Facial Rejuvenation Surgery – An Insider Look At Keys To Natural-Looking Results
What do you think is the biggest fear for facial plastic surgery patients?
Surprisingly, for most, it is not the actual surgery or the recovery. While these are key considerations, the biggest worry is that the surgery will make them look fake.
Dr. Leo McCafferty—a board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon with more than 25 years of experience—confirms this to be true.
“My patients always ask about the risks and the recovery, but they are most concerned about achieving natural-looking results,” Dr. McCafferty explains. “No one wants to look like they’ve had plastic surgery. Nobody wants to hear, ‘Hey, that’s a nice facelift you’ve had.’”
This is not all that surprising considering how easy it is to spot bad plastic surgery—and how horrible the feedback can be when it is noticeable. Social media does not hold back its judgment for movie stars who no longer look like themselves—or for normal folks who simply wanted to look better.
This begs the important question: How do you get natural-looking results?
For the purposes of this piece, we asked Dr. McCafferty to tell us about one area of his expertise—facial rejuvenation. This surgery typically involves a combination of procedures to restore sagging cheeks, jowls and neck to a more youthful appearance.
Specific modifications for facial rejuvenation might include:
Traditional facelift
Mini-facelift
Eyelid rejuvenation
Necklift
Forehead lift
Facial fat grafting
“Anyone seeking plastic surgery should only partner with a board-certified plastic surgeon, preferably one with vast experience in the procedure or procedures they want done,” he advises.
According to Dr. McCafferty, the first step to a natural-looking facial rejuvenation is obvious, but sometimes overlooked—only work with an expert plastic surgeon. “Anyone seeking plastic surgery should only partner with a board-certified plastic surgeon, preferably one with vast experience in the procedure or procedures they want done,” he advises. Board certification ensures that the doctor’s knowledge and expertise have been tested and proven. Dr. McCafferty is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only board recognized by the American Medical Association’s American Board of Medical Specialties for the practice of plastic surgery on the entire body.
As further proof of the doctor’s expertise, Dr. McCafferty encourages patients to ask the doctor additional questions like:
Is the surgical facility for the planned procedure licensed and credentialed?
Does the doctor have privileges to do the same procedure in an accredited hospital?
Is the doctor a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)?
Does the doctor participate in the American Board of Plastic Surgery Maintenance of Certification program?
A “yes” to each question indicates your doctor is qualified to perform your desired procedure, up to date on the latest techniques, ethically sound, and operating in a safe and modern facility.
Dr. McCafferty also recommends that patients do their due diligence when choosing a plastic surgeon. Find out where the plastic surgeon trained. Check with your primary care physician and other trusted healthcare professionals in your community for an opinion. Also, speaking to a willing patient or two of the doctor you are considering can be very helpful. Be careful basing a decision on before/after photographs because every face is different and your result will be, as it should be, unique to you.
Once you have found your surgeon, be sure to work with that doctor to set realistic goals. “Each person is unique, ages differently, and therefore, each operation should be customized,” Dr. McCafferty explains. “Skin elasticity, resilience, sun damage and other environmental and health factors profoundly affect how a facial rejuvenation will be designed for each patient…and the level of results the patient can expect.”
Your health is also an important consideration. “One of the first things we evaluate during our consultation process is the patient’s overall health.”Dr. McCafferty says. “We work with the patient’s primary care physician to ensure safety. The fact of the matter is that plastic surgery is surgery and understanding the patient’s medical status is most important for a successful, safe outcome.”
Dr. McCafferty summarizes: The results from today’s facelifting procedures have never been more rejuvenating and natural. Recovery time is short and the process extremely safe. Make sure to find a surgeon with a high degree of training, skill, experience, and a willingness to work with you and your expectations.
