A facelift can add years of beauty to your face and allow you to look as great on the outside as you feel on the inside. But before you put yourself under the knife, ask yourself the following questions.

Do you have the money?

A facelift can be a costly expense that insurance often won't cover. Do you have the funds to cover the surgery? Before you go under the knife, get an estimate for how much your facelift procedure will cost during your consultation.

Do you have realistic expectations?

A facelift may erase some signs of aging, but several surgeries may be required to get the results you desire, especially if you have lots of loose, sagging skin or very detailed needs, such as drooping eyelids or a sagging neck. A facelift will give you some improvement, but don't expect to look several decades younger with just a single surgical procedure.

Do you have plans for downtime?

Can you afford to take time off work or other activities to heal? If you have young children in the home, are you able to hire outside help to assist with your regular duties so you can heal properly? Taking time off work and healing properly is key to a successful facelift procedure. Take your downtime needs into consideration before going under the knife.

Do you have issues with anesthesia?

Have you had surgeries in the past where anesthesia was an issue, or do you have a blood clotting problem? It may not be wise to get a facelift surgery if you have had surgical complications in the past, even if they had nothing to do with cosmetic procedures.

Do you have a surgeon in mind?

Do your research so you find the right cosmetic surgeon for your facelift needs. There are many ways you can research for a qualified surgeon by checking out patient reviews online, consulting with many cosmetic surgeons in person, and viewing before and after portfolios of surgeons you are considering.

Take your time when choosing a plastic surgeon to do your facelift procedure. Never choose a surgeon based on cost alone.

Do you really need a facelift?

Facelifts are major cosmetic procedures. You may benefit from trying other types of cosmetic procedures first, such as laser treatments for the face and neck, micro-needling, or other types of skin enhancing treatments to give you the results you need. Talk to your surgeon about all your options before deciding on a facelift for your needs.