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Could Weight Loss Affect Your Rhinoplasty Results?

weight loss and rhinoplasty surgery in new york Rhinoplasty surgery concentrates completely on the nose and how it can affect the appearance of the patient’s face overall. Most patients don’t consider the effects that weight loss and weight gain can have on the face and the nose.

But they might want to because changes to your body aren’t isolated from other parts of it, not even from the nose.

If you’re thinking of rhinoplasty surgery in New York, think about the effects that your weight could have on the appearance of your improved nasal structure.

Does Losing Weight Affect Your Nose?

No, your nose is not affected by weight loss. Since the nose is made of bone, cartilage, and skin, it has no fat cells. Because there are no fat cells, gaining or losing weight does not have a direct impact on the shape of your nose and the results of your rhinoplasty surgery. Answering the question of whether your nose gets smaller when you lose weight: no, your nose remains the same even if you lose weight or gain a few pounds.

With that said, however, the nose is really just a part of the face as a whole. Because of this, changes in your weight could impact your facial proportions, overall balance, and your profile. If fat collects around your chin, for example, your side profile will definitely be affected, causing your nasal structure and chin to be out of balance. While your rhinoplasty results won’t directly be affected, maintaining your weight after surgery can definitely benefit the way it looks for years to come.

The Effects of Weight Change on the Face

Gaining and losing weight can greatly affect your face’s appearance. When the body gains weight, it often stores it in the fat cells beneath the chin and around the jaw and neck. Some men and women may even look “puffy” in the cheeks as a result of increased weight. Conversely, losing weight can change the appearance of these areas as they become more refined, thinner, and more pronounced. Some patients discover high, defined cheekbones. Others may experience loose, sagging skin once the fat cells have shrunken around the chin and neck. However it changes, the face will definitely appear different as a result of weight fluctuations.

Weight Loss After Rhinoplasty

A big change to your appearance can often inspire you to make another, which may explain why some rhinoplasty patients commit to proper diet and exercise to lose weight after surgery. It’s always a good idea to take care of your body and maintain your health, but don’t aim too high too fast. Some facial plastic surgeons advise that rhinoplasty patients should take their weight loss slowly. Concentrate on proper nutrition as you recover from surgery and afterward. The extra weight will naturally come off at a safe pace that is easier to maintain over the long term and healthier for your body.

For additional information visit medlineplus.gov

Star the Rhinoplasty Conversation today with a New York Plastic Surgeon

Talk about your plans for weight loss with a rhinoplasty expert in New York to make sure you won’t have to worry about how it affects your results. Plan your consultation today to get answers to your rhinoplasty questions. An experienced facial plastic surgeon can provide more in-depth knowledge about the nasal surgery process. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery for over 20 years – he’s even written a guide on rhinoplasty and nose jobs.

A recognized expert in rhinoplasty, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his plastic surgery clinic located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.

What Factors Could Make Me Ineligible for a Facelift?

facelift surgery candidate Not everyone is a good candidate for plastic surgery, especially a delicate procedure like a facelift.

If you have been denied surgical care by a board certified facial plastic surgeon in NYC, you might want to pause and reassess your goals. If you can, resolve the problem at play before you return for a second consultation. By following these guidelines, you should be able to become eligible for that facelift you wanted.

A Good Facelift Candidate

Facelift surgery is a popular procedure that addresses many of the signs of aging on the face. This surgery involves tightening the sagging skin, lifting and tightening the underlying sheet of tissue, and even removing the fat cells that have collected around the chin and jaw. The surgery is an outpatient procedure often performed under general anesthesia.

The ideal candidate for a facelift should be experiencing some signs of aging, especially around the lower portion of the face. In addition, he or she should be in good overall health, not smoke, and have realistic expectations for the results.

Problem #1 – You’re A Smoker

Smoking is hazardous to your health even without surgery to complicate things. When it comes to smoking and surgery, however, the dangers are much more imminent. The nicotine in cigarettes actually restricts the blood vessels, which can make it difficult for your face to get the appropriate levels of blood (and the oxygen it contains) to heal properly. Smoking has been linked to a number of post-surgical complications, so Dr. Miller recommends that you stop smoking temporarily or permanently for three weeks before and three weeks after any surgery to be safe.

