Tips for Choosing the Best Facial Cosmetic Surgeon for You

Dr. Michael Menachof Headshot
Dr. Menachof, MD, FACS has performed thousands of facial plastic surgery procedures in over 20 years of experience. He has been recognized as a Fellow by multiple academies, named one of America’s Top Facial Plastic Surgeons continually since 2003 and is featured in multiple national publications.

If you’re considering facial cosmetic surgery, one of the first steps is choosing the right surgeon. The best plastic surgery is dependent on finding the perfect surgeon to perform your procedure. This can be a complex and confusing process, since there are many things to consider as you start your search.

Dr. Menachof at Facial Surgery and Aesthetics Center has performed thousands of successful facial cosmetic procedures, and is known throughout Denver, Colorado as a rhinoplasty expert. He has offered a list of helpful tips and questions to consider as you choose the best facial cosmetic surgeon to get the results you’re looking for.

Start The Search With Several Consultations

Start your process by researching cosmetic surgeons in your area that have specialized training in the procedure you’re interested in. Then, set up consultations with at least three surgeons. This will help you understand the kind of surgeon you feel comfortable with and what types of results you’ll see. Research your procedure to help save time and make you feel more confident. Fill out paperwork before your appointment (the secretary or nurse can email or fax this to you) to expedite your process.

Be Prepared to Ask Your Surgeon the Right Questions

facial surgery consultation tips

When you arrive at your consultation, take notes (mental or written) about the office. Notice if the office is clean, if personnel is friendly, if you feel comfortable. You should ask the following questions (and take notes on each surgeon’s answers):

  • Do you specialize in facial plastic surgery?
  • What is your experience with this specific procedure?
  • How many times have you performed this specific procedure?
  • Is this procedure right for me?
  • Can I see your before and after photos?
  • Where will the surgery take place? Is it an accredited facility?
  • Who will perform the anesthesia?

For a complete list of questions to ask your plastic surgeon, download and print our Facial Surgery Consultation Guided Questions.

Make Sure Your Surgeon Is Board Certified

The government does not require a surgeon to be specifically trained in the procedures they offer. Particularly in the practice of cosmetic surgery, many plastic surgeons have general surgery or other medical training but are not necessarily qualified in the procedures they advertise.

First things first – Make sure your surgeon is board certified. Ask them if their board certifications and experience is related to the specific procedure you are interested in. For example, a surgeon must complete years of specialized training in Otolaryngology (Head & Neck Surgery) in order to be considered a facial plastic surgeon (and not just a general plastic surgeon).

Make Sure Your Surgeon Is Experienced In Your Desired Procedure

Every cosmetic procedure requires specific skills and experience to achieve successful results. Cosmetic surgeons often have subspecialties within the field of facial plastic surgery. Consider asking your surgeon the following questions to determine if they have the experience and expertise that will get you the results you are looking for:

  • How did you train in this specific procedure?
  • How many years have you been performing this procedure?
  • How many times have you performed this procedure?

If your surgeon has very little experience in your desired procedure, keep searching! Remember, your perfect results depend on your surgeon’s experience, skill and technique.

If your surgery requires anesthesia, ask about the anesthetist’s qualifications also. Make sure they are either a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist or a Board Certified Anesthesiology administering your anesthesia.

Find Out Where Your Plastic Surgery Will Take Place

Your facial plastic surgeon should perform your surgery in an accredited facility. This is important because an accredited facility meets strict national standards for equipment, safety, personnel and surgeon credentials. Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon where they perform surgery and if the facility is accredited.

Dr. Menachof performs all of his surgeries at an accredited surgical facility with a highly trained anesthesiologist.

Review A Before and After Photo Gallery

Look carefully at your surgeon’s before and after photo gallery (specific to your procedure) to determine if you like the surgeon’s results. Compare before and after photos and consider whose results appeal to you the most. You also want to look for previous patients that have a similar facial structure, are around your same age, and have some of the same concerns you have. Look for consistency in results across many different patients, and be sure to ask for testimonials and references from previous patients with similar concerns.

Dr. Menachof – Trusted Experience and Happy Patients

With over two decades of experience, Dr. Menachof has thousands of satisfied facial cosmetic surgery patients in the Denver area. You can read hundreds of testimonials, and slook through many of his before and after photos. At your initial consultation, Dr. Menachof will listen to your specific concerns, offer you a variety of treatment options and share before and after photos and testimonials specific to your procedure.

Choose A Qualified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Menachof completed a six-year residency focusing on head and neck surgery and facial plastic surgery at the University of California Hospitals. He received his board certification from the American Board of Otolaryngology and is known throughout Denver as a rhinoplasty and facelift expert.

In his 20 years of facial cosmetic surgery experience, Dr. Menachof has been:

  • Board certified through the American Board of Otolaryngology
  • A Fellow in the highly selective American College of Surgeons
  • An active member in the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • A Fellow in The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery

Schedule a Consultation Today

Choosing a qualified plastic surgeon for your procedure is a big decision, one that you’ll live with for the rest of your life. Take the time to do your research, ask all of the questions above (and more!), and examine results before making your choice.

If you live in the Denver area and are looking for a qualified facial surgeon, schedule a consultation with Dr. Menachof today.

Download and print off our Facial Surgery Consultation Guided Questions  to prepare for your surgery consult!

 

This article was originally posted in February 2019 and has been republished in 2021 with updated information.

Related posts: