Before a mini facelift, ask your surgeon about their qualifications and GMC specialist registration, whether a mini lift truly suits your face and neck, where the scars will be, the anaesthetic and hospital, the aftercare arrangements and what happens if a revision is needed. Clear, specific answers, including honest limitations, are a sign of a careful surgeon.
Questions about the surgeon
- Are you on the GMC Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery?: a good answer is a straightforward yes, which you can check on the GMC website using the surgeon’s name or number.
- What are your qualifications?: look for FRCS (Plast), the specialist exit qualification for UK plastic surgeons.
- Are you a member of BAAPS or BAPRAS?: membership shows engagement with professional standards and audit.
- How often do you perform facelift surgery?: expect a candid description of how facial surgery fits into the surgeon’s regular practice.
Mr Nassab is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register (GMC 4704243), holds FRCS (Plast) and sits on the BAAPS Council.
Questions about suitability
- Is a mini facelift the right operation for me?: a good answer explains why, referring to your jowls, neck, skin quality and goals, and says clearly if a full facelift or neck lift would suit you better.
- What will it not improve?: expect honesty about the neck, fine lines, skin texture and volume loss.
- Is my health suitable?: the surgeon should ask about smoking, blood pressure, medications, bleeding tendencies and previous surgery.
Questions about the operation
- Where will the scars be?: you should be shown the planned incision in front of the ear and told whether it extends behind the ear.
- What technique will you use?: a good answer explains how the deeper SMAS layer is tightened, not just skin removal.
- What anaesthetic do you recommend?: local, sedation or general anaesthetic, with the reasons for the choice.
- Where is the surgery performed?: a CQC-registered hospital with appropriate facilities and overnight care if needed.
Questions about recovery and aftercare
- How much time off will be needed?: a realistic answer is around two weeks for most desk-based jobs, with longer for physical work.
- Who should be called with a concern?: there should be a named team and a 24-hour contact number.
- How many follow-up appointments are included?: expect a clear schedule of wound checks and reviews over several months.
- What are the warning signs?: you should be told that rapid one-sided facial swelling needs urgent contact with the team.
Questions about risks, results and revision
- What are the most common complications?: haematoma, temporary nerve weakness, numbness and scarring should be discussed openly.
- How long will the result last?: a good answer explains that the face continues to age and results soften, rather than promising a fixed number of years.
- What is your revision policy?: you should know what happens and what it would cost if a touch-up is needed.
- Are there examples of your work to see?: before-and-after photographs of similar patients, shared with consent, help set expectations.
Questions about cost
Ask for a written quote and what it includes: the surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital and theatre, dressings and routine follow-up. Mr Nassab’s mini facelift is from £8,000 and the £150 consultation is charged separately. Ask whether finance is available and who provides it; Reza Nassab Ltd is a credit broker for Chrysalis Finance, not a lender.
Red flags to look out for
Be cautious if you are pressed to book on the day, offered a discount for committing quickly, seen only by a salesperson or told the result will last a set number of years. A surgeon who says a mini facelift will fix a very loose neck, or who does not ask about your health, is not giving you the full picture. Cosmetic surgery is for adults aged 18 and over, and a cooling-off period between consultation and surgery is good practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you check a surgeon is on the Specialist Register?
Search the surgeon’s name or GMC number on the GMC’s online register and check for a specialist entry in Plastic Surgery.
Are two consultations a good idea?
A second consultation is good practice. It gives you time to think and ask questions you forgot the first time.
Can a friend or relative come along?
Yes. A friend or relative can help you remember details and ask questions.
Is it helpful to bring photographs?
Photographs of yourself when younger can help show what has changed. Filtered or celebrity images are less helpful.
What if the surgeon recommends a different operation?
That can be a good sign. A surgeon who explains that a full facelift, neck lift or non-surgical option would suit you better is putting your outcome ahead of the procedure you asked about.
Is it worth writing my questions down?
Yes. Consultations cover a lot of information, and a written list helps make sure nothing important is missed. Take notes or ask for key points to be summarised in writing afterwards.
