Ideal Candidate for Facelift

Facelift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that can greatly improve the look of certain signs of aging. Some of the best improvements will be realized when trying to remedy sagging, deep creases, lack of facial muscle tone, and loose skin.

One of the first criteria for an ideal candidate for this surgery is that the problems that they want to remedy are among those that can be best helped by a facelift. Also, the expectations of the patient should match the realistic probable outcome. An ideal candidate is going to understand that while a facelift can improve the appearance of some signs of aging, he or she is not going to look like a 20-year- old after surgery.

Another important consideration is the health of the patient. To be an ideal candidate, a patient will not have any serious health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Some patients with such problems are still able to have the surgery, but will more than likely need to get a waiver from their primary care physician prior to the surgery taking place.

Also, candidates for cosmetic surgery should not be very overweight as this can hinder healing time and lead to other complications during and after surgery. The plastic surgeon who is conducting the assessment will be able to tell a patient if they fall within acceptable weight guidelines. Smoking can also hinder the healing process after a facelift, so an ideal candidate will not be a smoker or will be willing to quit several weeks prior to surgery.

Below is a summary of what it takes to be an ideal candidate for a facelift.

- Problem areas can be corrected with the surgery

- Patient has realistic expectations of the type of results the surgery can provide

- Patient is in good overall health

- Patient is not very overweight

- Patient is not a smoker or is willing to quit

Again, if you do not meet some of the above criteria, you may still be able to have the surgery. You may need to make some lifestyle changes, lose some weight, or get a waiver from your doctor. Remember that a facelift is a fairly extensive surgical procedure. That is why it is important to screen patients carefully to help ensure that the surgery is safe and that the patient will be satisfied with the results.

To learn more about facelift as well as liposuction and breast augmentation and breast implant surgery, it is important to visit our Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania plastic surgery office.