Online galleries of facelift before-and-after photos are among the most popular research tools for people searching for a facelift surgeon. Photos can help you decide if a surgeon’s aesthetic approach aligns with your goals and whether they have the experience and ability to create the results you desire.
But what should you look for as you browse online photo galleries? Here are a few things to keep in mind as you search. These recommendations are true whether you’re looking at mini facelift or deep plane facelift before-and-after pictures.
Well-Hidden Incisions
A skilled surgeon conceals facelift incisions in natural creases around the ears and along the hairline. When performed correctly, they should heal into thin, barely visible lines that don’t attract attention. Great facelift scars are difficult to spot even when you know what you’re looking for.
As you browse facelift pictures, watch for any obvious scarring. Red flags include:
- Thick or raised scars
- Incisions that are red, pink, or poorly healed
- Scars placed in conspicuous locations that draw attention
Consistent Angles
Carefully evaluate the images to ensure they aren’t altered or skewed by trick photography or editing. Consistency highlights the results in before-and-after photos. Some surgeons “tweak” their photos by subtly changing the angle and even camera quality from shot to shot.
You can also do a reverse image search online to check whether the photos were pulled from another source. It’ll help you ensure the results you see have been legitimately created by the surgeon taking credit.
Noticeable but Natural-Looking Results
When viewing the “after” photos, do the patients look like a refreshed, younger version of themselves? Or is their skin unnaturally tight, with an appearance like they’ve had “work” done? That’s a red flag. Today’s advanced facelift techniques address the deeper tissues of the face rather than just the skin. This creates longer-lasting and more natural-looking outcomes, which you should see reflected in photos. But if you have a hard time seeing the differences between the “before” and the “after” photo, the surgeon’s approach might be too conservative.
Detailed Captions
Helpful captions go beyond listing the patient’s age and gender. Information about why the patient wanted a facelift, their goals, and what was done during the surgery provides context for you as you consider not only facelifts but also possible companion procedures, such as eyelid surgery or laser skin resurfacing.
People With Traits Similar to Yours
As we wrote about in a previous blog post, facelift patients encompass a wide age range. Seeing people whose “before” photos look like you will give you a better idea of how your results will likely turn out and help you have realistic expectations. That is one of the most important factors influencing how happy you are with your results.
Sculpted Neck and Jawline
Facelift surgery targets jowls, lax neck skin, and sagging skin in the middle of the face. Look for a sculpted jawline and firm neck. As we age, everything begins to sag. Even though many people first notice laxity in their neck, a more holistically youthful look happens when both the neck and jaw are addressed.
Choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon you can trust is an essential step in getting the results you want. I welcome you to request a consultation using the online form or call my practice at (818) 500-0823 to schedule an appointment.
Leave a Reply