Why You Should Trust Your Face To A Facial Plastic Surgeon
When selecting a facial plastic surgeon, it's crucial to do thorough research to find the right fit for you. With so many surgeons offering cosmetic procedures, each with unique backgrounds and specialties, it's essential to understand how they differ in approach, experience, and expertise. At Utah Facial Plastics, we’re committed to helping you make an informed decision by providing the knowledge and support you need to feel confident in your choice.
Meet Dr. Henstrom, Dr. Thompson, and Dr. Manning—each of whom is a highly trained and experienced facial plastic surgeon with a passion for delivering natural, beautiful results. With years of specialized training in facial aesthetics and a focus on personalized care, they are dedicated to achieving outcomes that enhance your features while maintaining your unique beauty. You can trust their expertise and experience to guide you through every step of your journey, ensuring you receive the best possible care and results.
Board Certification
What is the difference between a board certified facial plastic surgeon and a board certified cosmetic surgeon?

This is incredibly confusing for many patients beginning the research process but also very important to understand. Cosmetic surgery is performed by many types of physicians, and unfortunately, some are not under the guidance of a properly credentialed board. The American Board of Plastic Surgery or American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery are the only boards acknowledged and approved by the National Board of Medical Specialties. Members are held to the highest standards in regards to skills, knowledge, judgment, safety and ethics in their particular specialty. These agencies, and it’s members, are dedicated to continuously improving plastic surgery techniques, furthering intense research and conducting clinical trials driven towards patient safety and outcomes. Those who call themselves cosmetic surgeons typically belong to another board and come from a wide variety of backgrounds that do not relate to cosmetic or plastic surgery.
Why are these standards so important? It’s important that a surgeon understands the full extent of reconstruction when it comes to cosmetic procedures. Not only can they perform the procedure but are more competent at handling any potential problems should they arise.
Hospitals only allow plastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons certified by one of the boards above to perform cosmetic procedures in their operating centers. The credentialing process by a hospital is very thorough and often takes months to complete. The surgeon has to provide proof of competency, training and in accredited residency and the proper board certification. If patients need further care or admittance, it’s important to have a surgeon with hospital rights. If you are unsure about a particular physicians credentials, it’s important to ask about their hospital privileges. Because of their rigorous training, plastic surgeons represent the gold standard. All plastic surgeons are cosmetic surgeons but not all cosmetic surgeons are plastic surgeons.
What is the difference between a facial plastic surgeon and a general plastic surgeon?
A facial plastic surgeon performs cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, head, and neck regions only. They go through one or two years of post-graduate training in general surgery residency and go on to complete at least four additional years of specialty training in neck surgery and facial plastic surgery. A general plastic surgeons training and operating scheduling encompasses full body and facial procedures. Their training includes three to five years in general surgery residency and two years of specialty training in all body areas.

4 Most Important Factors In Choosing A Surgeon
Top Utah Facelift Surgeon States the 4 Most Important Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Plastic Surgeon For You
Drs. Thompson and Henstrom, top plastic surgeons in SLC, Utah give the four most important factors all patients need to consider when looking for the best plastic surgeon for facelift surgery or any cosmetic procedure of interest.
Facial rejuvenation procedures, such as facelifts, Botox, dermal fillers and chemical peels, showed the biggest increase in 2018 from 2017 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgery. Cosmetic surgery, in general, has become more and more popular with 1.8 million surgical cosmetic procedures performed in 2018. This is largely due to the advances in technology providing less invasive, effective procedures. Unfortunately, clever marketing can make a provider or trademarked procedure appear more promising than they actually are. It’s important to do your research before choosing the best plastic surgeon for you.
The first important factor to address is how often a plastic surgeon performs the specific procedure or surgery of interest. If you are interested in a Utah facelift, compare the number they perform to the national average set by The American Society of Plastic Surgery. Do they focus mainly on breast augmentation and occasionally perform facelifts or is it a big bulk of their practice? This is crucial to information when choosing the best plastic surgeon for you. Look at the physician’s credentials and certifications. If it’s a board certified facial plastic surgeon, they are likely performing a much higher amount of facelifts than a full body plastic surgeon.
Secondly, look at online patient and doctor reviews to determine how reputable the plastic surgeon is and what others have to say about their skill level and character. A good source for review information on plastic surgeons is RealSelf.com. Look for reviews from patients who underwent a facelift or your cosmetic procedure of interest to learn more from their experience. It’s also a good idea to ask for patient references at your consultation so you can speak with them personally.
The third important factor to consider is how well your plastic surgeon and his or her staff members answer all of your questions regarding your procedure. Information on how the procedure is performed, possible risks and complications, and what to expect with recovery should be addressed as well as any additional questions you may have. Does your plastic surgeon also listen to your concerns and really understand your goals? A positive facelift result is best obtained when the patient and plastic surgeon are on the same page.
Lastly, it’s important that you trust your plastic surgeon and connect with them on a personal level. You have to go with your gut feeling and put your trust in this person knowing that they have your best interest at heart.
Our surgeons are known for their experience, natural-looking results, and meticulous skill as well as their genuine concern for patient well-being and satisfaction. Our surgeons practice in two locations and other surgical centers along the Wasatch front in Utah.
Utah Facial Plastics offers a wide variety of surgical and non-surgical procedures to correct and prevent signs of aging and enhance overall beauty. Botox, lip augmentation, and dermal wrinkle fillers are popular non-surgical procedures as well as laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and laser hair removal. Surgical procedures offered include blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), facelift, in-office facelift (MACS-lift), rhinoplasty (nosejob), septorhinoplasty, otoplasty (ear-pinning surgery), browlift, midfacelift, and hair restoration. Thompson Facial Plastics may be reached at 801.776.2220.