Written by: Cathy Carter
If you are considering procedures for loose skin, you should talk to an expert. Here are questions to ask your doctor before getting a skin tightening.
Sagging skin is often a natural part of the aging process and annoyingly, one of the hardest to address.
So, what’s the solution? Getting a skin tightening.
If this is something you’re considering, you’re not alone. In fact, 28% of 18-24-year-olds and 31% of 25-34-year-olds have had some form of cosmetic treatment.
So, if you’re wondering whether to get your skin tightened, we encourage you to ask your doctor these seven questions beforehand.
The answers will provide all the info you need to make an educated decision about the procedure, and should give you a better idea of what to expect.
Does that sound good to you? Great. Let’s dive in!
- Are You Board Certified? If So, by Which Boards?
Choose a plastic surgeon that is qualified to perform this specialized surgery. Before undergoing a facelift, ask him or her if they have been board certified.
They should have certifications from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and be a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).
Checking certifications will give you peace of mind that the doctors in question have the necessary knowledge and experience.
For non-surgical treatments, make sure the specific treatment you are receiving has received FDA-clearance. You should also ensure that the provider has received adequate training to administer the procedure effectively.
- How Many Skin Tightening Procedures Have You Performed?
To gauge a plastic surgeon’s level of experience, it’s always a good idea to ask how many of these procedures they’ve performed in the past.
You certainly don’t want to be a practice subject for an inexperienced doctor. If you’re unsure, a surgeon with ten or more years of experience is your safest bet.
- Can I See ‘Before’ and ‘After’ Photos?
You should also request to see “before and after” pictures of different facial types. These can give you a general idea of the quality of work you can expect, and whether you are satisfied with the results you see.
Look for similarities to your own face shape and skin tone to make sure the surgeon has experience with the traits that apply to you.
- What Does the Procedure Involve?
Transparency and communication are essential when you trust a plastic surgeon to perform a significant procedure on your face. That’s why they should easily be able to explain the process to you in a way that you can understand.
Facelifts are performed either in a plastic surgeon’s office or in a hospital. The procedure requires either local anesthesia or general anesthesia. A facelift involves making an incision above the hairline and near the ears.
Non-surgical treatments are available that leave the skin where it is, but deliver deep heating to layers of the skin to stimulate tightening and lifting.
Renuvion, also known as j-plasma, is another skin-tightening solution that achieves similar results to a facelift with less downtime. It uses a helium plasma device that shrinks tissue when applied to the skin.
- How Long Will the Procedure Take?
The length of procedures depends on the specific procedure and the extent of work being done. Standard facelifts can take between three and four hours but may go on for as long as six hours.
This is usually the case when combined with eyelid or brow surgery. There are also mini and ‘weekend’ facelifts available that can be done in under two hours. Familiarize yourself with what to expect and what procedures are available to you.
Several treatments might be necessary if you’re undergoing non-surgical procedures, and you might only see results after two or three months.
- How Safe Is a Facelift? What Are the Risks?
If you’re getting a skin tightening, you might be worried about the safety of the procedure. Talk to your doctor about this. They should be able to explain any risks to you and put your mind at ease.
The facelift procedure is generally quite safe and very popular. It’s worked wonders for thousands of patients and boasts meager complication rates.
That being said, risks may include minor bleeding, bruising, or infection. In some cases, there may be slight scarring and temporary loss of muscle sensation. Alternative, non-surgical treatments like Ultherapy and Thermage usually aren’t painful.
Patients may experience a heating sensation, but there are ways to make the procedure more comfortable and manageable. New treatment protocols work with lower energy levels for the same results and are a more comfortable experience.
- What Should I Expect After the Surgery?
Of course, the impact of the procedure doesn’t end with the surgery. Afterward, your doctor will likely prescribe you medication to help you cope with the initial pain.
It should take about three days for you to feel better, but the swelling and bruising may take you out of work or social situations for about two weeks. Make sure you know beforehand what to expect so you can make all the necessary arrangements.
If you’re undergoing a non-surgical treatment, you might be able to return back to normal the day after. Your doctor should also be able to suggest a skin care program to keep your skin in good condition long after the procedure.
Getting a Skin Tightening? If So, Do So Informed and Prepared
Now you know the seven things to ask your doctor before getting a skin tightening. Hopefully, posing and answering these questions will give you a good understanding of this procedure before you commit to having it done.
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