How to Choose the Best Facelift Surgeon in the UK

The facelift is a popular procedure performed by many plastic surgeons to restore a more youthful appearance for their patients. 

It is a significant surgical procedure that should only be performed by an experienced surgeon. 

So how can you choose the best facelift surgeon in the UK?

Read on for advice on how to find the best facelift surgeon in the UK for your procedure who will provide surgical excellence, high-quality care, and a rejuvenated appearance.

How to find a consultant plastic surgeon to perform your facelift

Of course, you could just Google ‘facelifts near me’, but you can be more focused by trying the following:

Word of mouth

You may have friends or acquaintances who have had a facelift with excellent results. Why not ask them who performed their procedure? They will be immensely flattered to hear that you think they look good.

Mr Bray is often consulted by people who have been referred by delighted previous patients.

Ask your GP

Your GP may know of other patients who have had facial cosmetic procedures with good results, or they may know of excellent surgeons via their medical network that they could refer you to.

Do some background checks

We don’t advise hiring a private detective, but it is a good idea to check a cosmetic surgeon before booking a consultation.

Are their professional credentials in order?

If you are in the UK, your cosmetic surgeon must be registered with the General Medical Council and listed on the GMC specialist register, showing that they have undertaken additional training to practise as a plastic surgeon.

They should also be members of a recognised and respected professional body, such as BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons) or EAFPS (European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery).

You can check the surgeon’s name on professional websites, but their memberships should also be visible on your surgeon’s website.

Every reputable clinic offering plastic surgery should be registered with the Care Quality Commission, and the results of patient care inspections should be published on their website.

Check out the ‘before and after’ pictures

All cosmetic surgeons have websites that showcase their work.

Of course, all the ‘after’ photographs look amazing, but try taking a forensic approach.

Look for ‘before’ pictures of patients who are similar to you in age and in the type of facial ageing they have experienced. 

The results of the facelifts should enhance the patient’s natural features, preserving the essential character of their face but making them look younger and more attractive.

Make sure the ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos are taken under the same lighting and at a similar angle, and that the patients in the ‘after’ photo haven’t had a cosmetic glow-up with lashings of make-up.

Is the surgeon you are considering a specialist facelift surgeon?

Specialists tend to get better results as they get more practice!

It is obvious, really, but it is easy to get blinded by cosmetic surgery websites that promise great results in a range of plastic surgery procedures for the body as well as facial procedures.

Unless the clinic in question has a range of surgeons who specialise in different types of cosmetic surgery procedures, then you should give them a wide berth.

Making the most of your consultation

Your initial consultation marks the start of your surgical journey, and there are several essential questions you should ask.

Will you be performing my procedure?

Your initial consultation must be with the plastic surgeon who will perform your procedure.

Your facelift should not be a one-size-fits-all procedure but a surgical intervention tailored to address your unique facial ageing. To achieve this type of facelift, your cosmetic surgeon will need to carefully assess your face and discuss your desired results in detail.

How long have you been performing this procedure?

You need a surgeon with years of experience and a successful track record.

How many facelifts do you perform a year?

More is not always better, so the answer may not be straightforward.

Some facial surgeons perform a large number of minilifts each year, making their workload appear extremely high.

Mr Bray is one of the few facial surgeons in the UK who performs the highly complex and sophisticated deep plane facelift. 

This procedure takes longer, requires more aftercare and follow-up, but delivers long-lasting, natural-looking results.

What can you do for my face?

Your surgeon should listen to your concerns and then give you an honest appraisal of how they would achieve your desired results with a facelift.

Sometimes Mr Bray tells patients that a facelift will not give them the results they want. He may suggest a different cosmetic procedure or no intervention at all.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Every surgical procedure carries risks, including bruising, bleeding, and infection.

If you are told that facial surgery is risk-free, we strongly advise you to look for a different surgeon.

Are there any red flags?

There are a few red flags that should make you think twice about allowing a cosmetic surgeon to perform your facelift.

Heavy marketing on social media

At least 60% of Mr Bray’s work comes from word-of-mouth recommendations, and many of the other best plastic surgeons in the UK have a similar experience. 

They don’t need to spend money on sponsored links and reviews because they are already very busy with patients who have been attracted by their excellent reputations.

Incentives and discounts

Plastic surgery is a serious matter, and many patients spend years thinking about a procedure before committing to facial surgery.

You should never be rushed into making a decision with the offer of a discount or an additional cosmetic procedure for free.

Frankly, a facelift should be expensive. 

When you choose a surgeon like Dominic Bray for your facial procedure, you are paying for world-class surgical expertise honed through years of study and experience, and this is reflected in the cost.

Give careful thought to your choice

A facelift is not to be undertaken lightly, and you should take your time weighing up your choice of surgeon.

The right surgeon will have your best interests at heart and will encourage you to ask as many questions as you wish and to come back for a second consultation before you commit.

Remember, if you have any doubts, you can always ask another surgeon for a second opinion.

If you would like to find out more about facelift surgery, you can book a no-obligation consultation with Dominic Bray here or call the clinic on +44 203 417 9980.