Preparing for Your Facelift Consultation

Consult with three board-certified plastic surgeons

Meeting with at least three board-certified plastic surgeons gives you a well-rounded understanding of your options, their surgical styles, and the realism of the outcomes they promise. Each surgeon may approach facial rejuvenation differently, so comparing their recommendations allows you to identify who best aligns with your aesthetic goals, medical needs, and personal comfort level. This also helps you spot any outliers—whether someone is over-promising results or suggesting an overly aggressive plan.

Take note of the time they spend with you.

The amount of time a surgeon dedicates to your consultation is often a reflection of how thorough and patient-focused they are. A surgeon who rushes through your concerns or skips explanations may approach surgery with the same mindset. On the other hand, a surgeon who takes time to understand your goals, medical history, and facial structure demonstrates a commitment to individualized care. Your consultation should feel unrushed, informative, and respectful.

Ask questions and take notes.

A facelift consultation can be overwhelming, so bringing prepared questions and taking detailed notes helps ensure you remember all the information needed to make an informed decision. Ask about technique, recovery time, risks, expected results, and alternative procedures. Writing everything down helps you compare surgeons later and prevents important details from getting lost in the moment. During the consultation, take a note pad for your notes and maybe bring some photos of yourself from before you started showing signs of aging. Some great questions to ask during the consultation are as follows:

• How long have you been in practice?
• How many facelifts have you performed in your career?
• How many facelifts do you perform every year?
• When did you last do a facelift?
• Will I be the only surgical patient on the day of surgery?
• Where do you have hospital credentials?
• Where will my facelift be performed?
• Will you be the primary surgeon to do my surgery?
• Do you have students, residents, or fellows that assist in surgery?
• How long do you anticipate my surgery will take?
• What kind of anesthesia will be used for my facelift procedure?

Speak with the surgeon’s staff.

The staff often plays a major role in your overall surgical experience, from scheduling to post-operative care. Observing how they communicate, how knowledgeable they are, and how comfortable you feel with them can tell you a lot about the practice’s culture. A supportive, professional team is a strong indicator of a well-run office and a positive surgical journey.

What information is provided to you about the procedure?

A good consultation should come with clear, comprehensive information about the facelift procedure including written materials, diagrams, or videos explaining the surgical approach including the specific type of facelift recommended, expected results, risks, and recovery process. You should walk away feeling more educated, not more confused. If a practice is transparent and thorough in explaining the procedure, it’s a sign they value patient understanding and safety.

Is it a heavy sales visit?

A facelift consultation should feel educational, not like a high-pressure sales pitch. If you sense that the surgeon or staff is pushing you to book quickly, upgrade procedures, or commit on the spot, it may be a red flag. Ethical surgeons prioritize your safety, readiness, and confidence—not closing a sale.

Is it a heavy sales visit?

A facelift consultation should feel educational, not like a high-pressure sales pitch. If you sense that the surgeon or staff is pushing you to book quickly, upgrade procedures, or commit on the spot, it may be a red flag. Ethical surgeons prioritize your safety, readiness, and confidence—not closing a sale.

Ask to see Before and After Photos.

Reviewing a surgeon’s facelift portfolio is critical for understanding their aesthetic style and consistency. Pay attention to patients like you in age, facial structure, and concerns. Look for natural results, symmetry, and long-term follow-up photos when available. Seeing real outcomes builds trust and allows you to visualize what the surgeon can achieve.

Inquire about hospital credentials.

A surgeon’s hospital privileges confirm they meet safety and competency standards recognized by accredited medical institutions. Even if your procedure is performed in a private surgical center, hospital credentials offer reassurance that the surgeon is vetted and trusted to operate safely. This is a key element of verifying their qualifications.

Make sure you analyze and understand the procedures recommended, quoted for, and on your surgical consent form.

It’s essential to fully understand every procedure being proposed, not just what your surgeon recommends, but what appears on your written quote and your surgical consent form. These documents must meet your expectations. Understanding each item prevents confusion, ensures transparency, and protects you from undergoing unplanned or unnecessary procedures.

Make sure the surgeon you consult with will be the same one doing the procedure. Double-check the surgical consent form for this too.

Always verify that the surgeon you consulted with is the one who will perform your facelift. Some practices use assistants or other surgeons for parts or all of the procedure without making this clear upfront. Confirming the surgeon’s name on your surgical consent form ensures you receive the expertise, experience, and personal care you expected when choosing your provider.