 Rhytidectomy or Face Lift
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A facelift can improve the deep cheek folds, jowls and loose, sagging skin around the neck that come with age.
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The facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to improve the most visible signs of aging along the face and neck. The surgery typically removes excess fat, tightens underlying muscles, and redrapes the face and neck skin, restoring a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.
The best results tend to be achieved in patients who have a strong, well-defined bony structure and skin that still retains some elasticity. Special considerations may need to be made for patients with certain medical conditions such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood clotting problems, or a tendency to form excessive scars. During your consultation, Dr. Duboys and Dr. Sirota will carefully examine your face, including the skin and underlying structures, and discuss possibilities available to you. You should be prepared to discuss your expectations in detail at this time.
Dr. Duboys and Dr. Sirota typically perform facelifts at their in-office surgical facility at Associated Plastic Surgeons. This is a state-of-the-art operating room that is fully approved by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF). The surgery usually takes several hours and is commonly performed under general anesthesia, though local anesthesia and sedation may be used. . The incisions for the facelift usually begin at the temples above the hairline and continue in front of the ear, behind the earlobe, and may or may not terminate at the lower scalp.
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Before
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Before
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After
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After
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The exact nature of the facelift surgery will depend on the particular patient as it is a very individualized procedure. In general, however, fat is trimmed or suctioned from the neck and chin, the underlying muscles are tightened, skin is pulled back and excess skin is removed. Bandages applied after surgery are typically removed within one to five days. A drainage tube may also be placed beneath the skin and remain in place for one to two days. Some amount of swelling and bruising may occur, and elevating the head after surgery can help to minimize swelling. Some numbness of the skin may occur as well which usually resolves within a short period of time. Medication can be prescribed to help with any discomfort that you may experience. Patients typically feel well enough to return to work and most other normal activities within ten to fourteen days.
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Figure 1
Incisions usually begin above the hairline at the temples, follow the natural line in front of the ear,
curve behind the earlobe into the crease behind the ear, and into
or along the lower scalp.
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Figure 2
Facial, neck tissue and muscle may be separated; fat may be trimmed or suctioned and underlying muscle
may be tightened.
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Figure 3
After deep tissues are tightened, the excess skin is pulled up and back, trimmed and sutured into place.
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The facelift can be a very rewarding experience, helping you to look younger and fresher while boosting your self confidence as well.
Frequently Asked Facelift Questions
What is a facelift?
The facelift, or rhytidectomy as it is also known, is a procedure which can restore a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance by improving the most visible signs of aging along the lower face and neck. During surgery, excess fat is removed, underlying muscles are tightened and the skin of the face and neck are redraped.
Who is a candidate for a facelift?
Candidates for the facelift include men and women who are looking to improve sagging skin of the face and neck. Individuals who have a strong, well-defined bone structure and some elasticity in the skin tend to achieve the best results. It’s also important that facelift candidates be in good physical health, psychologically stable and have realistic expectations. The presence of certain medical conditions such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, a tendency to form excessive scars or blood clotting problems may require that special considerations be made.
What occurs during a consultation for a facelift?
During the consultation for a facelift, you will meet with either Dr. Duboys or Dr. Sirota. After carefully examining your face, including the skin and underlying bone, the doctor will discuss your expectations and the possibilities available to you. All details of the facelift procedure will be explained and any questions that you have answered.
Where is the facelift surgery performed?
At Associated Plastic Surgeons & Consultants, Dr. Duboys and Dr. Sirota usually perform the facelift in their in-office operating room, a state-of-the-art facility that is fully approved by the American Association for the Accreditation of Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) for class A/B/C surgical procedures.
Read more facelift questions.
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