Deciding to have plastic surgery is a serious decision with profound consequences. Subject to the procedures chosen (facelift, rhinoplasty, body contouring), one of the main factors impacting outcome is the surgeon that will perform the surgery. The Metropolitan Washington, D.C. area puts a premium on a professional image and holds subtlety as a very high priority. Therefore, finding the right surgeon can only be achieved through diligent research and informed decision making.

Reason Why Surgeon Choice Matters

The heavily commercialized medical marketplace of today has led to an uptick in media advertising by both physicians and non-physicians claiming to specialize in cosmetic surgery. The fact is that anyone who has a valid medical license may legally perform cosmetic surgery; this statement is true regardless of the surgeon’s training and/or experience. This fact allows for tremendous potential personal and health risks when choosing the best plastic surgeon in DC , which elevates the importance of the surgeon selection decision.

In Washington, D.C., baseline characteristics of the metropolitan population require more refined, elegant and non-detectable results for cosmetic procedures. The sentiment expressed by professionals living in D.C., Maryland and Virginia consistently is the following: “I want to look good but I do not want anyone to know how I achieved that look.” Therefore, it is imperative that you find a surgeon that understands and respects your aesthetic needs.

Board Certification: Non-Negotiable First Step

The most important credential to confirm when researching a cosmetic surgeon is board certification by either the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS). Both of these boards are considered to be the gold standard for board certification in plastic surgery, and they are both recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

Having board certification means that your selected surgeon has successfully completed six years or more of surgical training, passed multiple board examinations, only performs surgery in accredited surgical facilities, and complies with continuing education requirements. Watch Out for Deceptive Statements

Saying a surgeon is “board-certified” isn’t good enough, considering anyone holding a simple medical license could legally use that term. The term “Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon” is very misleading. Because the American Board of Medical Specialties does not recognize cosmetic surgery as an independent specialty, members of the cosmetic surgery category could include obstetricians, gynecologists, dermatologists or oral and maxillofacial surgeons who perform cosmetic surgery without ever having completed a plastic surgery residency program.

Always make sure that your surgeon has a member seal from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) or is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) so that you know that they have gone through extensive training and meet high standards of care.

Get the Facts About Your Surgeon

Once you find out if a surgeon is board-certified, do additional research on the surgeon’s medical education and training. For instance, was the surgeon educated at an accredited medical school? Did the surgeon then complete a plastic surgery residency? Did the surgeon have a fellowship in his area of expertise?

Also, phone the surgeon’s office and see if they have privileges to perform your planned surgery at an accredited hospital. Being able to use an accredited hospital means that the surgeon meets a standard of safety acceptable to the hospital; therefore, should something go wrong with your surgery, your surgeon will be accountable for it through his or her peers at the hospital. Look for a surgeon who does a large number of your planned surgery, as experienced surgeons have performed surgeries on different body designs and anatomies, and they will know how to modify their surgical techniques to provide you with excellent results.

Look at the Before and After Pictures

Examining your surgeon’s ‘Before and After’ photos is one of the most telling research steps you can take. During your search for the surgeon that is right for you, look closely at the ‘Before” photos to look for features that are apparent in all of the surgeon’s patients. Some of the characteristics to look for include natural-looking side profiles with slight tapering of the jaw line, youthful appearing cheeks with no evidence of overfilling, location of the surgeon’s incisions, and well-proportioned body parts to create natural-looking body contouring.

Some characteristics that raise red flags include individuals with overly tight and pulled features, individuals with hollow cheeks, identical results on patients who had different types of surgery, and the presence of visible or poorly healed scars.Just because a plastic surgeon has a small gallery of client photos doesn’t mean they’re not skilled at what they do. Many patients who get great results want their results to remain private.

Many factors go into patient reviews, including how good the surgeon is at fostering a good relationship with the patient. Patient reviews are usually given on three main sites that provide honest feedback from real patients. These sites are Healthgrades, Google, and RealSelf. You want to read reviews where patients consistently mention that their results were natural looking, they were educated about the procedure, the expectations were realistic, the staff were friendly, and all patients were treated with respect. You also want to see how the office responded to negative reviews, and you want to see how professionally and constructively those responses were made—this type of response indicates that the office is dedicated to their patient’s satisfaction.

A variety of facial plastic surgery procedures should be available when you consult with a facial plastic surgeon about having surgery performed. The facelift is the procedure that is still considered the “gold standard” for correcting moderate/advanced aging in the face and neck area, however, due to modern surgical techniques that have allowed for more repositioning of the tissues than just pulling the skin tight.