Problem #2 – You Have a Condition That Delays Healing

Some prospective patients must be sidelined because of medical conditions that could interfere with surgery or the healing process. Having an elective procedure can be dangerous with one of these conditions, which may include diabetes, high blood pressure, a bleeding disorder, severe allergies, high cholesterol, and arthritis. Not all of these conditions are prohibitive to surgery, but you will definitely be evaluated on a individual basis to determine if a facelift is the right fir for you.

Problem #3 – You Are Overweight or Obese

Being overweight or obese can lead to problems during and after your facelift surgery. Overweight or obese patients tend to have one or more of the conditions mentioned above, making it difficult to heal properly and increasing the risk of harmful complications. Beyond the immediate health threats, being overweight can also affect your results. If your facelift is completed when you are 50 pounds overweight, for example, losing weight after your surgery might leave your results looking less than stellar. If the composition of your face changes drastically, you won’t be as happy with those final results.

Problem #4 – You Take Certain Medications or Supplements

Yes, it’s true: every medication, vitamin, and supplement you take can put you at risk for an interaction with another medication or something worse. Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding what pills you can and cannot take. Aspirin and other NSAID pain relievers can increase your risk for bleeding during and after surgery. Some all-natural supplements can also cause similar troubles for facelift patients, so stop taking everything for at least one week before your procedure.

Problem #5 – You Have Unrealistic Expectations

Facelift surgery can create dramatic results for the right patient, but even this surgery has its limitations. Before going in for your consultation, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the surgery and what your realistic expectations might be. Take a peek at your facial plastic surgeon’s before and after photos for a good idea of what types of strategies could work best for you. If your expectations are too lofty, your end results are going to be disappointing no matter what they are. Having realistic expectations is not exclusive, yet it could help prospective patients to learn more about this surgery.

Eligible? Plan Your Facelift in New York Now

If you’re eligible for surgery, start your facelift planning process with a consultation. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients.

A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures for both males and females, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.

Is MicroRhinoplasty™ Right for You?

microrhinoplasty nose surgery in new york, ny Even if you’re familiar with the rhinoplasty procedure, you may not have heard about its less invasive alternative, MicroRhinoplasty™.

This specialized nasal procedure offered in New York City can be used to help some rhinoplasty patients achieve the results they desire with less recovery time. Depending on the type of changes planned for your nose surgery, you may be a good candidate for this type of procedure. Read on to learn more about MicroRhinoplasty™ and to determine if it could be the right choice for you.

What Is MicroRhinoplasty™ Surgery?

MicroRhinoplasty™ is a specialized type of nasal surgery that was designed to correct the shape of the nasal bridge without using invasive techniques. Typically, patients of MicroRhinoplasty™ are often concerned with a hump or bump. Noses that are hooked may also be straightened through this alternative technique, depending on the extent of the changes needed to achieve the patient’s desired results.

The procedure itself usually takes about 15 minutes to complete and can be performed under local anesthetic without any discomfort or pain. Your facial plastic surgeon will use an innovative air-powered microsaw that was specially designed for fine, precise reduction of the nasal bone. Through a small incision in the nostril, your surgeon will reduce the bony hump of your nasal bridge one layer at a time. The bridge will be straightened as a result and sculpted to the desired shape. To learn more about rhinoplasty, visit medlineplus.gov

How Does MicroRhinoplasty™ Compare to Traditional Rhinoplasty?

There are several key differences between traditional rhinoplasty and MicroRhinoplasty™, aside from the length of time it takes to perform these two types of surgery. Here are a few things to note about these options:

  • MicroRhinoplasty™ takes 15 minutes to perform, compared to one hour or more for traditional rhinoplasty.
  • There are no sutures needed to close incisions after MicroRhinoplasty™.
  • Recovery after MicroRhinoplasty™ lasts only a day or so before the patient can return to their activities, versus one to two weeks of recovery after traditional rhinoplasty.
  • Swelling, bruising, and redness after MicroRhinoplasty™ are very limited.
  • MicroRhinoplasty™ does not involve nasal bone fractures like a traditional rhinoplasty might.
  • Only humps and bumps along the nasal bridge can be treated by MicroRhinoplasty™.
  • Traditional rhinoplasty can be customized to resolve many different nasal concerns, including crookedness, pointy or bulbous nasal tips, nostrils that are too wide, and many more.

