Facelifts remain one of the most popular procedures for those who want to look younger. In 2020, even amidst a pandemic, there were 234,374 facelift procedures done. This makes facelifts among the top 5 cosmetic surgical procedures for that year.

Getting a facelift can help enhance self-image and confidence, but it can cost an arm and a leg. In fact, the national average for the procedure is between $7,700 to $11,780. Aside from the average surgeon fee of $8,005, there are still other related costs. You’d also have to consider the cost of maintaining your new youthful look after the surgery.

If you were to spend this much on a facelift, you’d naturally want to get the best results possible. Here are five steps you can take to ensure that you get the most out of your facelift procedure.

How to Get the Best Results from a Facelift

1. Choose the best plastic surgeon for your needs.

The success of your facelift depends highly on the surgeon performing the procedure. So, exercise due diligence when selecting a doctor. Referrals from friends and online reviews are helpful but may not always that reliable.

Check these referrals and make sure that the surgeons are board-certified. Look for memberships in professional associations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery. Partnership with trusted establishments such as Palmer Cosmetic Surgery also adds credibility.

Also, make sure that you choose a surgeon who specializes in facelifts. Look for expertise and experience in this particular procedure. Once you have your shortlist, schedule a consultation with two to three doctors to know if their aesthetic style is similar to what you’re looking for and if they would have a good rapport with you. Choose the one you feel most comfortable with.

2. Be honest with your surgeon during pre-operative consultations.

There will be a few consultations before your actual facelift procedure. Use these consultations to establish rapport with your surgeon and to know more about what to expect. Be straightforward with your expectations. Also, be honest about your health condition, lifestyle, and other information relevant to your surgery. These will help your surgeon map out the best surgical plan for you.

3. Prepare yourself for surgery.

To achieve better results from a facelift, your skin must be in good condition before the surgery. Healthy skin paves the way for the best outcomes. If your skin is damaged due to sun exposure, smoking, unhealthy lifestyle, or pollution, get skin treatment months before the surgery to rejuvenate it.

Medical grade skincare can help prep your skin for facelifts. Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and other skin procedures can also aid in accelerating skin regeneration.

If you are taking medicines that have blood thinners, you might have to stop them at least two weeks before surgery. You may also have to stop taking certain herbal supplements. Ask your doctor about these during your consultations.

Of course, having a healthy body can support faster healing. So, get yourself into shape and start living a healthier lifestyle way before your facelift.

4. Follow post-surgery care instructions.

Before your facelift schedule, your surgeon will give you instructions on what to do after the procedure. You’ll likely be prescribed pain medication and topical ointments to alleviate pain and facilitate faster healing. Follow all the instructions religiously to avoid scarring and other complications. Your recovery can take about 2 to 4 weeks, so ease on strenuous activities during this time.

5. Have a consistent skincare regimen after the facelift.

The results of facelifts typically last around 7 to 10 years. But without proper skincare, you’re bound to need more procedures even before that time. To maintain your youthful look, you need to give your skin routine care. Use sunblock, avoid smoking, and maintain a healthy stable weight. Get regular skin treatments and schedule skin rejuvenation procedures every once in a while.

Get the Best Results from Experienced Facelift Surgeons

While all these steps help you get the most out of a facelift, the best outcomes ultimately depend on the surgeon holding the knife. So, make sure you rely only on board-certified cosmetic surgeons who have both the expertise and experience in facelift surgeries.

If you are in the Fort Lauderdale area, schedule a consultation at Palmer Cosmetics Surgery. Aside from their top-notch team of medical practitioners and surgeons, they also have state-of-the-art facilities that ensure you have the best people and equipment for your facelift procedure.