A brow lift is the procedure that will help you get rid of that tired-looking forehead and/or the angry eyebrows, by lifting your eyebrows up and eliminating the wrinkles in your forehead that usually create your tired or angry appearance. Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is performed to remove the excess skin and/or fat from your upper and lower eyelids to give you a more youthful appearance. Rhinoplasty (the “nose job”) provides some of the most difficult surgical artistry that is performed as a result of an artist creating an improved look to the nose and for functional purposes of eliminating any breathing problems you may have. A neck lift is a surgical process that will remove any loose skin, banding of the muscles, and fat from your neck to provide definition to your jawline.

Considerations in Your Decision, Location and Accessibility

The D.C. metropolitan area is very fortunate to have many qualified surgeons who can provide you with the results you are looking for. The D.C. metropolitan area is home to many board-certified plastic surgeons, with offices in Georgetown, McLean, Reston, and other locations that are easily accessible to you.

If you are considering having plastic surgery in Richmond, Virginia, which is approximately two hours south of D.C., you will also find many options for surgeons that you should seriously consider. There are many highly qualified plastic surgeons in and around Richmond, VA, some of whom are affiliated with VCU Medical Center and others who practice at other accredited facilities. Patients seeking surgery from the D.C. area often broaden their search to Richmond, looking for surgeons who have specific areas of expertise or greater availability. Most plastic surgeons will accept health insurance to cover reconstructive surgery, while many also provide financing options including CareCredit or Alphaeon for cosmetic surgery.

When selecting a surgeon, there are several hazards you should look out for. While there are a number of board certified surgeons practicing in the D.C. area, some surgeons may falsely represent themselves as “board certified cosmetic surgeons.” Patients should be aware that the American Board of Medical Specialties does not recognize board certification in cosmetic surgery, which may indicate a lack of training.

You want to choose a surgeon who is able to explain their technique in detail and can provide many before and after pictures. Be cautious of practitioners who advertise “miracle lifts” or gimmicky procedures that sound too good to be true. Also, be careful of “Top Doc” references you may see in magazines, because some of them are just advertisements.

Confirm the surgeon has privileges to operate in the hospital, which signifies that the surgeon meets the same hospital level safety standards that all surgeons must meet. Avoid surgeons who place pressure on you to have surgery, or make false promises. Also, be cautious of significantly lower prices than other qualified surgeons; if something is that much cheaper than most, there is usually a good reason for it.

Consultation

When you go for your consultation, this is your chance to observe how the surgeon interacts with you. To help you evaluate the surgeon, you need to arrive at the consultation prepared with a list of questions. For example, does the surgeon have certification from either the American Board of Plastic Surgeon or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon? How many of these procedures have been done by you? Will this be a good fit for me? Where will I have my operation? Is my surgical facility accredited? What are the risks of the operation? What will my recovery look like? Can I see some before-and-after examples of people you’ve worked on similar to me?

You should have an opportunity to discuss your specific healthcare needs with your surgeon during the consultation; your surgeon should take the time to make sure that you understand your personal treatment plan based on your goals and anatomy. If you’re feeling rushed or like they’re not listening, that’s a warning sign.

What Does Subtlety Mean in the DC Aesthetic Scene?

Washington, DC, has its own unique aesthetic; the city is grounded in a foundation which places value on understated elegance. Individuals who work in government, law, and international business need to present themselves in the best light while ensuring that they do not appear to have “had work done.”

The best surgeons in the DC area respect this cultural appreciation and aim to provide natural enhancements while preserving the individuality of each patient. The intent of natural enhancement is to look your best without appearing to be someone else; augmented but recognizable (refreshed) is one way to describe this philosophy.

Patients Often Combine Procedures for More Comprehensive Results

Many patients will choose to have multiple surgeries performed in one day. The most commonly performed multiple surgeries are facelift/neck lift (total lower face rejuvenation), facelift/brow lift and eyelid surgery (total face rejuvenation), and rhinoplasty/chin augmentation (confirming a balanced facial appearance).

The main reasons for combining multiple surgeries are anesthesia costs, expedited recovery time, and decreased overall costs. Your surgeon will recommend whether multiple surgeries will be beneficial to you based on your health condition, anatomy, and desired results.

The Importance of Setting Realistic Expectations

A plastic surgeon’s most important attributes lie in their honesty about what surgery can accomplish. A good surgeon will educate their prospective patients in establishing realistic expectations before surgery by reviewing the advantages, limitations, risks, and recovery process associated with surgery.