While the MicroRhinoplasty™ procedure might sound like the best choice by far, it is very limited it what it can achieve for patients. If you’re looking to improve more than just a bump on your nose, consider traditional rhinoplasty and the ability you’ll have to customize your procedure. Work together with your facial plastic surgeon to create the best surgical plan for your needs.

Who Is a Good Candidate for MicroRhinoplasty™?

Prospective rhinoplasty patients who are hoping to correct a hump on the nasal bridge are ideal candidates for MicroRhinoplasty™. Changes made to this area can be concentrated to one portion of the nose, so a full-scale traditional rhinoplasty is not needed. Remember that not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure, especially if your nasal concerns are not related to the bridge of your nose.

To be eligible for MicroRhinoplasty™, or any type of rhinoplasty surgery, you should be in good overall health, not smoke, and have realistic expectations for your procedure and results. All rhinoplasty surgeries must be performed after your nose has fully grown and developed. While teenagers can be considered for rhinoplasty surgery, it is essential to make surgical changes to the nose only after it has matured. Consult with Dr. Miller, a facial plastic surgeon experienced in rhinoplasty and MicroRhinoplasty™ procedures, in order to determine your eligibility.

Plan a MicroRhinoplasty™ Consultation Today

Learn more about MicroRhinoplasty™ through a consultation today. An experienced facial plastic surgeon can provide more in-depth knowledge about the nasal surgery process. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery for over 20 years.

A recognized expert in rhinoplasty, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.

Rhinoplasty Tips for Prospective Teen Patients

teen rhinoplasty in new york While most facial plastic surgeries are intended for more mature, adult men and women, the rhinoplasty procedure is unique because of its primary audience. Because rhinoplasty results will last a lifetime and aren’t spurred by the threat of aging, patients come in a wide range of ages. Many younger patients, some in their teens, seek rhinoplasty surgery to reshape or resize their noses. If you are a teen or early 20-something, these tips will help to make your rhinoplasty more successful.

First, Stop Growing

Before you can make changes to the nose, you’ll have to be sure that your nose has stopped growing. A nose that hasn’t fully matured can grow after nose surgery and obscure your hard-earned results. Not only is this a waste of your time and money, but it can also be extremely frustrating. Some experts say that young male patients should wait until age 17 and young female noses are often ready around 16. If you’re not sure whether your nose has completed maturing, meet with a facial plastic surgeon to assess it for you. This is the best way to be sure that your nose is ready for life-changing surgery.

Consider Your Reasons

It is very common for teens in particular to seek rhinoplasty surgery because of bullying at school. There is a lot of pressure on young people today to fit a certain ideal of beauty in order to avoid standing out and getting unwanted attention. Bullying is a terrible ordeal for many young patients, but it might not always be a good reason to have plastic surgery. If your bullies are just looking for a reason to pick on you, fixing your nose will not really solve the problem. Instead, they’ll find another feature to make fun of, leaving you frustrated in a new way.

On the other hand, if your nose makes you unhappy for your own personal reasons, facial plastic surgery can provide you with the solution, whether bullies are teasing you or not.

Involve Your Parents and Loved Ones

Even if you’re able to fund your rhinoplasty and you’re legally old enough to have surgery without consent, it’s a good idea to involve your parents and loved ones. After surgery, you will look to them for support as you recover, heal, and get back to life as usual. With family and friends supporting you, the emotional rollercoaster of rhinoplasty surgery can be easier to navigate. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, so allow your loved ones to step in and support your decision.

Have Realistic Expectations

Before surgery, you’ll need to meet with facial plastic surgeon Dr. Miller for a one-on-one consultation. During this meeting, you’ll be asked to provide your medical history and discuss your expectations for surgery. Your surgeon will also get the chance to assess your facial features and make his or her own recommendations. His or her goal is to achieve the best and more natural-looking results possible for your nose, so listen carefully to what he or she has to say. Instead of aiming for a celebrity nose or something that won’t look right on your face, consider the doctor’s advice and be willing to trust his or her expertise. By working together, you can create a realistic approach to your surgery. To learn more about rhinoplasty, visit ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Don’t Be Afraid to Wait

If you’re still too young, not quite sure what results you want, or have any other reason to hesitate, don’t rush into your rhinoplasty surgery. Any surgery is a major undertaking that should only be done when you’re completely ready for everything that comes with it. Don’t panic that high school will be over before you have a nose you like. There will be plenty of time for you to learn more about rhinoplasty and make the right decision for you when the time is right. Rushing into anything can lead to mistakes, unsatisfactory results, and emotional fallout. Give yourself a chance to make this decision from your own thoughtful and logical standpoint.

