Questions To Ask Melbourne Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Richardson Before Facelift Surgery

Before having a facelift, it’s important that you understand the details of the surgery and how it will be tailored to your individual needs and features.

A consultation is a great time to get specific details about the procedure and how it can be tailored to suit your facial features and goals. It’s also an opportunity to ask any questions you have and gain clarification on anything that you’re unsure about.

In this blog, we’ll give you some ideas of what kind of questions you can ask your surgeon during your consultation. Remember that there are no limits on how many questions you can ask, and you should always feel welcome to seek all of the information you need.

What type of facelift procedure will suit my needs?

There are a few different surgical techniques that fall under the general category of a facelift, so it’s important that you know exactly what your surgeon is recommending for you.

A facelift will generally address the lower face and neck, but not every procedure will extend to the neck. Some approaches focus more on the lower cheeks and jawline only.

A traditional facelift typically extends to the SMAS layer, while others might involve a deeper technique, like a deep plane facelift. The method used will usually depend on your anatomy, the extent of tissue laxity, and other factors that can vary from patient to patient.

Getting clear on the type of facelift that will be performed is important, because the exact type of procedure will indicate the extent of the results that can be achieved and the intensity of the recovery period that follows.

Where will the incisions be placed, and what kind of incision pattern will be used?

Incision placement is something that will be worth asking about, as it can differ depending on the technique and will determine where any scarring will be.

Most of the time, facelift incisions are made at the edge of the temporal hair tuft and around the ear, but exactly how far they extend (and where they’re hidden) will depend on the approach Dr Jeremy Richardson takes.

You may want to know whether the incision will be placed just at the edge of the hair tuft, in front of the ear, whether it will go behind the ear or along the the hairline at the back of your neck to allow for more work along your neck.

The type of incision used can also depend on whether you’ve had previous surgery performed in the area, how elastic the skin is, and how intensive the procedure will be. Talking through the incision plan gives you a better understanding of where the scars will be located, how they’ll heal over time, and what kind of long-term visibility you can expect.

How long will my recovery realistically take?

Since healing will always vary to some extent from patient to patient, it’s important that your surgeon gives you a general idea of what to expect at each stage, specifically considering your personalised surgery.

Generally, the first two weeks of recovery will be the most physically noticeable, but some of the deeper healing can actually continue for months afterwards.

It can be helpful to ask specific questions like when the initial swelling should begin to subside, how long bruising may last, and when you’ll realistically be able to return to everyday activities, including work or exercise. Dr Jeremy Richardson will also explain how long you’ll need to wait before doing anything physically demanding and when follow-up appointments will be scheduled.

Generally, patients take 2-3 weeks off work, and can resume light physical activity after this period; but no heavy lifting, twisting or straining until 6 weeks after your operation. Dr Jeremy Richardson recommends patients return to social activities where they may be photographed at week 8 after your facelift, but you are often ready for this before then.

There’s also the matter of incision site care – you should discuss how to look after the incision sites, the other specific steps you will need to take and when you can wash your hair or apply skincare products again.

What will my longer-term results look like?

A facelift can achieve significant changes to the lower face and neck, but the way the results develop over time can vary quite a bit from person to person.

It’s helpful to ask about how your facial tissues will change and heal over the following weeks and months after surgery, and how soon you can expect the final result to take shape.

You might also want to talk through how long the results typically last. While a facelift won’t be able to stop the ageing process entirely, the procedure can still create a permanent change with quite long-lasting results.

You can also talk about how ageing may continue in the areas that weren’t addressed with the surgery, and other changes you may need to expect in the future.

Will my previous surgeries or current health affect my suitability for the procedure?

If you’ve had any facial surgeries in the past, even if it was many years ago, make sure to let Dr Jeremy Richardson and his team know before and during your consultation. This includes any facial implants, old scarring from previous procedures, or even things like sinus or dental procedures, as they can sometimes impact how the facial structures respond to surgical procedures. Dr Jeremy Richardson will also ask about your general medical history, as some conditions may influence your fitness for surgery, healing or increase the risk of certain complications.

Some lifestyle factors might also be worth discussing. Factors like smoking or even higher levels of sun exposure over time can influence how the skin responds after surgery. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be a suitable candidate for a facelift, it just means that some additional planning may be needed.

What kind of aftercare and support is included?

Knowing what kind of care will be provided after your facelift is just as important as knowing how the surgery will be performed.

During the consultation, Dr Jeremy Richardson and his Patient Coordinator will talk you through the aftercare process, including how often you’ll be seen for check-ups, and what kind of support is available if you have concerns after the procedure. You should also ask about how to contact our clinic if anything unexpected comes up during your recovery, and steps you could take independently if you have any concerns.

Book your consultation in Melbourne with Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Richardson

With a high level of training and experience, Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Richardson can perform both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, focusing on facial plastic surgery.

He has international fellowship training and has developed a specialised interest in facial cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including facelifts, brow lifts, neck lifts, blepharoplasty, upper lip lift, facial implants, forehead reduction / scalp advancement, facial fat grafting and rhinoplasty. Apart from facial procedures, he can also perform surgery on the breasts, body and skin.

When you’re ready to book your facelift consultation with Dr Richardson in Melbourne, please feel free to contact our team. You can request a consultation or submit an enquiry on our website, or you can call or email us if you have any questions.