Patients who establish realistic expectations about the results that surgery may yield have been found to report greater satisfaction from their surgical results; patients who do not establish realistic expectations will likely experience dissatisfaction and may question their decision to have surgery.

Take Time to Decide

The most important step along the road to cosmetic surgery is finding the right plastic surgeon. Your results are going to depend more on the ability, skill, and judgment of the plastic surgeon than on the specific procedures used. The best plastic surgeons in Washington will have gone through rigorous training, are board certified, have a specialty in their field, and have a desire to provide high quality, patient-centered care.

Whether you’re considering facial surgery in Washington, DC; Northern Virginia; or Richmond, VA, following the same methods —verify board certification; review credentialing; review before-and-after photos; read patient reviews of the surgeon; and business referral checks — will assist you in selecting a qualified plastic surgeon.Before making your decision, you should take time to consider and evaluate several licensed board-certified plastic surgeons. Schedule consultations with at least two or three qualified plastic surgeons, and then compare their recommendations concerning potential surgery, communication styles, and your comfort level.

As many individuals are increasingly trying to enhance their self-esteem, improve their outward looks, and address the issue of photodamage due to aging, there has been a significant increase in the number of individuals who are undergoing cosmetic (i.e., plastic) surgery procedures. As a result of the many advances in both technology and surgical techniques, the majority of all popular types of surgical and non-surgical treatments are now being performed with greater safety and with a more natural appearance than in the past. Thus, each procedure varies significantly, and understanding what the details of each type of surgical treatment are is an important part of deciding which one is right for you.

If you are considering a plastic surgery procedure in Richmond, VA, you should first educate yourself about the specifics of that procedure, and then carefully choose your surgeon and practice (e.g. “Best Plastic Surgeons In DC”) to ensure both optimal outcomes and appropriate management of your expectations.

The Continued Acceptance and Increased Popularity of Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic procedures (both surgical and nonsurgical) have been continuously increasing in popularity over the last several years. For example, rhinoplasty and facelift surgeries (i.e. facial surgeries), such as facelifts, neck lifts, brow lifting, etc., have become some of the most commonly sought after surgeries due to patients preferring facial rejuvenation procedures that will produce a softer, more natural appearance and less of a dramatic change in their facial features than “old-school” techniques.

Some of the major factors that have led to the increasing popularity of cosmetic procedures are:

1. The Heightened Level Of Awareness Due To Digital Photography And Shared Media
2. The Availability Of Advanced Techniques And Posttreatment Recovery Options
3. The Increasingly Positive Attitudes Of Society Towards Cosmetic Surgery
4. The Desire To Obtain A Long-Term Outcome With A Surgical Look As Opposed To A Temporary Fix Through Injuries/Eruptions

Patients will have a better idea of what procedure they are interested in based on the above list of the most common procedures that are performed. Facelifts (rhytidectomies) are the most commonly performed procedure; therefore, the most common surgical plastic cosmetic procedure to address visible signs of aging on an individual’s face and neck. Examples of the Areas that a Facelift is Most Effective

Facelift Benefits

A Facelift Can Restore A Youthful Contour To The Face For The Following Reasons:

• Droopy cheeks
• Deep lines around the mouth and nose area (perioral folds)
• Loose skin along the jawline
• Aging of the lower face and neck
• Long-term rejuvenation of the facial structure

Unlike fillers and/or Botox, which temporarily improve the appearance of the skin surface by filling in creases, lines, or wrinkles and/or paralyzing the muscles under the skin, a facelift provides long-term structural renovation/result (i.e., the underlying tissue has been repositioned, therefore results will last longer than those obtained by means of fillers or Botox).

Important Facts to Know

Although a facelift cannot prevent aging from continuing to occur, it can re-position the tissues of your face/neck to achieve a more youthful appearance; patients may want to consider additional treatment (e.g., fillers, laser resurfacing) for fine wrinkles or other changes of texture occurring with age, which may require additional procedures.

Potential Risks Associated With A Facelift Include The Following:

• Bleeding or infection
• Scarring
• Temporary damage to a nerve
• Swelling/bruising following surgery

While complications are uncommon, planning properly for a facelift and choosing a qualified surgeon can greatly reduce the chances of complications occurring.

