The face lift or rythidectomy is an operation in cosmetic surgery that aims to give a more youthful appearance to the face.
It reshapes the lower half of the face by removing excess facial skin.
A rhytidectomy can tighten loose, sagging skin around the jawline, also known as “jowls.” It can also remove deep folds around the mouth and nose, as well as excess skin and fat that hangs under the chin and on the neck.
The procedure can also tighten the underlying tissues and can be combined with surgery to enhance the forehead, cheeks, eyebrows and eyelids.
In the United States, 107.261 women and 13,702 men underwent facelift surgery in 2016. Among men, it was the fifth most common type of cosmetic procedure.
Facelift surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure. It may involve local anesthetics and sedatives or general anesthesia.
The procedure can take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours and the person can normally go home the same day after surgery.
In a traditional facelift, the surgeon makes an incision in front of the ear, extending up to the hairline or hairline as well as behind the ear to the hairy scalp.
The surgeon lifts the skin from the deeper muscles and fat of the face, gently pulls the skin up and back, and removes excess skin. They can tighten the deeper tissues of the face.
A small incision or incision may be made under the chin to tighten the skin and deeper tissue of the neck. This is known as a neck lift.
The incisions are then closed with stitches and possibly staples. A drain may be placed under the skin behind the ear for a day or two to drain any excess blood and fluid. Bandages are applied.
Before the operation, the plastic surgeon will review the patient’s medical history.
They will look at:
The doctor and patient will discuss what the surgery will involve, where it will take place, the type of anesthesia used, recovery and possible complications that may develop.
They should also consider the goals and expectations of the surgery, according to skin type and bone structure.
New surgical techniques
New methods are constantly being developed to improve cosmetic procedures. Many of these procedures claim to make recovery faster and easier, but they are often modifications of a traditional facelift.
Lasers are sometimes used for a neck lift procedure called liposculpture and laser neck and jaw reconstruction.
The operation is often performed under local anesthesia, through a one-inch incision under the chin. The laser is used to melt some of the fat under the chin and tighten the skin while it heals in a more lifted manner.
Endoscopy can be used in face and eyebrow lifting. The use of small cameras allows for smaller incisions. This means less tissue trauma and faster recovery time.
The skin of the forehead can be lifted through small incisions at the frontal hairline. It is then lifted and anchored to the deeper tissues to prevent further loosening or drooping.
Liposuction can remove focal deposits of fat on the face, usually between the chin and neck. It can be done as part of a facelift or as a separate procedure.
The mini facelift is a less invasive procedure that also aims to lift wrinkles and sagging skin on the lower face. Because it involves a smaller s-shaped incision around the ear, it can’t address neck laxity or excess skin.
Scarring and recovery time can be shorter than in a traditional facelift.
People often combine a facelift with blepharoplasty and other facial procedures.
A facelift aims to create a smoother, more youthful appearance.
The process:
- removes and tightens damaged skin
- reduces the sagging of the cheeks around the jaw line
- lifts the corners of the mouth
- reduces the folds between the cheeks and lips
The incisions in front and behind the ear are usually not noticeable.
However, there may be some disadvantages.
A facelift doesn’t last forever.
Research shows that five and a half years after surgery,
In men, it may be more difficult to achieve a natural look after surgery because they have hair in front of their ears or sideburns. If the sideburns are pulled back and up, this may look odd.
In both men and women, a facelift can result in misshapen earlobes.
If too much skin is removed, the face may appear drawn or scarred.
For best results, a person may need additional procedures such as neck lift, blepharoplasty, liposuction, fat injection, cheek fat removal, forehead lift, brow lift, chemical or laser peels, and cheek or chin implants.
A facelift is expensive. The average cost for a facelift in the US in 2016 it was $7,503. is not usually covered with insurance.
Complications of facelift surgery are rare and cosmetic procedures are generally safe as long as they are performed by a qualified and experienced professional.
However, any surgery carries some risk.
Risks and complications of facelift surgery include:
- Bleeding
- Bruises
- Complications of anesthesia
- Damage to the facial nerves that control the muscles, usually temporary
- Hematoma
- Contamination
- Hair loss around the incision site, but this is unusual
- Numbness, which may improve within days or weeks
- Scars
- Skin necrosis or tissue death
- Asymmetry between the two sides of the face
- Widening or thickening of the scar
If the patient notices inflammation, pain, redness, or swelling in the days following surgery, they should seek medical attention. This may be a sign of hematoma. If there is a fever, they may have an infection.
recommendations
However, the following points should be discussed and considered before proceeding:
- Facelift surgery is not recommended for anyone with serious medical problems and the candidate should be in good mental and physical health.
- Patients with high blood pressure and diabetes have a higher risk of complications.
- Smoking and tobacco use increase the risk of complications after surgery. It can interfere with wound healing. A person considering a facelift should completely stop smoking or using nicotine products.
- It is important to have reasonable expectations and remember that a facelift will not stop the overall aging process.
- Good skin elasticity and bone structure will give the best results.
- Patients should not use aspirin or other blood thinners for at least one week before surgery.
It is important to have realistic expectations when undergoing cosmetic surgery. The results are often permanent.
Most patients feel some discomfort, but medication can relieve the sensitivity.
Bruising and swelling will be at their worst after 2 days and may persist for a few days.
Recovery usually takes time 2 weeksand vigorous activity can resume after 4 weeks.
The stitches are removed about 5 to 10 days after surgery.
Incisions and dressings should be kept dry and the patient should follow specific instructions for bathing and washing.
It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions as this will speed up the healing process and allow for the best possible outcome.
Numbness and muscle stiffness are normal for some time. Scars can take almost a year to fade and go away.
It’s worth remembering that while genetics play a role, a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and adequate exercise can also help keep skin looking good.
Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake, stress, sun exposure and exposure to pollutants can all help extend youthful-looking skin.
The same habits can help maintain the effects of facelift surgery.
