Rhytidectomy - Long Recovery, Better Results

Plastic surgery has recently become very popular because of its ability to dramatically change one's look. This is especially true from extensive surgeries such as a tummy tuck or rhytidectomy (face lift). Unfortunately, the procedures that create the most dramatic results also tend to be the most invasive. 

A face lift is a plastic surgery procedure with the intended goal of removing sagging skin and fat from the face, which brings about a more youthful appearance. Many times, patients will combine other surgeries such as a brow or neck lift to make an even bolder statement in their results. However, these fabulous results do not come without a price. The plastic surgeon must make a very long incision, from the ears to the scalp, in order to properly execute the full face lift technique. 

Furthermore, if the rhytidectomy is to be combined with another procedure, there will be additional incisions around the neck or brow area. This requires the use of general anesthesia and hospital equipment to monitor the patients condition during the surgery. Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon will suture the incisions and heavily bandage the patients face.

With the invasiveness and size of the incisions, there is a higher risk of infection immediately after surgery. Therefore, a patient who has undergone this type of rhytidectomy will need to stay in the hospital for at least one night for close monitoring. Even though this is a cosmetic procedure, this is the same protocol for any surgery involving anesthesia and extensive incisions. 

Most patients will need at least one month to completely heal from a face lift. During the first week, the face will be heavily bandaged and swollen. On some occasions, the doctor will insert drainage tubes to remove excess fluid from the face. Keeping the head elevated at all times will increase blood circulation to the face, which helps in healing. 

Strenuous activity including showering or exercise is also forbidden during this time because anything could aggravate the sutures and bandaging, which can cause an infection. The surgeon will check-up with the patient after the first week to be sure the face has healed enough to remove the sutures and bandaging. However, even after the bandaging has been removed, there will still be some swelling and bruising that will make it difficult to see the full results of the procedure. 

Although a face lift is invasive, having the right surgeon can make all the difference. A skilled and knowledgeable plastic surgeon can make the recovery process more comfortable and the results more immediate. However, this responsibility is also shared with the patient's cooperation.