Credentials to Look for When Choosing a Facelift Surgeon in Boston
Deciding to undergo a facelift is a major milestone in your aesthetic journey, and choosing the right surgeon is the most important decision you’ll make. A facelift can dramatically restore youthfulness, define facial features, and boost your confidence. But these benefits are only possible when the procedure is performed by a skilled, credentialed, and experienced surgeon.
So, how can you tell who’s qualified and who’s not? In a city like Boston, where many aesthetic providers compete for attention, it’s essential to separate marketing from merit. Here’s what to look for in a facelift surgeon and why Dr. Akshay Sanan checks every box.
Board Certification in Facial Plastic Surgery
Board certification ensures that a surgeon has met rigorous educational, ethical, and surgical standards. But not all certifications are equal. For facial procedures like facelifts, the gold standard is certification by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ABOHNS).
The ABFPRS is the only board that exclusively certifies surgeons in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Achieving this certification requires passing a comprehensive written and oral examination, completing an accredited residency program, and demonstrating significant experience in facial procedures by submitting over 100 operative reports in facial plastic surgeries that are peer-reviewed. It signifies a profound commitment to the subspecialty of facial aesthetics. Similarly, certification by the ABOHNS demonstrates a deep understanding of the intricate anatomy and physiology of the head and neck, which is crucial for safe and effective facial surgery.
Dr. Akshay Sanan is double board-certified by both, signifying advanced expertise in both the cosmetic and functional anatomy of the face. His training goes beyond general plastic surgery, focusing exclusively on the face, head, and neck. This specialized focus ensures that he possesses an unparalleled understanding of facial structures, muscle groups, and skin dynamics, all critical for achieving natural and long-lasting facelift results.
Fellowship-Training Focused on Facial Rejuvenation
Not all plastic surgeons perform facelifts regularly. Look for one who has completed fellowship training in facial plastic surgery, a year of intensive, specialized instruction under the guidance of world-renowned experts. A fellowship provides a deeper dive into specific surgical techniques and patient scenarios that a general residency might not cover in detail. It’s an optional, but highly recommended, additional layer of training that sets truly specialized surgeons apart.
Dr. Sanan trained under one of the most respected facelift surgeons in the country. His advanced fellowship gave him hands-on experience with the deep plane facelift technique, a modern approach that repositions deeper facial tissues for more natural and long-lasting results. This technique, unlike older methods that primarily pull the skin, lifts the underlying muscle and fat layers, resulting in a more harmonious and durable rejuvenation without the stretched or “wind-swept” appearance.
Dedicated to Facial & Neck Rejuvenation
Facial anatomy is incredibly complex and requires a dedicated, artistic approach. Surgeons who focus only on breast or body surgery may not have the finesse or understanding needed for high-level facial procedures. The face presents unique challenges due to its intricate nerve pathways, delicate skin, and the dynamic nature of facial expressions. A surgeon who divides their time across various body areas may not achieve the same mastery as one who specializes.
Dr. Sanan’s entire practice is focused on the face: from deep plane facelifts and neck lifts to ultrasonic rhinoplasty to deep plane lip lifts and eyelid surgery. His narrow focus means he performs facial procedures daily, constantly refining his technique, staying abreast of the latest advancements, and dedicating all his professional development to the nuances of facial aesthetics. This singular dedication translates directly into superior outcomes for his patients.
Aesthetic Harmony with Natural, Balanced Results
When choosing a facelift surgeon, review their before-and-after gallery carefully. This visual evidence is a crucial indicator of a surgeon’s aesthetic philosophy and technical skill. Look for:
- Smooth jawlines without distortion: The goal is a defined, graceful jawline, not an unnatural pulling or flattening of the skin.
- Restored volume without puffiness: A good facelift should restore youthful contours, not create an overly filled or bloated appearance.
- No “pulled” or overdone appearance: The most successful facelifts are those where people notice you look refreshed and rested, not obviously “done.” The results should enhance your natural beauty.
