Meta Description: Preparing for a facial rejuvenation consultation? World-renowned plastic surgeon Dr. A.A. El-Saharty, FRCS, provides a complete guide on questions to ask, documents to prepare, photos to bring, and techniques to discuss. Empower your journey.

Why Preparation is the First Step to Success

Laying the Groundwork – Before You Even Book

1. Defining Your “Why”: Goals & Realistic Expectations
2. Initial Research: Understanding the Landscape of Options

The Essential Groundwork & Medical History Dossier

Bring a folder containing:

• Complete Medical History: Details of any medical conditions Current Medications List: Include prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and especially any blood thinners (like Aspirin or Warfarin).
• Allergies: List all known allergies, including medications, latex,….etc.
• Surgical History: Note any previous surgeries, including non-cosmetic ones…..etc
• A Note on Supplements: Disclose all vitamins and herbal supplements 
• A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words – The Photo Journal

Photos are an invaluable communication tool. Photos of Your Younger Self: Bringing pictures from your 30s or 40s helps your surgeon visualize your facial 

           anatomyin its more youthful state and understand your aesthetic goals.

• Current Photos: Take clear, well-lit, front, and profile photos without  makeup.
• “Inspiration” Photos: If you bring photos of celebrities, use them to indicate specific features you like (e.g., “I admire the smoothness of her forehead”), not to request looking exactly like someone else. This sets realistic expectations.

Your Question Bank – What to Ask Your Surgeon This is your time to interview the surgeon. Do not be shy.

About the Surgeon:

• Are you certified by a recognized national board?
• Can I see before-and-after photos of patients with similar concerns to mine?”..ect

About the Procedure:

• “What type of anesthesia will be used?”
• “What is the expected recovery time? ……..etc

About Costs:  “What is the total all-inclusive cost? ًWhat does this include?

Demystifying the Options – A High-Level Overview 

•   Surgical (e.g., Facelift): Addresses excess skin and tightens underlying muscles for a more dramatic, long-lasting (5-10 years) correction of mid-face, jowls, and neck.
• Medical (e.g., Fillers & Botox): Excellent for smoothing wrinkles, restoring lost volume, and enhancing contours with minimal downtime. Results are temporary (6-18 months).
• Combination Therapy: The most modern approach. For example, a mini-facelift

can be complemented with laser skin resurfacing to address both sagging and skin

texture simultaneously.

During the Consultation – What to Expect

Your surgeon will  assess your skin quality, bone structure, and fat distribution. They may use computer imaging to simulate potential outcomes. This is a dialogue.

• Listen carefully to their recommendations and the rationale behind them.
• Take notes. 

Conclusion: Your Partnership in Aesthetic Enhancement

Choosing to pursue facial rejuvenation is a significant personal decision. The consultation is not a commitment; it is an information-gathering mission. Your preparedness will ensure you leave with a clear understanding of your options, the surgeon’s philosophy, and the potential path forward. This empowers you to choose a surgeon you trust and feel comfortable with, which is the true foundation of an excellent result.

Ready to become the most prepared patient in the room?

My book : Complete Pre-Consultation Guide For Facial Rejuvenation (Surgical OR Medical) is available now on my website. Choose your language and go to series No. 1 to download. Price is kept to the minimum at  start.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary. Consult a qualified plastic surgeon for personalized medical advice.

Author Bio:
Dr. Alaa Elsaharty is a retired Senior Consultant Plastic Surgeon with decades of international experience. Holder of an MD, MS, and FRCS (Edinburgh), he has helped thousands of women achieve their aesthetic goals throughout his career in the UK, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

Warmly,
Dr. Alaa Elsaharty MD, MS, FRCS (Edinb.)
www.sahartyplasticsurgery.net