Not everyone is a good candidate for facial plastic surgery, especially a delicate and involved procedure like a facelift. If you have been denied surgical care by a facial plastic surgeon, you might want to stop and reassess the situation. This way you can resolve any problems that may be getting in the way. Barring disqualifying health complications, these guidelines will give you the best shot at eligibility before your second consultation.
- You are a smoker. Smoking is hazardous to your health even without surgery to complicate things. When it comes to smoking and surgery, however, the dangers are much more imminent. The nicotine in cigarettes actually constricts the blood vessels, which can make it difficult for your face to get the appropriate levels of blood (and the oxygen it contains) to heal properly. Smoking has been linked to a number of post-surgical complications, so surgeons recommend you stop smoking for three weeks before and three weeks after any surgery to be safe.
- You have a health condition that delays healing. Some prospective patients must be sidelined because of medical conditions that could interfere with surgery or the healing process. Having an elective procedure can be dangerous with one of these conditions, which may include diabetes, high blood pressure, a bleeding disorder, severe allergies, high cholesterol, and arthritis. Not all of these conditions are prohibitive to surgery, but you will definitely be evaluated on an individual basis to determine if a facelift is the right fit for you.
- You are overweight or obese. Being overweight or obese can lead to problems during and after your facelift surgery. Overweight or obese patients tend to have one or more of the conditions mentioned above, making it difficult to heal properly and increasing the risk of harmful complications. Beyond the immediate health threats, being overweight can also affect your results. If your facelift is completed when you are 50 pounds overweight, for example, may change your results. If the composition of your face changes drastically, you won’t be as happy.
- You take certain medications or supplements. Yes, it’s true: every medication, vitamin, and supplement you take can put you at risk for an interaction with another medication or something worse. Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding what pills you can and cannot take. Aspirin and other NSAID pain relievers can increase your risk for bleeding during and after surgery. Some all-natural supplements can also cause similar troubles for facelift patients, so stop taking everything for at least one week before your procedure.
- You have unrealistic expectations. Facelift surgery can create dramatic results for the right patient, but even this surgery has its limitations. Before going in for your consultation, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the surgery and what your realistic expectations might be. Take a peek at your facial plastic surgeon’s before and after photos for a good idea of what types of strategies could work best for you. If your expectations are too lofty, your end results are going to be disappointing no matter what they are. Having realistic expectations is not exclusive, yet it could help prospective patients learn more about this surgery.
The Ideal Facelift Candidate
Facelift surgery is a popular procedure that addresses many signs of aging on the face. The surgery involves tightening the sagging skin, lifting and tightening the underlying sheet of tissue, and even removing the fat cells that have collected around the chin and jaw. The surgery is an outpatient procedure often performed under general anesthesia.
The ideal candidate for a facelift should be experiencing some signs of aging, especially around the lower portion of the face. In addition, he or she should be in good overall health, not smoke, and have realistic expectations for the results.
Schedule Your Facelift Consultation Today
To learn more about your facelift surgery options, contact Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists. Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein is a facial plastic surgeon that can provide the guidance you need. Please contact us either by email or calling 845-863-1772. Dr. Rubinstein’s practice, Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists, has two locations in New York, one in Newburgh and one in Manhattan.
Dr. Rubinstein has been practicing in the Hudson Valley for more than 15 years and specializes in esthetic laser producers, facial plastic surgery, nasal, and sinus disorders. He uniquely combines his medical and surgical expertise to help patients feel better and look better. He holds dual board certification from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, is a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery, and is an Assistant Professor at New York Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.
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