- Balanced rejuvenation across multiple facial areas: The facelift should harmonize with the rest of your face, ensuring that the eyes, mid-face, and forehead also appear rejuvenated, even if they aren’t directly part of the facelift.
- Minimal scarring around the ears, no pixie ear deformities, and patients who look like younger, prettier versions of themselves
Dr. Sanan’s results are characterized by meaningful changes, harmony, and beauty. His goal is never to make patients look different. Rather, to help them look like the best version of themselves, erasing years of aging while preserving their unique facial identity. His portfolio reflects his commitment to artistry and precision.
The Confidence of Real Patient Experiences
Credentials matter, but so does patient experience. Beyond certifications and training, the feedback from previous patients offers invaluable insight into a surgeon’s communication style, bedside manner, and overall patient care philosophy. Look for testimonials that speak to not just the results, but also the journey.
Dr. Sanan is praised not just for his surgical skill, but also for his compassionate care, honesty, and attention to detail. His patients consistently note how thoroughly he explains options, listens to concerns, and supports them through every phase of their journey, from the initial consultation to post-operative care. This level of trust and positive patient experience is a strong indicator of a surgeon who prioritizes patient well-being alongside surgical excellence. Dr. Sanan has 60+ 5 star reviews with countless testimonials etc etc
Cookie-cutter facelifts don’t work. Your face, aging pattern, and goals are unique, and your surgical plan should reflect that. A surgeon who offers a one-size-fits-all approach may not be truly invested in understanding your individual needs.
During your consultation with Dr. Sanan, he’ll perform a full facial analysis, review your concerns in detail, and discuss your desired outcomes. He then offers a customized plan that may include a deep plane facelift, neck lift, or complementary procedures like eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), brow lift, lip lift, or facial fat grafting. This comprehensive approach ensures that the chosen procedures work synergistically to achieve the most balanced and natural rejuvenation tailored specifically for you. He takes the time to educate you about the proposed techniques, potential outcomes, and recovery process, empowering you to make an informed decision.
Customized Consultations and Transparent Pricing
Regarding pricing, for a Facial Rejuvenation procedure (which often includes a Deep Plane Facelift and Neck Lift, and may incorporate other elements depending on the complexity and extent), the cost typically ranges from $55,000 to $90,000. A Mini Deep Plane Facelift, focusing on a more targeted rejuvenation, typically ranges from $48,000 to $62,000. For a combined Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift, patients can expect a range of $55,000 to $65,000. These ranges reflect the comprehensive nature of the procedure, including the surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, and facility costs. Dr. Sanan’s team will provide a precise and transparent quote following your personalized consultation, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the investment involved.
Why Dr. Akshay Sanan Stands Apart
Dr. Sanan’s blend of surgical training, aesthetic vision, and patient-first philosophy sets him apart as one of Boston’s leading facelift specialists. His expertise with the deep plane technique allows for more dramatic yet natural results, with less tension on the skin and better long-term outcomes, as the lift is achieved by repositioning deeper tissues rather than just pulling the skin. This leads to a more durable and authentic-looking rejuvenation.
Patients travel from all over the country to work with Dr. Sanan because they trust his eye for beauty, his deep understanding of facial anatomy, and his unwavering dedication to patient safety and satisfaction. He combines the precision of a highly trained surgeon with the artistry of a sculptor, ensuring that each facelift is a masterpiece of subtle transformation. His commitment to comprehensive pre-operative planning and meticulous post-operative care further solidifies his reputation as a top choice for discerning patients seeking facial rejuvenation in Boston.
Schedule a Facelift Consultation in Boston
If you’re considering a facelift, don’t settle for anything less than a specialist who demonstrates expertise through rigorous training, exclusive focus, and a consistent track record of natural-looking results. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Akshay Sanan today and discover the difference that double board-certification, fellowship training, and facial artistry can make in your aesthetic transformation. His Boston and Chestnut Hill practice is dedicated to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals safely, effectively, and with the utmost care.
