Medically Reviewed 03 July 2026, by Mr. Tunç Tiryaki (GMC 7497351)
If you are considering a facelift, your consultation is an important first step.
I see it as an opportunity for us to have an open conversation about your concerns, understand what you would like to change, and discuss what can realistically be achieved.
A little preparation can help you get the most from your appointment. I recommend bringing photographs of yourself from around 10 years ago, thinking carefully about your priorities and making a note of any previous cosmetic treatments or surgery. You will also be asked to complete your medical history and previous treatment information online before your appointment.
Here is my advice on how to prepare for your facelift consultation:
1. Bring photographs of yourself from around 10 years ago
One of the most useful things you can bring to your facelift consultation is a selection of photographs of yourself from around 10 years ago.
Ideally, choose photographs that show your face clearly from different angles. These images give me a useful reference for understanding how your face has changed naturally over time.
They can also help us when discussing your goals. Rather than simply saying that you want to look younger, older photographs can help demonstrate the facial features, proportions and overall appearance that you would like to restore or maintain.
For me, the aim of facial rejuvenation is always to achieve a natural-looking result that is appropriate for you. I am not trying to make you look like someone else or recreate an unrealistic version of your younger self.
2. Bring photographs of previous cosmetic treatments or surgery
If you have previously had cosmetic surgery or aesthetic treatments, it can be helpful to bring any before and after photographs you have.
This might include photographs from a previous:
- Facelift or neck lift
- Eyelid surgery
- Fat transfer
- Other facial surgery
- Dermal fillers
These images can give me valuable insight into your previous treatment history and help me understand how your face has responded to earlier procedures.
If you have photographs available, bring them along. They can form a useful part of our discussion.
3. Make a note of your non-surgical treatments
It is important that I know about any previous non-surgical aesthetic treatments you have had.
When you book your consultation, you will be asked to provide details of your previous treatments online in advance. I recommend being as thorough as possible.
This may include:
- Dermal fillers
- Anti-wrinkle injections
- Thread lifts
- Skin treatments
If you know when and where you had these treatments, include those details too.
Understanding your treatment history is an important part of assessing your facial anatomy and developing an appropriate surgical plan. Previous treatments can influence the way the tissues look and behave, so having an accurate history helps me make a more informed assessment.
4. Think about your main concerns before your appointment
Before your consultation, take some time to think about what bothers you most when you look in the mirror.
Perhaps it is your:
- Neck
- Jawline
- Jowls
- Cheeks
- Eyes
- Overall facial ageing
You may have several concerns, and that is completely normal. Try to identify the areas that are most important to you so that we can make sure we address them during the consultation.
I also encourage you to think about what you like about your appearance and would like to preserve. Good facial rejuvenation is not simply about deciding what to change. It is about understanding what makes your face look like you and maintaining those characteristics.
5. Write down your questions
It is completely normal to have lots of questions before a facelift consultation. It is also surprisingly easy to forget them once you are sitting in the consultation room.
I recommend writing your questions down beforehand and bringing the list with you.
You may want to ask me about:
- Which procedure is most appropriate for you
- Whether you would benefit from a facelift, neck lift or another treatment
- What the surgery involves
- Where the scars will be
- Recovery time
- When you can return to work or exercise
- Potential risks and complications
- When you can expect to see your final result
- What results are realistically achievable
There is no such thing as a silly question. I want my patients to feel comfortable asking anything that is on their mind. If something is unclear, ask me to explain it.
The consultation should be a two-way conversation, not simply me telling you what I think you should do.
6. Be prepared to discuss your medical history
Your medical history is an important part of your facelift consultation.
Before your appointment, you will be asked to complete your medical history online. This allows me to review the relevant information in advance and means we can use our consultation time to discuss anything that needs further clarification.
I will want to understand your previous operations, allergies, existing medical conditions and any previous problems you may have experienced with surgery or anaesthesia.
I will also ask about smoking or nicotine use, as this can be relevant to surgical planning, wound healing and recovery.