A Brow Lift (Elevation of the Eyebrows) is Another Way to Improve Your Appearance

As you age, gravity and repetitive facial expressions often result in a droopy brow/eyebrow area (also referred to as brow or eyebrow ptosis), causing the following symptoms:

• Hooded/heavy upper eyelids (ptosis)
• Deep furrows/wrinkles between the eyebrows (number 11 lines)
• Deep horizontal furrows/wrinkles (forehead lines) on the forehead

By re-positioning the eyebrows and softening expression lines in the brow, a brow lift offers patients a more youthful, alert appearance.

Things to Consider When Deciding on a Brow Lift

Modern brow lift techniques utilize small incision(s) or endoscopic instruments and therefore result in less noticeable scarring and shorter recovery times. However, there are some risks to consider, including but not limited to:

• Infection or bleeding
• Hair loss near the incision line
• Nerve injury affecting movement of the face
• Changes in sensation of the skin

A thorough discussion of the goals and expectations with an experienced surgeon, such as one of the Best Plastic Surgeons in Washington, DC, will help determine if a brow lift is the best option or if non-surgical options could potentially work.

Neck Lift

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that addresses the loose skin and/or excess fat on the neck area beneath the chin and along the jawline, also commonly referred to as turkey neck.

Why Are Neck Lifts Becoming More Popular?

Patients seeking for more than just a facial rejuvenation often want to improve their entire appearance. A youthful and defined jawline, as well as smooth neck, is an integral part of the overall facial aesthetic. 

The new trend towards neck lifts is gaining momentum, particularly among individuals who have lost a lot of weight or have experienced skin laxity due to aging.

What is Involved in a Neck Lift Procedure?

A neck lift may include:

• Excision of excess skin
• Tightening of underlying neck muscles
• Liposuction to remove obvious fat deposits 

Typically, the surgery is performed in conjunction with a facelift to provide an overall more complete rejuvenation.

What to Expect During Recovery

Within a few weeks of surgical procedures, the majority of individuals will be able to return to their normal activities and lifestyles, even though it may take several months for full recovery.

Using the Best Plastic Surgeons in Washington, DC will greatly assist the surgeon in achieving a natural looking result for their patient by using surgical techniques that fit their specific anatomy.

Botox and Other Non-Surgical Procedures

Surgical procedures are still popular, and one of the most popular non-surgical procedures performed worldwide is through the use of Botox. and can be used for temporary relief of:

• Forehead wrinkles
• Crow’s feet around your eye
• Brow line wrinkles between your brows

Botox is also medically useful for reducing migraines and excessive sweating.

Botox is generally very appealing to people looking to quickly fix their appearance because it is non-invasive and has minimal downtime.

Important Things To Know

Even though Botox is non-surgical, it still requires skill and expertise to achieve a natural-looking result.

Some important facts to consider when deciding whether to get Botox are:

• The effects of Botox last for three to four months
• If Botox is over-used, it can create an unnatural look
• Maintenance treatment is often necessary to maintain and/or prolong the results

Many patients will continue to use Botox in conjunction with surgical procedures.

Selecting a Competent Plastic Surgeon

Choosing the right plastic surgeon is probably the most significant decision that a person can make when it comes to cosmetic surgery.

You should seek a doctor:

• Who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
• Who has extensive experience performing the specific procedure (s) that you desire
• Has provided potential patients with before/after pictures of his or her previous patients
• Demonstrates genuine interest in you and realizes that the best communication starts with an initial consultation to exchange ideas and concerns over your potential treatment

When you are able to review the surgical outcome data, the patient satisfaction scores and other factors, it will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision in regards to selecting your medical professional.

Consulting with plastic surgeons in Washington, D.C., allows you to take advantage of individualized treatment plans tailored directly to meet your unique facial structures, aesthetic goals and other needs and desires.

How To Understand The Risks And Safety

As with any surgical procedure there are always some level of risk. When you understand the risk of your procedure, this will allow you to make an informed decision as to whether or not you choose to undergo the procedure. Factors Considered During Plastic Surgery

• Medical History & Overall Health
• Smoking & Nicotine Use
• Blood-Thinning Medication Usage
• Realistic Expectations for Results

Example: Smokers often experience longer healing times and more complications after undergoing certain surgeries (e.g. facelift).

Surgeons will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether or not the patient is ready for surgery.

Preparation for Plastic Surgery:

Good preparation is essential for a successful outcome; thus, patients should be educated about how to prepare prior to having any procedure performed on them.

