Do you have a cabinet full of wrinkle creams but are still frustrated with your reflection? Have you tried every diet on the market and still can’t seem to get rid of that double chin? Does your face seem to be aging faster than you are? If you’re nodding in agreement, chances are the idea of being a facelift candidate has crossed your mind a time or two.

A facelift may seem risky and a little scary. That’s understandable when you don’t know much about it. Fortunately, a facelift doesn’t have to remain a scary question mark. Setting up a consult with the best facial cosmetic surgeon South Bend has to offer will ease all your fears. Have a sit down with Dr. Jon Chadwell to discuss and assess risk factors and pinpoint just the right surgery for you–one that minimizes risk and maximizes results.

Facelift Candidates Have These Things in Common

Not everybody is an ideal candidate for a facelift. Those who do make good candidates have some very important traits in common:

Good overall health.

As with any surgery, good overall health will ensure a quicker and more complete healing process. If you have any kind of pre-existing health concern, let your surgeon know right away. It won’t necessarily mean a facelift isn’t an option for you, but it will affect your risk-factor assessment. Your surgeon wants what’s best for you, so be open in sharing about your overall health. In addition, the ideal candidate is a non-smoker.

Skin elasticity.

A successful facelift requires skin that still retains some elasticity and flexibility. Your skin will need to be able to adjust and conform to its new contours. If you are a smoker or have extensive sun damage, your skin likely doesn’t have the “bounce back” it needs for a satisfying facelift.

Bone structure.

In order to achieve the optimal facelift, an aesthetically balanced bone structure is important. If your bone structure itself isn’t up to your standards, you may want to consider other options. Some of the options are rhinoplasty (nose surgery), Fat Transfer, or mentoplasty (chin reshaping). Through one or more of these other options, you could create the right canvas for a facelift.

Realistic expectations.

We’ve already mentioned that your surgeon wants what’s best for you. This means that he will do whatever possible to meet your goals to the best of his ability. But realistic expectations are key to walking away satisfied. Talk to your surgeon about what to expect during surgery, during recovery, and in the mirror when all is said and done. Remember, you won’t be receiving a new face, but a refreshed, more youthful version of your own face. And that’s the goal.

Commitment to care.

The best kind of facelift candidate is committed to caring for his or her face. Protecting your skin from excess sun, staying hydrated daily, limiting alcohol consumption, and not smoking are integral parts of a candidate’s lifestyle. While a facelift cannot last forever, you can lengthen its positive effects with a commitment to facial care.

Consult with Dr. Chadwell.

Yes, we believe that the best candidate for a facelift has a conversation with Dr. Chadwell! As a skilled and specially trained facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Chadwell can alleviate any lingering fears and leave you feeling confident and pleased with your choice to have a facelift!

If you believe you may be a good facelift candidate, contact Dr. Chadwell today! It’s time to stop thinking about a facelift and start making it a reality.