You may have noticed that no matter how much rest you get or how carefully you care for your skin, sagging along the jawline, deeper folds around the mouth, or loose neck skin continue to make you look older than you feel. Perhaps you’ve tried non-surgical treatments, but they haven’t given you the lasting rejuvenation you’re hoping for.
When you decide to take the next step and explore facelift surgery, choosing the right surgeon becomes the most important decision you make. The skill, training, and judgment of your surgeon will determine the safety of your procedure and the quality of your results.
Dr. Robert A. Guida, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in New York City, helps patients explore all their options and curates highly personalized surgical plans to ensure natural-looking results. The following ten questions will help guide your consultation and ensure you feel informed and prepared.
Are you board-certified?
Board certification indicates that your surgeon has undergone rigorous training, passed challenging examinations, and maintains high standards of safety and ethics.
Dr. Guida is double board-certified in both Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, a distinction that highlights his advanced understanding of facial anatomy. This level of expertise ensures that your facelift is not only technically precise but also aesthetically harmonious with your natural features.
Am I a good candidate for a facelift?
Not everyone requires or benefits from the same procedure. A skilled surgeon will assess your skin elasticity, bone structure, age, and medical history to determine the most suitable plan.
During consultations, Dr. Guida carefully reviews each patient’s concerns, whether they involve sagging jowls, deep creases, or loose skin on the neck, and gives honest recommendations. Sometimes, he may suggest a mini facelift, while at other times, he may combine surgical and non-surgical techniques for optimal results. The procedure is personalized to you.
What types of facelift techniques do you perform?
Different facelift techniques address different levels of aging. The SMAS facelift, mini facelift, deep-plane facelift, and lower facelift all have unique benefits and come with different recovery timelines.
Dr. Guida is known for tailoring his approach to your specific anatomy. He often uses his proprietary “3-in-1 Facelift™” method, which lifts, tightens, and smooths in a way that avoids the overdone look many patients fear. By choosing a surgeon who is fluent in multiple techniques, you benefit from a customized plan rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
What benefits can I realistically expect?
Facelifts are powerful procedures, but results vary depending on age, anatomy, and the type of lift performed. Ask your surgeon to outline what changes you can reasonably expect. Clear communication about realistic outcomes helps set the right expectations, reducing the risk of disappointment and ensuring you and your surgeon share the same vision.
Will there be scars after the surgery?
Since surgical facelifts involve incisions, scars are inevitable, but their placement and skillful closure make all the difference. Dr. Guida is meticulous about hiding incisions within the hairline and natural creases around the ears. Over time, these fade to become virtually undetectable. Ask where your surgeon makes incisions and how they minimize their visibility.
How is the surgery performed?
Facelift surgery involves anesthesia, carefully placed incisions, lifting and repositioning underlying tissues, and closing with sutures. Dr. Guida explains each step in detail so you know what to expect. His surgical experience enables him to strike a balance between technical precision and artistic judgment, ensuring a smooth recovery and natural-looking results.
How should I prepare for my facelift?
Preparation can significantly impact your safety and results. Ask your surgeon for specific preoperative guidelines, such as quitting smoking, avoiding certain medications, and adopting healthy habits in the weeks leading up to surgery. Following these instructions closely can improve your healing and enhance your overall experience.
What are the risks and potential complications?
All surgery carries risks, including infection, bleeding, and nerve injury. A trustworthy surgeon doesn’t minimize these risks; instead, they explain how they are managed. Dr. Guida draws on his decades of experience to reduce the risk of complications. He encourages open dialogue so you feel reassured about both the benefits and the potential risks before making a decision.
What will recovery be like?
Recovery experiences vary, but most patients should expect swelling, bruising, and downtime. Ask how long recovery may take, when you can resume daily activities, and what follow-up care is provided. A thorough answer helps you plan for time off work, arrange for support at home, and manage your expectations about when you’ll see final results.
How long will my results last?
Facelift results are long-lasting, but no procedure can stop the natural aging process. Dr. Guida’s surgical techniques can provide results that endure for many years, often a decade or more. He also guides patients in maintaining their outcomes through skincare, sun protection, and non-surgical touch-ups, ensuring you continue to look refreshed well into the future.
Your facelift consultation is the ideal opportunity to ask questions, establish expectations, and foster trust with your plastic surgeon. With over three decades of experience and a reputation for natural artistry, Dr. Guida provides patients with not only technical excellence but also a compassionate, individualized approach to facelift surgeries. If you’re considering a facelift in New York City, schedule your consultation with Dr. Guida to explore your options and receive more clarity.
