Before scheduling cosmetic surgery, you will have a consultation with your plastic surgeon. During this time, you and your surgeon should have a frank and informative conversation about what your procedure will entail. In this article, Dr. David Magilke, one of Portland’s top facelift surgeons, discusses a few important questions to ask your doctor before facelift surgery.
Experience and Board Certification
One of the most important things to find out from your doctor is whether or not he is a board-certified surgeon. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world, maintains a list of board-certified doctors at https://find.plasticsurgery.org/. Once you find a surgeon whose experience matches your needs, be prepared to ask the following questions:
- At which hospitals do you have privileges?
- How much of your practice is devoted to facelifts?
- Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? (This is the only board in plastic and reconstructive surgery that is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to govern plastic surgeons.)
- Are you specifically trained in cosmetic surgery?
Specific Experience
Plastic surgeons frequently specialize in one or more procedures. If you are seeking a doctor to perform a facelift, you don’t necessarily want to go to a surgeon whose primary expertise is in breast augmentation. A doctor whose practice specializes in facial cosmetic surgery will have experience working with a large variety of facial structures and types. A facial cosmetic surgery practice will also have the most up-to-date technologies for facelifts and other facial contouring procedures. Ask to see the surgeon’s “before and after” photos to get an even better idea of whether or not his surgical style suits your standards.
Recovery and Cost
Aesthetic outcome is likely the most important aspect of your decision, but recovery time and cost greatly factor into choosing a doctor. Depending on your specific procedure, your lifestyle and the types of anesthesia used, recovery time can vary from person to person. Be sure to discuss with your doctor the factors that contribute to how long you are on the mend. It is also very important that you and your cosmetic surgeon have a frank discussion regarding the costs associated with your facelift surgery, so that you can avoid any cost-related surprises. Unless you plan on paying for your procedure upfront, it is wise to ask if your plastic surgeon offers financing options.
Be sure to ask your cosmetic surgeon the right questions before deciding whether or not to undergo facelift surgery. To schedule a consultation with Dr. David Magilke, call Portland Face Doctor at (503) 297-6511.