Plan Rhinoplasty at Almost Any Age

Regardless of your age, a better nose can mean a better you. Learn more about rhinoplasty through a consultation today. An experienced facial plastic surgeon can provide more in-depth knowledge about the rhinoplasty process. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery for more than 20 years.

A recognized expert in rhinoplasty, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.

Next, learn How a Facelift Works

How to Cover Up Your Post-Op Facelift Bruising

Facelift Model in New York Bruising is a very common, and challenging, side effect of the facelift procedure. It is natural for the body to form bruises when injuries, damage, and changes are made. Bruising shouldn’t be cause for alarm as your face heals. Still, many patients are frustrated by the remnants of bruises that seem to take forever to fade, especially once they are ready to go back to work and resume some of their other daily activities. Wearing your hair differently is a great way to detract attention away from the changes, but you certainly can’t walk around with your hair over your face all day, hiding the bruises from everyone you meet. Try these bruise-covering strategies instead.

Follow Your Post-Op Instructions

Dr. Miller in New York offers post-op instructions to help you care for your incisions and minimize bruising after your surgery. It is critical to follow these instructions carefully as they will help to keep bruising to a minimum.

Knowing How Much Bruising to Expect

There isn’t a magic formula to determine how much each individual patient will bruise following a facelift surgery. Everyone is different and so each patient will react in his or her own way to surgery. Some patients may have only slight bruising concentrated to the lower and mid-face regions. Others can see their bruising extend outward to cover other nearby areas. Just as scarring, swelling, and other side effects can be a bit unpredictable, your bruising will be unique to you. Talk to your facial plastic surgeon about how much bruising you should expect based on the specifics of your facelift procedure. While it’s not an exact picture, it could be somewhat helpful as you plan your methods to cover it up after the fact.

Make Friends with the Right Makeup Products

To cover up bruises after surgery, not just any drugstore beauty products will do the job. You need to find the right kind of makeup that will offer thicker coverage that lasts throughout the day. After all, you don’t want to be applying it over and over every time you visit the bathroom. Look up makeup brands that offer a formula that will adhere to scar tissue. Take a peek at what you have at home and sample some of your liquid foundation, loose powder, or other products to see if they are effective before you buy anything expensive. Don’t overlook the ingredients of your products either; avoid fragrance and dyes in your products and try to find something that is hypoallergenic so it won’t irritate the skin or clog your pores. You don’t want to create acne troubles while you’re still healing from surgery, right?

When shopping for new skincare products, try it on first, if you can, to make sure that you don’t look like you’re wearing a mask when you have it on. If you’re not sure where to start shopping, talk to your facial plastic surgeon or someone in his practice’s spa and salon (if offered) to get a better idea what to look for. They may have specific brands that they know will work well. Even better, you might be able to order what you need right from them.

Practice Applying Makeup Just Right

Makeup really is your best strategy for hiding bruises while your facelift heals. Men and women alike can benefit from the use of cosmetics to hide minor and major scars alike. The method of application that you use will vary based o your unique needs. Post-surgical cover-up does work a little different than regular, daily wear makeup so you might have to change your techniques a little. Follow these tips for a successful cover-up job to help you achieve the right look:

  • Start with a makeup artist, If possible, so she can give you practical advice.
  • Apply your foundation with a foam wedge-shaped applicator to get the smoothest and most natural look possible.
  • Build coverage by using liquid and products that will do just that. Add in concealers as necessary to help neutralize the discoloration of the bruises and any redness or swelling.

Keep an Eye on Your Incisions

While you’re trying to cover everything up, don’t go overboard and interfere with the healing process. First talk to your facial plastic surgeon about when it will be acceptable to begin using makeup again and then listen to that advice. Introducing makeup too soon can increase redness, up your risk for infection, and more. If you notice any changes to this area, talk to your facial plastic surgeon right away to rule out more dangerous associations.

