Facial rejuvenation is deeply personal. As a facial plastic surgeon who has devoted over two decades to refining natural outcomes, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative a well-executed facelift can be, and how disappointing the wrong approach can feel.
Choosing the best facial plastic surgeon is the most critical decision you’ll make in your facial rejuvenation journey. Below, I’m sharing the seven most important questions every patient should ask before undergoing a facelift, along with insights into what makes a procedure like my Vertical Restore® such a powerful advancement in the field.
1. Are You Board-Certified in Facial Plastic Surgery?
Certification by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery ensures that your surgeon has completed the extensive training, rigorous testing, and peer-reviewed evaluation necessary to deliver exceptional outcomes.
I am proud to be double board-certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. This dual specialty provides a complete understanding of the face, both in form and function.
2. How Many Facelifts Have You Performed—and How Often?
Specialization matters because facial anatomy is complex. A surgeon who exclusively performs facial procedures will naturally develop the technical mastery and nuanced understanding required for natural, harmonious outcomes.
Look for a surgeon whose entire focus is facial plastic surgery, not someone who occasionally performs facelifts alongside breast augmentations or body contouring.
At my practice, I’ve performed over 7,000 facial rejuvenation procedures, most using my proprietary Vertical Restore® technique. This depth of focus allows for unmatched consistency, safety, and artistry.
3. Can I See Before-and-After Photos of Real Patients?
Before-and-after photos offer a visual testament to a surgeon’s aesthetic sensibility. Look for patients who resemble you in age, skin tone, and facial structure—and pay close attention to the quality and naturalism of their results.
With Vertical Restore, my goal is never to make you look “done.” Instead, I restore your facial shape and contours to how they looked 10 to 15 years ago—without tension, tightness, or distortion.
Vertical Restore results are particularly impressive because they address the outer brow, midface, jawline, and neck simultaneously—creating a comprehensive, lifted, yet completely natural look.
4. Do You Have Patient Testimonials or Reviews I Can Read?
Authentic patient experiences reveal a great deal about your potential journey. Read testimonials, browse review platforms, and even ask to speak with a previous patient if you’d like.
At Carmel Valley Facial Plastic Surgery, we’ve had the privilege of helping patients from all 50 states and over 100 countries. Their kind words are our most valued measure of success. You can review some of our testimonials here.
5. What Techniques Do You Use for Facial Rejuvenation?
Understanding your surgeon’s technique is essential to predicting your outcome. Traditional facelifts often pull the skin horizontally, flattening the face and leaving visible signs of surgery. Modern advancements aim for deeper, more natural restoration.
With Vertical Restore, I created a technique that lifts the face vertically, repositioning the deeper facial structures—not just the skin. This approach:
- Releases facial ligaments for maximal lift without tension
- Addresses the entire face: brow, midface, jawline, and neck
- Produces results that last 10 to 15 years
- Is performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation, ensuring safety and rapid recovery
6. Where Will My Surgery Be Performed, and Is It Accredited?
Safety is non-negotiable. Your procedure should be performed in an accredited surgical center with board-certified anesthesiologists and emergency protocols in place.
Our surgeries take place at Carmel Valley Surgical Center, certified by Quad A, the gold standard in outpatient safety. Every detail, from the instruments to the recovery process, is tailored to support your comfort and safety.
7. Do You Offer a Comprehensive Approach to Facial Aging?
Facial aging doesn’t happen in isolation. Skin, volume, structure, and support all evolve over time.
That’s why I developed the Vertical Restore facial rejuvenation protocol as a comprehensive system, often combining:
- Fat Transfer for volume restoration
- Eye Rejuvenation to keep the eyes bright and open
- Lip Lift for harmony and balance
- Skin Resurfacing for radiant texture and tone
This holistic strategy ensures that your results are balanced, refined, and completely customized.
Final Thoughts
Your face is your identity. Choosing the best facial plastic surgeon should be based on their skill, trust, artistry, and the ability to see you for who you are and where you want to go.
If you're looking to look as young as you feel, I invite you to explore the power of Vertical Restore—a technique that goes beyond the limitations of the traditional facelift and offers a transformative path forward in facial plastic surgery.
/getting-started/ at Carmel Valley Facial Plastic Surgery in San Diego, and let’s begin your personalized journey to true facial rejuvenation.
