeon will thoroughly assess your suitability for the procedure.
Plastic Surgeons Dr Craig Layt and Dr Paul Cheng at The Layt Clinic, Gold Coast and Ballina
Before booking your facelift consultation, you should make sure that you choose a highly experienced and qualified plastic surgeon.
With locations in Southport on the Gold Coast and Ballina in New South Wales, Dr Layt and Dr Cheng are fully qualified plastic surgeons with experience performing a variety of types of plastic surgery.
Dr Craig Layt is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who has been providing Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery services to the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers Regions for over 23 years.
Dr Paul Cheng is a Specialist Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgeon, who extensively trained in New Zealand before relocating to Australia. He currently provides specialist services in the private sector at The Layt Clinic.
Contact our team at The Layt Clinic to book your facelift consultation. You can also read more about our surgeons’ experience and qualifications here.