Choose a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon for Your Facelift in NYC

Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery for over 20 years. A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings.

He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.

Next, read Why you Should Sleep on Your Back after a Facelift

Hot Rhinoplasty Trend: Should You Copy A Celebrity Nose?

Facelift model new york Every so often, a new trend hits the rhinoplasty request list in New York. The latest includes patients trying to look like their favorite celebrities. What’s driving people to want a celebrity nose on their faces? The appeal is understandable but the possibility isn’t as realistic. Changing the nose is a delicate business and there are a lot of things to consider, perhaps a lot more than which famous nose is your favorite. Ultimately, following trends is up to you, but you may want to think twice about this one.

Why Are Celeb Noses So Appealing?

Celebrities and good looks seem to go hand in hand. It’s easy to get swept up into thinking that they don’t have concerns about their appearance or that airbrushing isn’t required to make them look good. In particular, a good-looking celebrity nose can be a big draw for a prospective rhinoplasty patient unhappy with his or her own nose. Just as you might want to have their hair or their legs, picking out a celebrity nose from a tabloid magazine might sound like a good way to start your rhinoplasty planning. After all, it looks great on her face so why not yours?

Can You Recreate Someone Else’s Nose on Your Face?

Rhinoplasty is not a cut-and-paste kind of surgery, so it may not be as easy as you’d like to incorporate your favorite celebrity nose on your face. While the photographic evidence of any one celebrity nose might be easy to find, this does not make it a good choice for you. A nose is a central part of the facial structure, one that is unique to you in every detail. Proportions and balance must be considered, since someone else’s nose might not suit your face as well as the one you have. Even if changes are needed to make your nose look the way you want, you’ll be better off making specific and relevant changes instead of trying on someone else’s.

Besides the aesthetic issues, a copy-cat nose can also pose technical problems. Even the most skilled facial plastic surgeon won’t be able to change every single millimeter of your nasal structure. At some point, you will have to be willing to work with what’s already there. Inside the nose, your surgeon must work around the bone, cartilage, tissue, and skin to reshape, resize, and refine the nasal structure you were born with. While materials can be added to increase the size of your nose, you can trade in your old structure for a new one.

How Should I Approach the Design Process for My Nose?

When consulting with a facial plastic surgeon about rhinoplasty surgery, it might be beneficial for you to throw out your expectations for surgery—celebrity or otherwise—and just listen to what he or she has to say. You might learn something about the changes you were planning to ask for and what expectations are more realistic. You may be able to generally model your nasal tip after a favorite celebrity’s, though, so it can’t hurt to ask.

Start working on a plan for your new nose by consulting with a facial plastic surgeon skilled in the rhinoplasty procedure. He or she will be able to give you the perspective needed to decide how big or small, round or pointy your nose should be in the end. It’s okay to make your own recommendations, ask questions, and even bring in some photos for inspiration. Don’t expect a copy-cat version, however; we’ve already talked about how easily that can go wrong.

If you’re really inspired by a certain nose, talk about what aspects are the most appealing to you. If it’s a rounded tip or narrower nostrils, your facial plastic surgeon can help you to find a good compromise. You may be able to combine these features with your other nasal changes in order to achieve a blended, but natural, look for you. During your consultation, your surgeon will implement the new VECTRA 3D imaging system to model your results ahead of time. This innovative device gives your surgeon the ability to take a 3D photo of yourself and make the projected changes. It can eliminate any miscommunications between you and the surgeon, as well as help to keep you satisfied with your results. You’ll get a chance to see first-hand what that celebrity nose might look like on your face.

A better nose can mean a better you, plain and simple. Learn more about rhinoplasty through a consultation today. An experienced facial plastic surgeon can provide more in-depth knowledge about the rhinoplasty process. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery for over 20 years.

A recognized expert in rhinoplasty, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.

Next, here are some tips for prospective teen rhinoplasty patients

Six Things Patients Wish They Knew Before Facelift Surgery

What to expect after facelift surgery Facelift surgery in NYC brings with it many positive changes for the right patients. Yet even the most prepared facelift patients may find themselves facing some surprises once the surgery is over. While every patient and every surgery is different, it’s hard to predict every single side effect or detail of the recovery process. From prolonged swelling to itchy stitches, every facelift can provide a patient with some information they wish they’d known beforehand. Here are some of the big ones.

