You may not have realized, but finding an expert facelift surgeon will be a vital step after deciding that now is the right time for a facelift procedure. The decision is only the first step in the process to getting the best results possible. You will want to take the amount of time necessary and follow the proper steps in order to find the very best facial plastic surgeon for you. It is essential to recognize that not all cosmetic surgeons are created equal, and prospective patients owe it to themselves to find a true expert who is willing to work for them.
Cosmetic Surgeon vs. Plastic Surgeon
Given the popularity of cosmetic surgery procedures and the money that can be made from them, it is not surprising that many people pose as imposters. Unfortunately, the results can be disastrous, with patients being put at risk for infection and ultimately suffering from a botched surgical procedure. Patients who want to have a cosmetic surgery done — whether it’s a facelift, rhinoplasty, or liposuction procedure — need to make sure they are working with a true medical professional. To know whether or not they are working with a qualified surgeon, patients need to recognize that there are, in fact, differences between cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery.
Cosmetic Surgeon
Cosmetic surgery specifically focuses on improving the physical appearance of a particular part of the body. It improves parts of the body that already function perfectly. For instance, a rhinoplasty that is done strictly for aesthetic reasons is considered a cosmetic surgery. In contrast, a nose job that also addresses medical issues such as a deviated septum is a plastic surgery procedure. While a cosmetic surgeon must have medical training, they do not necessarily have the same medical education background that a plastic surgeon has.
A cosmetic surgeon will have specialized in a different area, such as dermatology, and use training programs such as workshops and seminars to become qualified as a cosmetic surgeon. A cosmetic surgeon can be admitted to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery after they have been practicing as a cosmetic surgeon for a significant period of time.
Plastic Surgeon
A plastic surgery procedure differs from a cosmetic surgery procedure in the fact that it improves the functionality of a body part while at the same time providing aesthetic improvement. A plastic surgery procedure is more than likely medically necessary and often involves the reconstruction of a damaged body part. For instance, patients who were injured in a car accident might need plastic surgery — a procedure that restores their image but also allows them to function once again.
Given the fact that most plastic surgery procedures are deemed medically necessary, all certified plastic surgeons must have completed a residency or fellowship in plastic surgery. When they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, they can further their career by completing training courses, workshops, and lectures in cosmetic surgery.
What Facelift Procedures Would be Best
The aging process is almost always frustrating for patients, but fixing the symptoms of aging should not be a frustrating experience. In order to find an expert facial plastic surgeon, patients should start by doing some personal research. It is vital that all patients understand what they are looking for out of cosmetic surgery, as well as establish realistic goals and expectations for their procedures. Patients will find a lot of valuable information by researching websites, especially information about the many different surgical procedures that are available.
Some patients might be interested in a non-surgical operation, such as the liquid facelift, while others might be looking for an alternative to the facelift, such as fat grafting. A professional surgeon provides their patients with valuable information on every procedure we offer, and a professional surgeon will make sure to highlight the benefits and the risks associated with each option. In addition to this information, there are many before and after images of previous patients available for future patients to peruse. This allows them to get a feel for the work that a cosmetic surgeon or plastic surgeon does for their patients.
Setting Up a Consultation with an Expert Facelift Surgeon
After the research is complete, patients need to set up a consultation appointment with a board-certified surgeon. At this appointment, they should come prepared with any questions or concerns they might have, but they should also come with an open mind.
Professional cosmetic and plastic surgeons prefer to have an open and honest discussion with each patient, allowing them to make their own choices but be guided by expert information. They will perform a complete physical and mental exam to ensure every patient is a good facelift candidate, and they also use state-of-the-art software to give patients an idea of what the end results will be. Every patient leaves with a custom surgical plan created just for them. Only a true expert in the field puts in this kind of time and effort.
Patients need to realize that there are hundreds of different surgeons to choose from when it comes to their cosmetic improvement needs. However, not all of these so-called medical professionals are qualified and up to the task. Patients should look for highly-skilled surgeons with immaculate reputations for being trustworthy. Word of mouth from former patients telling their friends and family is essential in addition to being an educated, qualified facial plastic surgeon and genuinely listening to their patients. The most highly-qualified surgeons specialize in providing patients with customized results that allow them to look naturally beautiful once again.