How to Set Realistic Expectations for Facial Plastic Surgery

According to a report from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), in 2024 more than 17.4 million surgical procedures were performed by plastic surgeons worldwide. This represents an overall increase in 42.5% over the last four years. A subset within the list of procedures is the high rate of facial treatments being performed. Given the growing demand, it is important to set realistic expectations for patients.

When it comes to facial plastic surgery, setting patient expectations matters more than ever. If you’re considering a facial procedure, setting the right expectations is the best way to feel confident before, during, and after surgery. People often arrive to their consultations where their idea of a potential outcome is based on social media hype and photos that shape their expected results. Even AI filtered imagery is starting to become more popular. This constant stream of polished images can blur the line in a patient’s understanding of what is real and what is marketing. This is especially true for younger patients who may come in with high hopes and shaky assumptions. Their perception of the various types of facial procedures such as facelifts, rhinoplasty, or dermal fillers is that you come out looking younger and more attractive. But this is often with little to no concern for the reality of the true outcomes or risks behind their choices.

It’s important to choose the right facial plastic surgery specialist who will help manage expectations with realistic and likely improvements, and an honest recovery plan.

What should you expect during your consultation?

Your consultation is where you and your surgeon get on the same page about goals, limits, and recovery. Be open about what you hope to change, and be ready to hear what is realistic. Social media and AI filters can make results look instant and flawless, especially to younger viewers, but real outcomes depend on anatomy, healing, and technique.

Dr. Mark Samaha is a renowned surgeon specializing in facial plastic surgery in Montreal. This Harvard-trained, triple board certified specialist says that “it is so important that patients know exactly what they can expect. I am therefore very honest and very direct about what surgery can and cannot achieve. It is not unusual for patients to come to the consultation with assumptions or misconceptions leading them to have unrealistic expectations. I consider it one of the most important aspects of my job to make sure that when the consultation is concluded, my patients have a complete, clear and accurate idea of the expectations from surgery.”

What should you talk about in the consultation?

Go in with a plan. These talking points will help you get clear answers. The objective is to make sure that you understand the practical aspect of the facial procedure. Some practical discussion points include:

• Share what you have seen online and what you believe to be true
• Ask about what photos and videos cannot show, such as lighting, angles, and filters
• Ask your surgeon to explain results using anatomy, healing timelines, and objective measures, not influencer language

What are unrealistic expectations for plastic surgery?

Many patients do have unrealistic expectations when they begin their consultation. It is important to get specific details to help avoid disappointment. Here are common examples of expectations that are not realistic.

• Expecting to look exactly like a specific celebrity
• Wanting dramatic change with minimal downtime
• Demanding perfect symmetry
• Expecting no visible scars in procedures that require incisions
• Assuming results will be permanent and unaffected by aging, gravity, or lifestyle
• Believing a device or cream can replace what only surgery can do

A good surgeon will tie your goals back to what is biologically possible and what their technique can achieve for you.

What exactly will change and what will not?

Ask your surgeon to describe your outcome in three parts so you can visualize it.

1. What will likely change 2. What will not change 3. How the change will look over time

Use mirrors or drawings so the patient can point to areas and confirm that they understand what is being explained. This will show that you truly understand the plan.

Who is not a good candidate for a facelift?

A facelift is not ideal for everyone. You may not be a good candidate if you:

• Have expectations that stay unrealistic even after a clear consultation session
• Are unwilling to accept scars, recovery time, or aftercare instructions
• Have significant uncontrolled medical conditions or are not cleared for anesthesia
• Use nicotine and are not willing to pause long enough for safe healing
• Have very limited skin laxity where surgery would not deliver visible benefit
• Need a quick fix for an event but do not have enough time to heal
• Show signs of body dysmorphic concerns that require other support first

If surgery is not the best path, ask about non-surgical options or a different timeline.

Clear expectations lead to better decisions and happier outcomes. Bring your questions, listen for honest answers, and choose a plan that fits your goals, your health, and your timeline.