Facelift is one of the popular cosmetic surgery procedures for people in the age group of 40 to 70 years. Pre-op consultation is an important component of the facelift treatment process. Surgical planning for the procedure will be largely based on the outcome of this consultation.

Dr. Eric Yavrouian is a fellowship trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and board certified otolaryngologist providing facelift and other procedures to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles CA, and surrounding locations.

Health Assessment

The first step in the facelift cosmetic surgery consultation process is whether the person is a suitable candidate for this procedure. The first concern will be to assess the current health condition of the candidate and evaluate whether any existing medical condition may interfere with the procedure or hinder the recovery process.

The surgeon will seek to learn about the patient’s medical history, current or recent medications, and previous surgeries. If necessary, a few medical tests may be ordered to be sure about the candidate’s fitness to undergo facelift. According to the patient’s age, body weight, skin type, skin elasticity and other parameters, a facelift may be recommended as an independent procedure or in conjunction with another surgical or non-surgical option.

Evaluating Personal Goals

Some patients may want a dramatic improvement in their facial appearance to take several years off the face. On the other hand, there may be a few patients who only want a subtle lift to the face without making the changes very obvious to others. A patient may be interested in a more comprehensive treatment involving both face and neck sculpting and combining upper face procedures along with lower and mid facelift.

Therefore, depending on the individual aesthetic needs, goals and aspirations of a patient, the surgeon will determine an appropriate surgical plan. During the consultation, the surgeon will explain the pros and cons of each treatment approach, and help the patient make the right choices. Experienced facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Yavrouian receives patients from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles CA, and nearby areas.

Addressing Doubts and Concerns

The surgeon will encourage the patient to ask any questions related to facelift procedure, surgeon’s credentials, estimated costs of the procedure, and any other doubts and concerns that may be troubling them. A stellar surgeon will take out time to address all the questions in a detailed and accurate manner.

The surgeon may also present facelift before and after photos during the consultation process. This will help the patient to form reasonable expectations from facelift. Testimonials of past patients may be shared in order to reassure the patient and provide them authentic insights about the surgeon and the practice from the perspective of a patient.

Guidance and Preparation

During the pre-operative facelift consultation, the surgeon will guide the patient against smoking and taking certain medications for a few weeks until surgery. The patient will be informed about the estimated downtime so that they may arrange for leave from work, professional help at home if required, and arranging for insurance and financing matters as applicable.

For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.

Facelift is one of the established cosmetic surgery procedures, but like any surgical procedure, it is not without potential risks. Risks can be minimized as long as the procedure is performed by an authoritative and experienced facelift surgeon.

Dr. Eric Yavrouian is a fellowship trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and board certified otolaryngologist providing facelift to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles CA, and surrounding locations.

Potential Risks

Some of the risks associated with facelift cosmetic surgery include:

Adverse Reaction to Anesthesia

While anesthesia is extremely safe for most patients, it can pose risk in rare cases. Particularly, individuals with a pre-existing health condition may be more vulnerable. An experienced anesthesiologist and a surgeon will be able to anticipate the risk and avoid it as far as possible.

Infection during or after Surgery

Some risk of infection will exist in any surgical procedure. However, the risk can be minimized when the procedure is performed at a surgical center that follows highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation. Following the facelift procedure, the patient should adhere to the surgeon’s advice for safe and infection-free recovery.

Hematoma

If bleeding occurs below the skin after facelift surgery, it can cause pain, swelling and skin discoloration. Severe cases of hematoma may have to be repaired with surgery. The surgeon will place drains underneath the skin for fluid collection in order to mitigate the risk of hematoma.

Nerve Damage

In rare situations, while performing facelift, the surgeon may cut or nick a facial nerve, which can cause numbness or facial paralysis. In most cases, the damage from this situation is not permanent. In any case, the facelift surgery should only be performed by a dedicated facial surgeon for safe and terrific results.

Scarring

Some amount of scarring is inevitable after facelift surgery. But a skillful surgeon will be able to hide most of the scars in discreet areas. In a few cases, some small marks may be visible if they are not properly concealed in the hair or behind the ear. Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Yavrouian receives patients from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles CA, and nearby areas.

How to Minimize the Risk?

First and foremost, the patient should invest time in choosing the best possible facial plastic surgeon. A stellar, highly skilled, and wonderful surgeon will follow high safety standards to prevent the risk of infection and create a more effective aesthetic outcome. The surgeon will strike the delicate balance between following a conservative surgical approach and meeting the patient’s cosmetic goals and aspirations.

The patient should be transparent and disclose all relevant information to the surgeon during the pre-operative consultations. That will allow the surgeon to plan the facelift procedure appropriately. Unexpected and unpleasant outcomes are avoided when there is a good rapport and a strong relationship of trust between the surgeon and the patient.

Finally, the patient should follow the pre- and post-operative instructions of the surgeon diligently. This will ensure safer and smoother procedure as well as recovery.

For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.