In preparing for surgery, patients should do the following:

• Do Not Take Certain Medications or Supplements Before the Procedure
• Do Not Smoke or Use Nicotine Products
• Make Transportation & Post-Operation Care Arrangements
• Follow Pre-Operative Hygiene Directions

Careful preparation can help to reduce complications and facilitate a smoother recovery for people that undergo surgery.

Recovering From Plastic Surgery & Long-Term Results

Patients’ recovery time from surgery will vary by type of procedure; however, on average, patients should anticipate the following:

Swelling/Bruising

• Discomfort (for a limited duration)
• An Improvement In Their Appearance (Gradual)

After your procedure is completed, attending follow-up appointments will be key to ensure the patient heals properly and to address any concerns the patient may have.

Long-term results are affected by many factors including but not limited to:

• Age/Quality of Skin
• Lifestyle Habits
• Amount of Sun Exposure
• Weight Changes

Many patients can have their results maintained for several years through diet/exercise and through periodic maintenance treatments.

Setting Realistic Expectations:

A key component of having cosmetic surgery is establishing realistic expectations.

While cosmetic surgery can enhance the way you look and restore youthful features, it will not stop the aging process or completely change your underlying facial bone structure.

The best surgical outcomes will occur when the patient and surgeon have both established clear and realistic goals.

The best plastic surgeons in Washington, D.C. are able to provide patients with honest and realistic input regarding what their surgical options are and what to expect from them.

Plastic surgery offers a variety of options to those who are interested in enhancing their appearance and/or minimizing the signs of aging. Procedures such as facelifts, browlifts, necklifts, and Botox all offer surgical and non-surgical options for rejuvenation.

What’s most important, however, is to educate yourself about the advantages/disadvantages of each procedure and the terms associated with the procedure you wish to have, so you can select a plastic surgeon that has experience performing your specific procedure(s). When choosing a plastic surgeon in the Washington, D.C. area, it is critical to find a highly-qualified professional to ensure that you receive high quality care and produce a natural result, so that you can continue to feel good about your appearance for many years to come.

Over the years, the demographics of facelift surgery have experienced significant change regarding sex, age, ethnicity, and socio-economic status. This change has created a need for both surgeons and the medical community to understand these shifts as they relate to proper planning for surgery, maximizing results, and achieving patient satisfaction. The goal of the article is to examine how the evolving demographics of facelift surgery will impact the procedure based on a review of literature, expert opinion from industry colleagues, and experience in practice.

How Facelift Patient Profiles Are Changing

The rise in age ranges for patients receiving facelift surgery is one of the most notable changes that has taken place over the years. Traditionally, candidates were usually female and in their 50’s to 70’s; however, today, many individuals (both boys and girls), between the ages of 35-40, and even some in their early 30’s have begun to explore the idea of having a facelift procedure. Younger patients are typically looking to correct early signs of facial aging before they become too advanced by undergoing “mini-facelift” procedures or utilizing non-surgical methods for restoring their facial appearance.

Additionally, the growing usage of social media has contributed to heightened awareness regarding facial aesthetics and has also allowed for people to see more and more images of facial enhancement. Many younger patients are also motivated to pursue facial rejuvenation as it provides them with a competitive advantage, both personally and professionally. There are many ways in which a young man or woman can achieve a facelift, from very minor contouring alone to extensive surgical, minimally invasive, or non-invasive procedures or a combination of all three. There is an evolution of men’s grooming and appearance toward more natural-looking and professional-like results rather than being overtly feminine.

Men’s anatomy is different from women’s and therefore will have different surgery approaches; i.e., thicker skin, different subcutaneous fat distribution, and more pronounced/stronger jawlines. As such, surgeons must modify surgical techniques to maintain the male characteristics of the face, but still rejuvenate the facial features.

Ethnicity and culture will need to play a role in the planning of the facelift. Most techniques have been predominately designed for Caucasian males and will be focusing on facial contouring vs skin tightening for lighter toned skin. However, there are now many more men with different ethnicities who have become interested in facial rejuvenation. The surgeon must take into consideration both the anatomical differences and differences in aesthetic ideal based on the patient’s ethnicity.

For example:

-Asian men may desire more mid-facial lift and/or jawline definition while still appearing very natural.

-Black/African American men will require that the surgeon take into account thicker dermal layers and different fat placement on the face and neck in order to achieve the desired results.

Therefore, the surgeon will need to take into account the ethnic and cultural aesthetic values and perceptions prior to performing the surgery in order to achieve an aesthetic result that is pleasing to the patient and free of over-corrected results.

