11 Apr Rhytidectomy: What Is It? What To Expect From Facelift Surgery
What Is A Rhytidectomy?
The word rhytidectomy may look and sound strange at first glance. However, this is the medical term for a facelift, which has risen in popularity over the last decade. A rhytidectomy is a cosmetic procedure performed on the face to improve the signs of aging. Facelifts target the lower half of the face and sometimes combine with other techniques for improved results. A rhytidectomy does not reverse or stop aging. Instead, the procedure makes subtle changes to enhance a patient’s look and confidence.
Why choose a facelift?
The lays of skin contain collagen and elastin. Both compounds give skin firmness and elasticity. With age, collagen and elastin production declines. This decline causes sagging skin, wrinkles, jowls, and folds. A facelift is best for people who want to lift and tighten loose, sagging skin. Patients who have deep wrinkles and folds are also great candidates. Facelifts improve confidence and provide more dramatic results if procedures like fillers are no longer effective.
What happens during a facelift?
A cosmetic surgeon removes excess skin during a facelift while repositioning fat and muscle. The procedure lifts and tightens the skin, reducing or eliminating common aging concerns. The surgeon will make an incision along the hairline to the ear. The skin is gently lifted and pulled upward. The surgeon then repositions the underlying tissue and muscles. There are different types of facelifts. For instance, a mini-facelift is a minimally invasive procedure that gently lifts the lower face and neck. Some are more invasive, targeting deeper layers of skin and muscle.
Expect a thorough consultation
Although facelifts provide fantastic results, the procedure is not for everyone. The process starts with an initial consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. The surgeon will provide a thorough review of the patient to ensure that the patient is a good candidate for the procedure. The ideal candidate should be in good health and have no preexisting conditions impacting healing. In addition, there should be clear signs of skin sagging, folds, and wrinkles that a facelift can realistically treat. More importantly, the surgeon will assess the patient’s general mental and emotional wellbeing. Facelifts do not bring dramatic changes, so patients must have realistic expectations.
Expect the right procedure
If a patient is a good candidate, the surgeon will provide several options for the best results. These options may involve other procedures like a neck lift or brow lift. These happen with the facelift to further enhance the patient’s appearance. The surgeon will share images that can paint a picture of the final results. After further consultations and tests, the patient can prepare for surgery.
Expect recovery and fantastic results
All facelifts have some downtime. There will be postoperative pain and swelling for at least 2 weeks. On average, a facelift recovery can take 4 weeks to return to normal activities. During recovery, patients should limit movements and get as much help as possible. After 4 weeks, patients will need several more weeks to see the results. Facelifts provide fantastic results, with a 97% satisfaction rate after 1 year. Statistics show that facelifts can help patients look up to 12 years younger. With the help of a cosmetic surgeon, rhytidectomies are an excellent way to look and feel fantastic.