Here are the most popular questions asked about Facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery.
What is a 'rhytidectomy'?
Rhytidectomy is the medical term for facelift surgery. It is a very popular choice of surgery and along with liposuction and breast augmentation is a favorite choice of procedure in the world.
It involves the surgeon removing excess facial skin from the face, neck and cheeks. He or she will lift and re-drape the skin which will smooth and tighten that skin. The aim is to present a rejuvenated look along which will improve self-confidence.
The result is a younger and fresher looking appearance.
As long as you are in good health and are realistic about what this procedure can achieve then you may be suitable for facelift surgery.
What is the facelift surgery procedure?
You will be given a general anesthetic or in some cases, a local anesthetic with sedation.
There are four types of facelift surgery:
.: Standard facelift
.: Mid facelift
.: Mini ('weekend') facelift
.: Endoscopic face lift
The standard facelift is as the name says: it is performed to improve the whole of the face, whereas the other two focus upon specific areas of the face i.e. cheek area and brow.
A facelift can take two to three hours but if you are having complimentary procedures such as a brow lift, blepheroplasty, or rhinoplasty then it will take longer.
There is the option to have an 'endoscopic' facelift: this is a relatively new approach and one in which the surgeon uses an endoscope (a small camera mounted on a slim tube) to help him modify and reshape soft tissues under the skin. This is the option I mostly prefer as it results with no scar.
This camera is inserted through several small incisions behind the hairline. It tends to work better for younger patients and those with a small amount of sagging skin. The incisions are closed with small stitches and metal clips are used on the scalp. A small drainage tube will be used to collect an excess blood which may collect behind the ears.
The surgery itself involves the surgeon making a series of incisions above the hairline, which pass down in front of the ear and continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp.
A small incision may also be made underneath your chin to reshape the skin around the neck.
How long does a facelift surgery last?
The effects of this surgery last for up to ten years. These effects last for a long time but cannot halt the ageing process.
So, you may require further surgery after ten years or so.
This procedure is performed to remove visible signs of the ageing process. This is commonly performed on patients aged between 40 and 70 although it can benefit people aged over 70.
The best candidates for surgery are those with some skin elasticity, a well defined bone structure and loose skin on the face and neck which would benefit from being tightened up.
Our skins are vulnerable to the effects of ageing, gravity, stress and environmental factors such as the sun. Skin loses its elasticity and tone and starts to sag. As long as your skin has some elasticity then there is no reason why you shouldn't consider this surgery.
Most patients are very happy with the results and notice that the effects do last a long time. However, the skin will continue to age and so you may need to repeat this procedure after 10 years or more.
A facelift can be combined with other forms of facial surgery. These include neck lifts, eyelid surgery, brow lifts, nose job and chemical peels. There are several types of facelift surgery.
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The surgery itself involves the surgeon making a series of incisions above the hairline, which pass down in front of the ear and continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp.
A small incision may also be made underneath your chin to reshape the skin around the neck.
