Some important decisions. Discussing it through.
The purpose of the consultation is to bring focus and clarity to the concerns that you have regarding appearance of the face and neck, but also a clear sense of direction for change.
All too often, we have a tendency to think that it is the cosmetic surgeon's job to decide what is best for us.
Beauty and the sense of comfort are a very personal matter, and as such becoming involved in the planning of your change is, I believe, fundamental to success.
Some people feel that a very discreet change is all they want, some people seek a much stronger reshaping.
Getting involved with the planning of the face lift surgery is obviously something out of daily experiences, and a little planning beforehand always helps.
Fortunately, technology has evolved in leaps and bounds, and can assist the consultation with sophisticated imaging either on standard photographs or 3-D images, there can be altered to give an appreciation of the possible outcomes.
Essentially, the effort is to try and understand whether the outcome targeted gives you a simple and clear feeling that the direction is right, and an element of degree of change can be pinned down.
Try to write down the points that you are concerned about and considering changing. This will make it easier to follow a structure during the consultation, and more likely to the clarity about procedures that can achieve the changes, there are advantages, and their limitations.
In many ways, facial rejuvenation is not only about restoring a more youthful appearance, but about an artistic, elegant sculpting of the face and neck that gives a clear sense of improvement, but without being an obvious operation to people around you.
Because we are very personal in our appreciation of what is good and what is not, helping to design your change means that you give your cosmetic surgeon a better chance to fulfil your expectations.
At the time of the consultation, using computerised imaging makes it easier to appreciate the volumes of the face, the chin and jawline contour, and how sometimes subtle alterations in these areas are sufficient to change the overall impression that the face conveys.
There are several types of face lifts that can be used as part of a plan of facial rejuvenation, either by itself or in combination with contouring of the neck. Younger patients, with relatively little sun damage, may benefit from a short scar face lift. When the skin laxity is more significant, more extensive changes in the face and neck are necessary to ensure a natural and elegant result. Either way, the main changes happen in the deeper layers of the face and neck, to avoid creating a pulled appearance for the facial skin.
Overall, the decision regarding the type of cosmetic surgery, is a result of an assessment of the starting point, and the amount of change desired.
Designing the changes may highlight additional procedures that would help create the overall result which you seek, either along the lines of enhancement like fat transfer, reductions like buccal fat reduction or liposuction, or a combination with surgery for the eyelids or the forehead.
At the same time, it is important to appreciate the placement of the scars related to the procedure, the recovery period and the after-care, and the risks and complications related to the treatment. Sometimes, medical conditions make it unlikely for more extensive surgery to be safe, and at the time of the consultation it is possible to discuss alternatives, which may be less effective in terms of the changes operated, but safer for you.
Get in touch. Talk to our helpful team or book a consultation with Mr Lucian Ion. Call 0207 486 7757
Ask the surgeon. Have your question answered directly by Lucian Ion, FRCS(Plast) or call 0207 486 7757
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