Choosing a facelift surgeon is, without exaggeration, the most consequential decision in the entire process. The technique matters. The facility matters. But above all, the person holding the instruments determines whether you’ll love your result or regret it. Here are seven questions that will help you evaluate any surgeon you’re considering.
1. Are You Board-Certified in Plastic Surgery?
This sounds basic, but it’s the most important filter. Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) means the surgeon completed an accredited residency in plastic surgery and passed rigorous examinations. Many physicians perform cosmetic procedures without this specific training — dermatologists, ENTs, oral surgeons, and even general practitioners. They may be talented, but their training pathway is different.
Dr. Ching is double board-certified in plastic surgery, which means he holds certification from boards in both the United States and Canada.
2. What Facelift Technique Do You Use, and Why?
This question reveals how the surgeon thinks about facial aging. A surgeon who only performs one technique may be applying the same approach to every patient regardless of their anatomy. Ideally, your surgeon should be able to explain why they recommend a specific technique for YOUR face.
Ask specifically whether they perform deep plane dissection, whether they release the retaining ligaments, and how they address midface descent. If the answer is vague or overly simplified, consider that a signal.
3. How Do You Address Facial Volume Loss?
This is the question that separates traditional facelift surgeons from comprehensive facial rejuvenation specialists. If the answer is “we just lift” or “we can add fillers later,” the surgeon may not be addressing the full picture of facial aging.
Look for a surgeon who incorporates structural fat grafting into their technique. Restoring the volume that’s been lost to aging is essential for a result that looks natural rather than simply tight.
4. Can I See Before-and-After Photos of Your Facelift Patients?
Before-and-after galleries are the most honest advertisement a surgeon has. Study them carefully. Look for consistency across multiple patients, not just one or two cherry-picked results. Pay attention to whether the results look natural or overdone. Check that the lighting and angles are standardized so you’re seeing real results, not favorable photography.
Ask to see patients who are similar to you in age, skin type, and degree of aging. And ask to see results at multiple time points — not just immediately after surgery, but 6 months and 1 year post-operatively.
5. What Is Your Revision Rate?
Every surgeon has patients who need revision. The question isn’t whether revisions happen but how often. A surgeon who claims a zero percent revision rate is either not being honest or hasn’t performed enough procedures. A surgeon with a low revision rate who can speak candidly about what causes revisions — and how they handle them — is demonstrating both skill and integrity.
6. What Does Recovery Look Like, and How Do You Support Patients Through It?
The quality of post-operative care is almost as important as the surgery itself. Ask about the recovery timeline, how frequently you’ll be seen after surgery, who is available for questions after hours, and what specific protocols are in place to optimize healing.
Surgeons who incorporate regenerative techniques like SVF stem cell fat grafting may offer faster or smoother recoveries, but regardless of the technique, you want a surgeon and team who are accessible and attentive during the healing process.
7. How Long Can I Expect My Results to Last?
The answer to this question depends entirely on the technique. A surgeon who quotes “5 to 10 years” is likely performing an SMAS or limited technique. A surgeon who quotes “10 to 15 years or more” is likely performing a comprehensive deep plane approach.
Ask what they do specifically to maximize longevity. Do they restore volume? Do they address skin quality? Do they work at the deep plane level? The more comprehensive the approach, the longer-lasting the result.
The Right Surgeon for You
The right facelift surgeon isn’t necessarily the one with the biggest marketing budget or the most social media followers. It’s the one who can answer all seven of these questions with specificity, candor, and confidence — and whose before-and-after photos consistently demonstrate the kind of result you want for yourself.
Take your time. Ask hard questions. And trust your instincts about the person who will be holding your face in their hands.
Take the Next Step
If you’re considering facial rejuvenation and want to understand whether The Ascend Lift™ is right for your anatomy and goals, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Ching. There’s no commitment and no pressure — just an honest conversation about what’s possible for your face.
➤ Schedule your Ascend Lift™ consultation or call (808) 207-7345.