It is important to be completely open about your medical history. This is not about excluding you from surgery. It allows me to understand your individual circumstances and determine the safest and most appropriate approach.
7. Have your medications and supplements to hand
As part of completing your medical information online, you will also be asked about the medications and supplements you take.
Make sure you include everything, including:
- Prescription medication
- Over-the-counter medication
- Vitamins
- Herbal supplements
- Other supplements
Some medications and supplements can be relevant to surgical planning and recovery, so it is important that I have an accurate picture of what you are taking.
If you are unsure whether something is relevant, include it, and we can discuss it.
8. Should you wear makeup to a facelift consultation?
This is a question I am asked quite often, and the simple answer is that it is entirely your choice.
You can come to your facelift consultation wearing makeup, or you can come without it. There is no right or wrong way to prepare.
If you normally wear makeup, you are very welcome to come wearing it. And if you would prefer to come without makeup, that is absolutely fine too.
What matters much more to me is understanding your facial anatomy, your concerns and what you would like to achieve. So please do not worry about whether you have prepared your face in a particular way before coming to see me.
9. Come with realistic expectations and an open mind
One of the most important things you can do before a facelift consultation is think about what you hope to achieve.
A facelift can address many of the changes associated with facial ageing, but it cannot stop the ageing process and it cannot guarantee that you will look exactly as you did 10 years ago.
During the consultation, I will explain what I believe can realistically be achieved and which treatment options may be appropriate for you.
You may arrive thinking you need a particular procedure, but after assessing your face and understanding your concerns, I may recommend a different approach. That is why I encourage patients to come with an open mind.
My role is to recommend what I believe is most appropriate for your individual anatomy and goals, rather than simply performing the procedure you initially thought you needed.
10. Remember: your consultation is not a commitment
Perhaps the most important thing I want patients to remember is that coming to a facelift consultation does not mean you have decided to have surgery.
The purpose of the appointment is to understand your concerns, assess your facial anatomy, discuss your medical and treatment history and explore your options.
I want you to leave your consultation feeling informed and confident, rather than pressured.
You should have the opportunity to ask questions, understand the potential benefits and risks, discuss what is realistically achievable and decide whether surgery is right for you.
There is no need to make a decision simply because you have attended a consultation.
Your Facelift Consultation Checklist
To help you prepare, I have put together a simple checklist that you can print and bring with you.
Before your appointment
- Bring photographs of yourself from around 10 years ago
- Bring before and after photographs of any previous cosmetic surgery, if available
- Complete your medical history online
- Complete details of your previous aesthetic treatments online
- Make a note of any dermal fillers you have had
- Make a note of any anti-wrinkle injections
- Make a note of any thread lifts or other aesthetic treatments
- Think about your main facial concerns
- Consider what you would like to preserve about your appearance
- Write down any questions you want to ask
- Have a list of your medications and supplements available
- Make sure your allergies are included in your medical history
- Be prepared to discuss previous operations and anaesthesia
- Be open about smoking or nicotine use
- Think about your expectations and desired outcome
- Remember that you can attend with or without makeup
During your consultation
- Explain your main concerns honestly
- Discuss your previous cosmetic treatments
- Discuss your medical history
- Ask all your questions
- Discuss your expected results
- Ask about recovery and downtime
- Discuss potential risks and complications
- Make sure you understand the recommended treatment
- Ask about alternative treatment options if appropriate
- Take your time before making a decision
Understanding Your Options Before You Decide
Preparing for your facelift consultation does not need to be complicated. The most important thing is to come prepared to have an open and honest conversation about what you would like to improve and what you hope to achieve.
Photographs from around 10 years ago, details of previous treatments, your medical history and a list of questions can all help me build a clearer picture of your individual needs.
Most importantly, remember that your consultation is an opportunity to explore your options. You do not have to make a decision on the day.
My aim is for you to leave the consultation with a clear understanding of what is possible, what I would recommend and why, and whether surgery is the right choice for you.
If you are considering a facelift, a thorough consultation with an experienced facial plastic surgeon is an important first step in making an informed decision.
