According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 120,000 people opt for a cosmetic facelift every year. A facelift can restore the contours of your face, take years off of your appearance and nicely complement other cosmetic procedures you may be considering.

Getting a facelift, also referred to as a rhytidectomy, can be a huge decision and one that should be given careful consideration. One of the most important decisions you can make when undergoing a facelift is choosing your plastic surgeon, in whose hands you will be placing your safety and appearance.

Try googling “Seattle facelift surgeon” for example can help you find an initial batch of plastic surgeons near you but you”ll want to thoroughly vet them much further. Here are some tips!

Tips for choosing the right facelift surgeon for you

Look for appropriate credentials

Any plastic surgeon you consider should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only plastic surgery board recognized by The American Board of Medical Specialties. Additionally, look for someone who is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Both ensure that your surgeon meets extremely high practice standards.

Research their expertise

Look at photo galleries of a surgeon’s work before scheduling a consultation. Doing so will give you an idea of how much experience he or she has with performing facelifts.

It will also help you determine his or her “style” – facelifts are as much about artistry as they are about technical skill, so it’s important for you to choose someone who can achieve the look you want.

Trust your gut

You should meet any potential plastic surgeon face-to-face and have an honest conversation about your goals and expectations. During this conversation, pay attention to how the surgeon and staff make you feel. They should be professional, attentive, compassionate, knowledgeable and pleasant.

You should feel comfortable and confident when you leave your appointment. Trust your instincts.

Find out about hospital privileges and accreditations

Understand where the surgery will be performed, and ask about the accreditations of the facility and the qualifications of your care team.

Accredited operating suites will be outfitted with all of the necessary equipment to handle a medical emergency so that you can feel safe and cared for throughout the procedure.

Review testimonials from other patients

Read patient reviews and testimonials – these can be incredibly helpful in getting a more complete picture of what your experience will be like.

These surveys can give insight into important factors such as how the surgeon treats his or her patients, how trustworthy other patients feel the surgeon is and how pleasant or accommodating the office staff are.

The right plastic surgeon makes all the difference

Getting a facelift can be an amazing, life-changing event. Choosing the right plastic surgeon for your procedure can make a significant difference in the experience you have and in achieving your aesthetic goals.