When choosing to undergo a facelift, it’s important to ask the right questions and do your research. We’ve compiled a list of important questions you should ask any facelift surgeon before trusting your face to their expertise.
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What boards are you certified by?
Both of our surgeons (Dr. Thompson and Dr. Henstrom) are double board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. They are members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
2. What percentage of your practice is devoted to facial plastic surgery?
We are 100% devoted to facial plastic surgery.
3. Am I a good candidate for a facelift?
Most patients that come to us for a facelift are good candidates for either a facelift or a MACSlift (mini facelift). In some cases, there are patients that come to us for a facelift that do not need one and are better to wait and consider a facelift down the road. Our surgeons pride themselves on being honest with all patients about procedures they may or may not need.
4. Where do you get most of your patients from?
A large number of patients are referred to us by their friends, family members or other doctors. Many also choose our practice after reading online reviews through online review sites, such as Google and RealSelf.
5. Are there less invasive or even non-surgical techniques that could fulfill my needs?
We do offer Botox, filler and laser treatments at Utah Facial Plastics. Botox and filler treatments can help smooth lines and wrinkles and restore volume where it has been lost. Laser skin resurfacing improves the appearance of the skin and can provide a modest amount of skin tightening. That being said, nothing will lift all layers of muscle and tissue other than a facelift. There are additional treatments on the market for those with mild laxity, such as Ultherapy and Profound, but positive outcomes are less predictable.
6. Can I see before and after photos of facelifts you have done?
Absolutely! We always refer our patients to our website to look at before and after photos. You can view facelift before and after photos HERE.
7. Can I talk to your previous patients about their facelift experience?
Yes, we have a really great program call Facelift Friends that connects you with our other facelift patients.
8. How much discomfort, bruising and swelling can I expect post-operatively?
Most patients do not experience a lot of discomfort after the first 5-7 days. Bruising and swelling typically peaks around 48 hours and starts to reside after that. Patients can expect to be bruised and swollen for about 2-3 weeks after surgery. By 3 weeks, most patients are ready to resume regular activity and are looking great.
9. What are possible complications after a facelift?
Possible complications after a facelift include bleeding, permanent nerve damage, and scarring. During your pre-operative appointment, your surgeon will discuss risks and benefits of facelift surgery.
10. Are you easy to get a hold of after surgery if I have questions or concerns?
After a facelift, both of Drs. Thompson and Henstrom will visit their patients in the hospital the next morning to make sure everything is going well. We also give all of our surgery patients an after-hours number in case of an emergency. During office hours, our office staff is always more than willing to help answer any questions or help you get in touch with your surgeon.
For more information regarding facelift surgery, call us at (801) 776-2220 or contact us HERE.