Socioeconomic Status

Even though there are currently more facelift surgery options available, cost will still be an important consideration for many patients. The historical view for facelift surgery has been that it was for wealthy people, and thus, lower-income people have limited access to plastic surgical services. Therefore, many patients may be limited by their financial resources when considering a facelift and/or when following through with their post-operative care.

Surgeons can help to resolve these disparities by providing clear communication and action while maintaining high quality results.

The Influence of Social Media & Technology

Patients are flooded with digitally altered images, celebrity transformations, and beauty as a result of social media tools like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. These images create an unrealistic standard of beauty and, therefore, heightened awareness of even minor imperfections on a person’s face. As a result of this “selfie effect,” there has been an increase in patients wanting to achieve a more natural look with less-invasive procedures.

In addition to being unrealistic, many patients have very specific expectations. Therefore, it is the surgeons’ responsibility to manage patient expectations, educate the patient on what results can realistically be achieved, and to meet patients’ needs through the provision of individualized consultations.

The Effects of Social and Professional Pressures

Social and professional environments shape a large part of the motivation for undergoing plastic surgery. For example, youth is often viewed as an indicator of energy, health, and vitality; therefore, people view those who appear younger than them as indicators of their ability to compete professionally with others who may be younger. With friends undergoing surgical procedures, people now see surgery as a normal outcome, which has contributed to the increasing societal acceptance of aesthetic procedures by both males and females, as well as by people of all social and ethnic backgrounds.

The growing acceptance of aesthetic procedures results in people perceiving these procedures as a process of self-investment and self-improvement rather than as a means of self-promotion. As such, it is the surgeons’ responsibility to understand their patients’ motivations for seeking an aesthetic procedure and to practice patient-centered care that supports their patients’ self-confidence.

The Role of Imaging, Simulation, and Non-Surgical Adjuncts

As a result of the growth in technology, surgeons are able to utilize preoperative imaging and simulation software to help increase a patient’s confidence that will ultimately lead to surgical satisfaction.

Non-surgical adjuncts (i.e., Botox, fillers, energy-based skin tightening, and PRP) offer patients the opportunity to gradually improve their face, attracting patients who may be hesitant to have full surgical procedures. Additionally, these types of products allow for patients to gradually improve their expressions while providing a means of creating a customized experience for each patient.

Psychological and Emotional Factors

Patients are empowered to pursue facial aesthetic improvements as a growing number of people view these types of procedures as normal. Given that these changes are rapidly taking place, however, surgeons must be vigilant and assess their patients for unrealistic expectations, body dysmorphic tendencies, and/or social media-driven motivations.

Preoperative consultations should include a thorough assessment of psychological issues when indicated, as it allows a patient to seek facial plastic surgery for self-improvement rather than for external validation. By educating patients about what results are possible, patients are more likely to have a successful outcome after surgery and are less at risk for postoperative disappointment.

Post-Operative Care and Cultural Considerations

Patients undergoing aesthetic surgery often expect to quickly recover from surgery, as many of them want to resume normal activities shortly after undergoing surgery due to their work and/or their social life. Additionally, cultural differences create additional challenges with respect to different patient expectations with regard to postoperative care, including the results of postoperative directions concerning how to care for surgical wounds, as well as differing opinions with regard to activity restrictions and the need for follow-up appointments.

Therefore, surgeons’ ability to effectively provide individualized recommendations that satisfy the needs of the different patients they treat is essential to ensure each patient’s surgery can be performed safely, with the best outcome.

Conclusion

The patient demographics associated with facelift surgery have changed significantly in recent years. The patient population for facelift surgery is no longer just older women but includes younger patients; an increase in the number of male patients; increased ethnic diversity within patients seeking facelift surgery; and a reduction in the socioeconomic status of patients seeking facelift surgery. As a result of these changes, lasers and other new technological advancements will likely continue to be among the most popular non-invasive alternatives to traditional facelifts, while the widespread use of social media, changing cultural standards, and accelerated acceptance of aesthetic procedures are causing a number of people to pursue aesthetic surgery procedures.

To meet the needs of an ever-evolving patient demographic, plastic surgeons must be willing to adapt their communication styles, surgical technical skills, and understanding of cultural diversity. By utilizing their surgical expertise while educating their patients on the options available for non-surgical adjunct procedures, and by developing a patient-specific surgical treatment plan for each patient they treat, surgeons will continue to provide safe, effective, and culturally competent care for all patients who undergo aesthetic surgery in the years to come.