#1 – Pre-Op Pampering Is Essential

You might notice that your pre-op instructions include something about taking a nice hot shower in the morning. Don’t gloss over this important detail. After your facelift surgery, you won’t be able to shower for a day or two, maybe more based on how you heal. In anticipation of your shower-free time after surgery, it’s a good idea to get up a little early and enjoy one more relaxing shower. Remember not to apply any products to your face or hair afterwards, though; these could interfere with your surgery.

The same instructions can apply to your haircut and color. Make a salon appointment in the days before your surgery, since you won’t be able to do so for about six weeks after your facelift. Try a new hairstyle and/or color to wow those who see you during your recovery. Sometimes, the change to your hair is enough to distract them from noticing your recent surgery, if that’s something you want to keep secret.

#2 – Plan Ahead to Be Comfortable

After your facelift surgery in NYC you’re going to feel pain and discomfort. This is a given, but it’s not something that has to go unaddressed. By planning ahead, you can turn that discomfort around and get the rest and relaxation you need to get better. Talk to your facial plastic surgeon about cold compresses to help with swelling, pain medication, and other methods to manage these side effects. You’ll want to keep your head elevated while you recline and sleep, so look into an incline pillow to support your head and neck.

In addition, you should set up a dedicated recovery area with pillows, blankets, and plenty of comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that don’t pull over your head (lots of buttons). Fill a basket with your medical supplies, bottles of water, medications, and healthy snacks so you have everything you need right at your fingertips.

#3 – Smoking Is a Big No-No

When it comes to any plastic surgery, smoking is at the top of the list of DON’Ts and for good reason. The nicotine and chemicals found in cigarettes can restrict the blood vessels and make it difficult for the body to heal itself. In order to give yourself a clear window for complete healing, you must stop smoking at least three weeks before your surgery and avoid resuming smoking for three more weeks after your surgery. Of course, it’s always best to quit altogether. If you’re not ready yet, talk to your facial plastic surgeon about your smoking habit and follow his or her instructions closely to ensure your health and safety before, during, and after your facelift.

#4 – Mirrors Are Not Your Friend

After all the planning and waiting you’ve done, the moment you wake up from your surgery, you’ll be tempted to find the first mirror you can. Do yourself a favor and don’t look. Immediately after a facelift, you’ll be puffy and bruised, bandaged and unrecognizable. For some patients, it’s too much to handle. For others, it’s simply frustrating and can put a damper on the healing process. Promise yourself not to look during the initial days of healing and ask friends and family members not to comment on your progress. Your results are there, waiting to be visible, and will soon deliver just what you asked for. Be patient and let yourself be surprised when the bandages come off and you’re nearly finished healing.

#5 – Manage the Details With a Checklist

All the little planning details, appointments, and to-dos before your facelift can be overwhelming. To stay organized and make sure everything gets done on time and in the right order, take five minutes to jot it all down in a checklist. Even if you’re not a “list person,” you can benefit from doing so. This is a good way to plan ahead for last-minute errands like grocery shopping, pharmacy pick-ups, dry cleaning, and more. Include a list of the items you need for your recovery area. Plan the appointments you need to make, such as a pre-op with your surgeon, a salon visit, and anything else that needs to be done before your recovery time begins. If you treat this like a vacation and take care of the details before your surgery, you’ll be ready to relax with the time finally arrives.

#6 – Your Surgeon Is the Most Important Choice

The success or failure to achieve your desired results from facelift surgery in New York rests on the shoulders of only one person: your facial plastic surgeon. Choose your surgeon wisely and don’t settle for less than the best for your procedure. Discount surgeons may cut corners, use outdated techniques, and provide substandard facilities, so don’t be fooled by an attractive price tag. Instead, select your facial plastic surgeon based on experience, board certification, patient reviews, and other credentials. Meet your surgeon face to face for a facelift consultation and learn more about how he or she works and what he or she projects for your results. This is the perfect time to ask all of the questions you may have as you decide if he or she is the right surgeon for your facelift. Be discerning and choose carefully; it’s truly the most important part of the planning process.

New York City facial plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery for over 20 years. A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller has been invited frequently to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.

Next, learn about the 4 Things that are Off-Limits After Your Facelift