Rhytidectomy - Facelift Facial Rejuvenation
What is a Rhytidectomy or Facelift?
A rhytidectomy is most commonly known as a facelift. It actually consists of a set of procedures and techniques used in combination to produce a rejuvenated facial appearance.
Over the years, the features of the face undergo changes due to several possible factors including the environment, sun exposure, smoking, diet and general lifestyle causing lines and wrinkles to appear.
The first thing we notice with age are the bags under the eyes and the appearance of fine wrinkles around the eyes. (See section Blepharoplasty)
In other areas of the face, elements that create the appearance of youthfulness, such as malar and periorbital fat start to sag and settle along the jawline. Young faces are triangular in shape and this movement of fat creates a more oval or square appearance and makes the groove of the nose more pronounced.
Later we see the descent of the eyebrows and loosening of the neck with banding and folds. For some people these signs appear at 40 or 45 years of age and others at 50 or 60 years.
This procedure actually combines a few techniques to rejuvenate your face.
See for yourself the amazing outcomes from our Facelift procedures in these real before and after photos from our patients.
Rhytidectomy - Facelift Consultation
- During the consultation, Dr. Sanchez will discuss the benefits of this procedure and the patient’s expectations.
- Do not use products containing salicylic acid, aspirin and derivatives that can act as anticoagulants.
- Quit smoking one month before the operation.
- Inform the surgeon of any allergies to medications.
Rhytidectomy Procedure
- The most commonly used procedures for facial rejuvenation are:
- 'Skin Lift' or facial stretching of the tissue where the only part of the tissue that is moved is the top level of the skin. Mostly used with younger patients.
- 'Lift' with stretching and lifting of the SMAS. The sagging tissue is relocated to redefine the jaw line and eliminating the sagging skin around the neck. In this procedure, the surgeon carefully dissects the membrane that envelopes the muscle and this is relocated back towards the ears to redefine the jawline, and the tissue is also stretched upwards to correct the sagging tissue that causes the famous "jowl" or cheeks. This procedure improves but does not completely alter the folds of skin and contours around the lips.
- The incision for this surgery begins in front of the ear, then goes behind the lobe before moving along the lower lobe of the ear and up into the hairline behind the ear where it is hidden. In this way, the surgeon has ample access to reach all structures and surfaces of the face. This approach is also accompanied by a small incision under the chin to access the skin tissues in the center of the neck.
- When finished, the surgeon removes the excess skin and closes the incision with very fine sutures.
- Endoscopy Facial: This procedure is done with local anesthesia and sedation, using a camera and assisted with very fine instruments.
- Through tiny incisions of half an inch, the surgeon is able to address and correct drooping brows, frowns, and lets you improve the appearance of the eye that cannot otherwise be improved with blepharoplasty (link). It is perhaps the best technique to improve the forehead and large structures without scarring.
- Facial Endoscopy has advantages, such as reduced inflammation and minimal risk of damaging the nerves and blood vessels. Surgery is more controlled with more predictable results.
Rhytidectomy - Facelift Post-Op Care
- - You will feel minimal discomfort and pain, which can be controlled with painkillers.
- Avoid taking aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid.
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach. Ideally, sleep semi-inclined.
- The patient may read and watch TV providing they have not had eyelid surgery.
- Apply cold compresses to the face and eyelids for 20 minutes 6 times a day for the first three days.
- Do not wear any makeup during the first two weeks.
- You can use shampoo after the third day, avoiding massage. You can brush taking care not to injure the incisions.
- Do not make sudden movements when changing position. Move very carefully and slowly.
- Do not use heavy earrings.
- Do not go in direct sunlight during the first month and wear sunglasses.
- You can return to your daily activities over a period of 8 to 15 days bearing in mind that you should not be exposed to extreme changes in temperature and physical exertion.
Rhytidectomy FAQs
An aging face is usually improved with 3-5 incisions to fix the position of the eyebrows and forehead. It will also improve - but not eliminate - frown, but does raise the corner of the eye.re often correct the aging face by 3 to 5 incisions fixes the position of the eyebrows and forehead, also improves but does not remove frown and better raises the outer corner of eye.
Endoscopic techniques are less frequently used to correct aging in the center of the face, particularly the tissues of the cheek and smile lines (nasolabial folds).
Local anesthesia is used with sedation. Older patients and those with hyper
You may experience numbness of the scalp, small areas of alopecia starting near the incisions, but this is gone within a month.
No, each person has their own characteristics and features that require different techniques and procedures.
The normal recovery period for Rhytidectomy can last between 15 and 20 days, but will require 6 weeks for full recovery.
There will be some scarring in front of and behind the earlobe, in the ear groove, and in the hairline and scalp. In our office, the scar is not used coronal or endoscopic frontal diadem.
