A Face Lift For The Ages

Nov 2
16:31

2010

Andrew Stratton

Andrew Stratton

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A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgery that is performed to help erase signs of aging on the face. When performed correctly, the results tend to make the patient look more youthful by improving signs of aging around the face and neck. This surgery is ideal for healthy patients who have tried other, less invasive means of erasing the signs of aging, but are looking for something more permanent.

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The facelift is the sixth most popular type of cosmetic surgery behind other procedures such as a breast reduction and liposuction. It is not considered a major surgical procedure like the tummy tuck,A Face Lift For The Ages Articles but it does involve making small incisions on the face, and removing excess skin and fat. Most doctors will recommend the surgery for patients who have loose, sagging skin and deep lines and wrinkles along the eyelids and nose.

Other cosmetic procedures such as botox injections and laser skin resurfacing will correct typical signs of aging such as skin discoloration, and fine lines and wrinkles; this is less invasive and does not involve making incisions to remove excess skin. However, a traditional facelift is the only remedy for the loss of elasticity and the effects of gravity on the face. A consultation with a plastic surgeon will help determine the patient’s eligibility for a rhytidectomy. Healthy patients who do not smoke are the best candidates for the facelift. Smoking can reduce blood flow to the face, resulting in skin death at the incision sites for about ten percent of patients who smoke.

A rhytidectomy, which can also be combined with a brow lift or other similar surgery, is usually performed under general anesthesia; although sometimes a less invasive facelift can require only a local anesthetic. The cosmetic surgeon will begin by making small incisions in front of and behind the ear, this is because scars behind the ear are less visible. The doctor can then lift the deeper facial skin and liposuction the excess fat underneath the chin and along the jaw line, and in some cases the skin and muscles tissues will be reshaped. Excess skin is also removed to accommodate the removal of the excess fat. The skin incisions are then closed and sutured; the entire procedure can take between two to four hours, and most patients can go home the same day.

The risks involved with a rhytidectomy include hair and skin loss, skin swelling, and infection. However, to reduce the risk of complications, patients should schedule a visit with the surgeon prior to the procedure to discuss any medications, vitamins, or supplements they are currently taking that might interfere with surgery or recovery. Complete recovery after a rhytidectomy takes about four weeks. During the first 24 hours after surgery, there will be a lot of swelling, and the face will appear black and blue. Drainage tubes will help reduce the swelling, and takes about three weeks for the face to return to a normal shape and color.

With advancements in cosmetic surgery, it is possible to age gracefully. A facelift is meant to treat folds and laxity in the face. Consult a doctor for alternative treatments for wrinkles and face discoloration.