Before booking a deep plane facelift, ask your surgeon about their specialist registration and training, where surgery takes place, the technique they plan to use, the recovery, how complications are handled and what happens if you need further surgery. Clear, specific answers, given without pressure, are a good sign. Take this checklist to your consultation and write down the answers.
Questions about qualifications
- Are you on the GMC Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery?: a good answer is a simple yes, which you can verify on the GMC website.
- What are your surgical qualifications?: look for FRCS (Plast), the specialist exit qualification in plastic surgery in the UK.
- Which professional associations do you belong to?: membership of BAAPS or BAPRAS indicates commitment to professional standards and audit.
- How often do you perform deep plane facelifts?: expect an open answer describing regular facial surgery practice, rather than vague claims.
Questions about the hospital and anaesthetic
- Where will the operation take place?: the answer should be a CQC-registered hospital with overnight nursing care.
- Who gives the anaesthetic?: a consultant anaesthetist, who will assess you before surgery.
- Is an overnight stay planned?: most surgeons recommend at least one night to monitor blood pressure and bleeding.
If the answers are hesitant, or surgery is offered in a setting without inpatient facilities, ask why.
Questions about the technique and your plan
- Why a deep plane lift rather than another type?: a good surgeon explains how your anatomy, for example mid-face descent and neck laxity, suits this approach, and when another operation might be better.
- Where will the scars be?: you should be shown the incision lines in relation to your hairline and ears.
- Will the neck be treated too?: the plan for the platysma muscle and any fat under the chin should be clear.
- What results can realistically be expected?: expect honest discussion of what will and will not change, including asymmetry, rather than promises.
Questions about recovery and aftercare
- How long is the recovery?: an honest timeline, typically two to three weeks before being socially comfortable and several months for swelling to settle.
- Who provides the aftercare?: the operating surgeon should see you personally at follow-up.
- Who is the contact at night or at the weekend?: there should be a clear out-of-hours contact.
- What follow-up is included?: routine reviews, wound checks and stitch removal should be part of the price.
Questions about complications and revision
- What are the main risks for me?: a tailored discussion of haematoma, nerve injury, numbness, scarring and skin healing, related to your health.
- What happens if a complication occurs?: the surgeon should describe how problems are managed and at whose cost.
- What is the revision policy?: ask in writing whether further surgery would be charged, and in what circumstances.
A surgeon who is comfortable talking openly about complications is usually one who takes them seriously.
Questions about cost
Ask for a written quote that lists the surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital, garments and follow-up, so you can compare like with like. Check whether the consultation fee is separate. With Mr Nassab, a deep plane face and neck lift costs from £18,500 and the consultation is £150. Further detail is in the cost guide.
Red flags at consultation
Be cautious if you are pressured to book on the day, offered a discount for committing quickly, seen only by a salesperson or coordinator, shown only selected results with no discussion of risks, or told recovery will be quick and painless. Cosmetic surgery is for adults aged 18 and over, and a cooling-off period is good practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many consultations should there be before surgery?
Many patients benefit from two consultations, allowing time to reflect and return with further questions.
Is it acceptable to bring someone to the consultation?
Yes. A friend or relative can help you remember information and ask questions.
Should photos of previous results be shown?
Surgeons may show examples of their own work where consent has been given. They illustrate a range of outcomes, not a prediction of yours.
What should be done with the answers?
Write them down and compare them after the appointment, ideally alongside a written quote. If anything is unclear, contact the clinic before booking; a good team will be happy to explain again.
Is it reasonable to ask about complication rates?
Yes. A surgeon should be willing to talk openly about the complications they see and how they are managed, even if precise figures vary between individuals.
What if the surgeon suggests a different operation?
That can be a sign of an honest assessment. Ask them to explain why it suits your anatomy better.
