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How to Select the Best Facelift Surgeon

Houston, Tx Facial Plastic Surgeon

Our faces are as unique as our fingerprints. So, it is extremely important when you are selecting a surgeon to perform cosmetic surgery on your face that the doctor has expertise and experience specific to facial plastic and head and neck surgery.  You want a surgeon that can handle any set of anatomical challenges with ease at the time of your surgery.

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Choosing the right surgeon can be difficult and overwhelming, yet it is the most important decision.

Unfortunately, most patients have no idea how to evaluate cosmetic surgeons to determine if they are the right match.  Just going to a ratings site is not enough.  They only share basic information and don’t provide the more important in-depth information about a physician.

Here is a helpful list of 10 questions for you to ask when you are looking for a cosmetic specialist. You can feel comfortable in your decision to make an appointment for a consultation with a Specialist who can answer “Yes” to the following questions.

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1. Are you board certified in Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery?

Training to obtain this level of certification is centered on the anatomy from the neck and up. This depth of knowledge of the functionality and structures of the head and neck area means that the surgeon with this board certification will be able address functionality as well as aesthetics.

2. Have you completed a Fellowship in Facial Plastic Surgery?

Choosing a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon is important because it ensures your surgeon has undergone advanced, highly specialized training beyond standard residency. This focused expertise means they have extensive experience with the complex anatomy of the face and neck, and are skilled in the latest surgical techniques. A fellowship-trained surgeon is better equipped to deliver safe, natural-looking results while minimizing risks and tailoring the procedure to each patient’s unique features.

3. Are you board certified in Facial Plastic Surgery?

Fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeons are already board-certified in Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery and then choose to pursue additional, highly focused training dedicated exclusively to facial plastic surgery. In contrast, general plastic surgeons follow a broader training path that covers procedures across the entire body, rather than specializing solely in the face and neck.

4. Of the surgeries you have done in the past year, is Facelift at least 40% of the cases?

Again, you want a surgeon who does a lot of Facelift surgery every year because Facelift surgery is a more complex surgery than most areas below the neck.

5. Have you published more than 10 peer reviewed scientific journal articles or textbook chapters specific to Facelift surgery?

Scientific medical journals accept articles after a thorough peer review process has been completed. The techniques shared in the journals and textbooks must be of the highest caliber so that surgeons can share their successful techniques with others to make sure patients can obtain the highest quality of care. Surgeons who are dedicated to becoming the best in their specialty and who strive to educate others are always at the top of their game.

6. Have you been on the invited faculty of a major course in your specialty on Facial Plastic Surgery within the last 3 years?

Medical specialty societies invite the most respected surgeons in their specialty to share their expertise to other surgeons. It is an honor to be selected to speak.

7. Have you done numerous similar surgical procedures on a doctor or a member of a doctor’s family?

Because of their training, doctors want their family members to be taken care of by other doctors they trust and know have the level of skill and experience needed for the most successful result. Dr. Delaney is often referred to as “the Doctor’s Doctors” because physicians refer themselves, their family members and their own patients to him for his expertise in facial rejuvenation surgery.

8. Do you have before and after pictures of patients you’ve operated on?

During your consultation, it is important to ask to see before and after pictures of patients who had Facelift surgery performed by the doctor. You want to be sure that the surgeon has successful results that look natural.

9. What special honors have you achieved?

There are many types of awards that a physician can receive. The most prestigious awards are for surgical excellence which are presented to a surgeon by his specialty society or another medical society. They are difficult to achieve and demonstrate the stature the physician has within the medical community. Dr. Delaney has received Super Doctors Texas Rising Star award, Castle Connolly Top Doctor award and special recognition by University of Texas McGovern Medical School for Contributions to Facial Plastic and Reconstruction Fellowship Program.

10. Is your complication rate on your own Facelift surgeries less than 5%?

The most talented and experienced surgeons have very low complication rates. They get it right the first time. There is always a risk with any kind of surgery, and no surgeon is perfect, but you want a surgeon that is very skilled.

You can also check the overall background of a physician online to find out if they have ever had their license to practice medicine suspended, revoked, voluntarily relinquished or subjected to probation.

As you can see, if you ask the right questions, you will be able to make an informed decision on selection of the best Facelift surgeons for a consultation and ultimately, surgery. When you visit the surgeon for the consultation, you also need to feel that both you and the doctor have similar goals for your aesthetic surgery and your post-operative care.

Plastic surgeons who can answer “Yes” to these questions are highly regarded by other doctors in their own specialty as well as other specialties. They are the best of the best and their prices will likely reflect this. Their prices will be on the higher end of the spectrum, but they are worth the additional cost because of their depth of experience, skill and expertise.

Dr. Sean Delaney can answer “Yes” to each of these questions. He is considered by peers and patients as “the” premiere Facelift surgeons. Needless to say, you will be in the best of hands with either surgeon.

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