Considering a facelift in the New Year? You’re not alone. January is one of the most popular times to explore facial rejuvenation, but the key to getting the results you want lies in asking the right questions during your consultation.
As a surgeon, I always encourage patients to come with a desired outcome in mind. A facelift is a personal, high-stakes decision and your consultation is your moment to take the lead.
Here are 7 questions to consider in order to get the most out of your consultation.
1. Is a full facelift the right procedure for me – or is there a better option for me?
Not every patient who wants a facelift needs one. Sometimes, non-surgical options or fat transfer alone may be enough. A trustworthy surgeon will assess your anatomy, goals, and expectations before recommending a procedure. The right facelift candidate typically has:
- Skin laxity in the lower face or neck
- Loss of definition around the jawline
- Volume loss that needs restoring
To delve deeper with this, think of the reasons as to why you are sat in the chair in front of your surgeon. Have you been concerned with how your skin feels now to how it was 5 years ago? How your face looks in the mirror, something looks different? Have you lost weight? Has someone made a comment that has hit a nerve? Are you at a new position in your life where you want a refresh (divorce or birthday for example?) Or do you look in the mirror and now see your mum or dads renowned neck?
Ask your surgeon to walk you through your options – and explain why a facelift is (or isn’t) the best route for you.
2. What types of facelift do you perform, and why?
There are different types of facelift – the full facelift might not be what you need. From deep plane to SMAS, mini to full, each technique has its place. You could even combine procedures; for example, a mid-facelift with a browlift or a full facelift with a necklift. You want a surgeon who can clearly explain:
- The technique they recommend
- The layers of tissue they’ll address and where the incisions will be
- Why it’s suited to your facial structure and ageing pattern
This also tells you a lot about their own ethos; they shouldn’t just be trying to sell you the most expensive option.
My personal preference is to perform the deep plane facelift for patients. This then not only addressing the skin laxity but also the deeper foundations of the face that your skin is then draped over. I find this the most pleasing outcome for my patients and am happy to discuss in consultations your personalised approach.
3. Do you use fat transfer with facelifts?
(Here’s where I’ll always say yes – because I do it in 99% of cases. See my blog on this topic.
Fat transfer restores lost volume in the cheeks, under-eyes, jawline and even chin, by working as a natural filler, giving the face its youthful softness and structure back. A facelift without volume replacement can look flat or hollow. Be sure to ask:
- If they use fat transfer
- Where they’d place it for your face
- How long it lasts
4. What does the recovery look like, and when will I look “normal”?
Realistic recovery timelines are key. While most patients feel “public-ready” around 10 – 14 days, swelling can linger for a few weeks but should be fully gone by the year-mark. Ask your surgeon to outline:
- Week-by-week expectations
- When you can return to work/social events
- When you’ll see the final results
Recovery is a journey – you’ll want to find a surgeon that will provide realistic expectations rather than simply telling you what you want to hear.
All of our facelift patients are sent a ‘Facelift Recovery Booklet‘ which addresses what it says in the title! We go through day by day, week by week and month by month. What to do when and how you are likely to look. We follow our model and patient throughout the whole process to help you have some comparison to your journey and feedback from patients has been extremely positive and has really helped them post operatively.
5. What risks should I be aware of, and how are complications handled?
Every surgery carries risks. A good surgeon should not sugar-coat this. Instead, they’ll explain:
- Risks of infection, bruising, nerve issues, or asymmetry
- How you would be protected under the terms and conditions
- How they manage any complications, should they arise
You should be given ample time to read the consent document as well as the terms and conditions. Every surgeon will have different regulations, and you’ll want to familiarise yourself with these before agreeing to surgery.
I could be described quite the doom and gloom for this part of your consultation process. In your consultation I will go through all risks and complications possible. Why? Because I believe that in every procedure risks are possible and whilst they are low risk they are still possible. I want you to feel that you will be supported by myself and my team that should the low risk become a reality we will be here to hand hold you throughout and get you back to your recovery.
6. Can I see before-and-after photos of your work on patients like me?
You want to see results on faces similar to yours – your age, skin type, bone structure. This helps you gauge:
- The surgeon’s aesthetic style
- How natural the results are
- How they address different facial proportions
This is your chance to make sure your vision aligns with theirs. Most surgeons have a website as well as a social media presence where you can normally find photos of patients before and after surgery. Furthermore, you should be looking at reviews written by past patients; this is usually honest feedback and will give you an excellent idea of the patient’s experience.
7. What does the full surgical journey look like – from consultation to recovery?
Understanding the timeline helps you plan:
- When to book surgery
- How much time to take off work
- When you’ll be fully healed
Ask about:
- Pre-op prep
- Post-op appointments
- Aftercare (including scar management and skin treatments)
8. Can I have a copy of what was discussed in my consultation?
Most surgeons will write a letter after your consultation to give you an overview of what you discussed. Some will have recorded the session using a recording device which should be made available to you upon request. A consultation with a good surgeon will have covered a vast amount of detail; this can be too much to remember in its entirety. Be sure to request a copy of the surgeon’s letter so that you can go home and make an informed decision about whether you want to proceed or if you have any further questions.
Bonus question: ask how you contact the team post operatively if you are worried. Some surgeons will rely solely on a clinical team after surgery to handle post-op care, but some will be more invested in the outcome for their patients.
Final Thoughts: The More You Ask, the Better the Outcome
A facelift is a physical transformation – but it starts with the idea to change. This idea is then reinforced by your own research, so that when you speak with a surgeon, you are both better positioned to understand your needs. Your consultation should not be a sales pitch. It’s a chance for a detailed, honest conversation about your goals, your anatomy, and your future face. It is all about you.
If you’re considering facial surgery in 2026, now is the perfect time to book your consultation. Our clinics in Bristol, Bath, and London offer advanced facelift techniques, fat transfer artistry, and personalised care every step of the way.
Book your consultation today to start your journey with clarity, confidence and expert guidance.
To see before and after photos from previous patients, visit the gallery or my social media pages which also highlights patients personal testimonials.
