10 Questions to Ask Before Choosing Your Facial Plastic Surgeon
Choosing a facial plastic surgeon is one of the most personal and important decisions you will ever make. Your face carries your identity, expressions, and confidence, so it is essential to feel informed, aligned, and comfortable every step of the way.
Before moving forward, asking the right questions can help you understand your surgeon’s expertise, approach, and philosophy of care. Below are ten essential questions to guide you toward a confident and well informed decision.
1. What is your training and background?
Start by asking where your surgeon completed their residency and fellowship, who they trained under, and whether their training was part of an accredited facial plastic surgery program.
This provides insight into their depth of education and whether they are truly specialized in facial anatomy and aesthetics.
Facial plastic surgery requires a refined understanding of delicate structures. Training matters.
2. Do you specialize in facial surgery?
Some surgeons perform a wide range of procedures across the body, while others focus exclusively on the face and neck.
A facial plastic surgery specialist, such as Dr. Lindsey Pennington, dedicates their entire practice to facial rejuvenation. This level of focus allows for mastery of techniques that prioritize natural looking and long lasting results while preserving identity.
3. How long have you been performing this specific procedure?
Experience matters, especially with high precision surgeries such as facelifts and neck lifts.
Ask how long the surgeon has been performing the procedure and how many they perform each year.
This helps you understand their consistency, confidence, and familiarity with nuanced variations in anatomy.
4. Who makes up your surgical team?
Excellent outcomes are rarely the result of one person alone.
Ask whether your surgeon works with a consistent surgical team, including an anesthesiologist, surgical assistant, scrub technician, and registered nurse.
A long standing and coordinated team improves communication, efficiency, safety, and overall outcomes in the operating room.
5. Where will my surgery be performed?
Confirm that your procedure will take place in an accredited surgical facility.
Accreditation ensures proper monitoring and safety standards, established emergency protocols, and high level infection control.
This additional oversight provides peace of mind and protects your well being.
6. What kind of anesthesia will be used?
Understanding anesthesia helps you feel prepared and reassured.
Ask what type of anesthesia will be used, who administers it, how long you will be under anesthesia, and what comfort and safety measures are in place.
Transparency around anesthesia is a key part of informed consent.
7. How involved will you be in my care?
Your surgeon should be actively involved throughout your entire journey, not only on the day of surgery.
Ask whether you will have direct access to your surgeon, hands on involvement during consultations and follow up visits, and clear communication if concerns arise after surgery.
Continuity of care builds trust and supports better outcomes.
8. Can I see before and after photos of patients like me?
Before and after photos help you understand a surgeon’s aesthetic style and range of results.
Request examples of patients with similar facial structure, similar age, and similar concerns.
This gives you a realistic picture of what may be achievable for you.
9. What does your post operative care look like?
Healing is just as important as the surgery itself.
Ask about overnight nursing or monitoring, follow up appointments, recovery support and guidance, and how concerns are addressed during the healing process.
Strong post operative care supports comfort, safety, and optimal long term results.
10. In your professional opinion, am I a good candidate?
An experienced and ethical surgeon will be honest.
They should evaluate your anatomy, health history, goals, and expectations.
The best results come from a clear and realistic plan built on mutual understanding, not pressure or overpromising.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a facial plastic surgeon is not just about credentials. It is about trust, alignment, and confidence.
Take your time.
Do your research.
Ask thoughtful questions.
When you feel informed, heard, and supported, you are far more likely to have a positive experience and results that feel authentically you.