The key to a natural look lies in the details of the techniques used. There are no shortcuts to quality, and many times a “short cut” or simple procedure may lead to a more operated or unnatural look. A more thorough procedure, although one that may require some downtime, will give a much more natural result. The consultation process will help outline the best possible options for each patient to achieve a natural look.

Some procedures may be performed in the office setting under local anesthesia, while others are more suited for an outpatient surgery center, with sedation or “general anesthesia.”

The term “general anesthesia” is concerning to some patients. The type of anesthesia depends on the procedure being performed. The term “general anesthesia” is analogous to the term automobile. There are different types of automobiles, and also different types of “general anesthesia.” If you want to haul gravel, you need a pick up truck. If you want to get 50 miles to the gallon, you need a hybrid. “General anesthesia” for facelift surgery is not adequate for a more invasive procedure, like removal of a gallbladder. Likewise, for a facelift the patient doesn’t need to be as deeply anesthetized as they would need to be for an invasive procedure like gallbladder removal.

The most important consideration is for patient safety and comfort. Matching the safety and comfort to the appropriate setting and type of anesthesia is covered extensively during the consultation.

In today’s busy, hectic, fast-paced business and personal world, patients are very concerned about the time they are away from work or regular activities. In general, the more long-lasting the benefit offered by a procedure, the more a patient will have to invest in recovery time. In other words, like all things in life, the more you put into it, the more you get out of it.

For most surgeries, which offer long-term benefits, the recovery time will range from 7 to 14 days. This recovery is a “look bad” recovery, not a “feel bad” recovery. That is, to look presentable after a facial plastic surgery procedure, it will require 7 to 14 days, but to feel up to normal activities will be only a few days.*

Straightforward answers. Marketing and media have made most people aware of all the options available and at the same time have helped foster some unrealistic expectations. So, it’s best to find a surgeon that makes you feel comfortable, offers sound medical guidance and is honest about the level of achievable results. During the hour-long consultation, I focus on your goals and expectations and offer personalized treatment options, along with the pros and cons, and a computerized visualization of the results. Then, together we choose a treatment plan that is uniquely yours.

First of all, it’s important to ask about their board certifications. Ask questions about their background and training.

Secondly, find out how much experience the surgeon has in performing the surgical procedure you’re interested in. Ask how many times a year they perform that particular procedure.

Once you’ve determined that the surgeon is well-qualified, you should consider whether you have good rapport with and confidence in him or her. Not every surgeon is the right fit for every patient. You should feel a high level of comfort with the surgeon you select.

People from all walks of life are having cosmetic procedures – not just celebrities. People simply want to look as vital and vibrant as they feel. And plastic surgery techniques have evolved in ways that make it possible to achieve excellent results and a very natural look.