Rhytidectomy - Facial Surgery - Surgeons
Rhytidectomy Overview
If you mentioned the word ÒrhytidectomyÓ to someone on the street, chances are that personÕs quizzical response would be, ÒWhat is rhytidectomy?Ó Simply put, rhytidectomy is the medical term for a face lift, and this procedure has long been one of the most common in the world of cosmetic surgery. Below youÕll find a brief overview of this procedure, but if you have specific questions regarding rhytidectomy, contact a cosmetic surgeon today.
What is rhytidectomy?
Rhytidectomy is the procedure whereby the facial structure of a patient is ÒtightenedÓ to allow for a younger, fresher overall look. As people age, skin, skeletal structures and even muscle groups can change in shape and firmness. As a result, people tend to look their age or older as time passes.
A face lift does not stop the aging process. However, it can definitely slow down the visual effects of this aging process significantly with a well-timed and properly-performed procedure. Every face is different, and every solution is different, which is why everyone thinking of Òturning back the clockÓ should consult with a cosmetic surgeon for a full consultation.
What should I do if I feel like I need a face lift?
The first thing you need to do if you think a tighter face is a solution that will be of benefit to you is consider your options. Facial surgery is extremely safe in nature, but it is still surgery, and depending on the extent of the work to be done on your facial structure, the recovery time could be lengthy.
Secondly, you need to consider whether or not a face lift will improve your life. Many people simply perform better in their daily routine if theyÕre feeling good about themselves, and if a face lift will provide that confidence boost, it should be seriously considered.
If youÕve decided that a face lift would be worth the effort, the next step is to contact an experienced cosmetic surgeon. He or she will be able to examine your facial structure, look at your overall medical history, take note of any psychological issues and then recommend a specific course of action.
Not to mention, a consultation will also provide you with a visual aid that will specifically show you how youÕll look after the procedure is complete. ÒWhat is rhytidectomy?Ó will no longer be a question in your mind, and after a consultation and careful consideration, you and your cosmetic surgeon will be able to make an informed and rational decision on the proper course of action going forward.
Now is the time to take control of your life and to explore your options for improving it. Contact a cosmetic surgeon today to explore your options.
Rhytidectomy Candidacy
If youÕre considering a face lift, the best thing you can do is consider all of your options and gather as much information as possible. There are several stages to understand in regards to any surgery, and it all starts with your candidacy for a rhytidectomy. As you consider this possibility, understand that there are common questions patients often ask. Specifically, three of the most common are, ÒHow can I tell if IÕm a good candidate for a rhytidectomy?Ó, ÒHow will I be evaluated for a rhytidectomy?Ó and ÒWill my insurance help offset the costs of surgery?Ó Answers to these questions are provided below, but for more specific information, contact a cosmetic surgeon for a consultation.
How can I tell if IÕm a good candidate for a rhytidectomy?
The best candidate for a facelift is someone whose face and neck have begun to sag, but whose skin still has some elasticity. ItÕs also of great benefit if the patientÕs bone structure is strong and well-defined. Most patients are between the ages of 40 and 60, but that is by no means an absolute, as people both older and younger will often have this operation.
How will I be evaluated for a rhytidectomy?
You will be evaluated thoroughly. Your cosmetic surgeon will begin the process of working with you towards a decision on whether this procedure is right for you by looking at several factors. Generally, patients need to be in good physical and psychological health, and his or her skin and bone structure must be such that a face lift can be performed with minimal risk of complications.
Will my insurance help offset the costs of surgery?
This is a complicated question, and the answer can often depend on several factors. Insurance companies will not cover procedures that are considered elective in nature. However, coverage will be provided for any procedure thatÕs medically necessary. Therefore, if your face lift is a result of an injury that requires reconstruction, chances are good that your insurance will cover it. If youÕd simply like to look younger, however, chances are not good that your carrier will provide that coverage. Regardless of the situation, make sure you document your correspondence with your carrier prior to surgery to make sure that there is no confusion afterwards.
Overall, three of the most common questions regarding candidacy for face lifts are, ÒHow can I tell if IÕm a good candidate for a rhytidectomy?Ó, ÒHow will I be evaluated for a rhytidectomy?Ó and ÒWill my insurance help offset the costs of surgery?Ó If youÕd like more specific answers to these questions, you need to contact a cosmetic surgeon for a full and complete consultation.
Rhytidectomy - Face Lift - Facial Surgery
As you gather all the information you can regarding a face lift, youÕll be well-served by gaining an understanding of the specifics of the procedure itself. As such, potential face lift candidates always have questions, and two of the most common questions in regards to a rhytidectomy are, ÒWhere are incisions placed for a rhytidectomy?Ó and ÒWhat are some variations to the common rhytidectomy method?Ó Answers to these questions are provided below, but generally speaking, no two face lifts are exactly alike, and everyoneÕs facial structure is unique in nature. Therefore, if youÕd like to find out how your individual situation would fit with this procedure, you need to contact a facial plastics cosmetic surgeon for a consultation.
Where are incisions placed for a rhytidectomy?
The incisions in a face lift can be quite varied, and factors that will determine where they are placed will depend on several factors. These factors include the preference of the cosmetic surgeon, the type of surgery youÕre having and whether or not youÕre planning on one complete surgery or a series of several smaller surgeries to ultimately complete your plan. Incisions are always placed in areas that are as invisible as possible, however, regardless of the particulars of the surgery, and these incisions are always made with the utmost care in order to prevent unnecessary scarring and/or visible abrasions as you recover from the procedure.
What are some variations to the common rhytidectomy method?
There are several variations to the techniques used for a face lift, and the factors that play into these variations once again depend on the preferences of your cosmetic surgeon, the type of surgery youÕre having and the structure of your face. Some surgeons will complete one side of the face before moving on to the other, while other surgeons will move back and forth between the sides of the facial structure.
Generally speaking, a cosmetic surgeon will be consistent in his or her approach to an operation, but you need to ask your surgeon which techniques he or she is able to use, as different situations can call for different skill sets. The best cosmetic surgeons will be able to properly perform a face lift using almost any technique.
Overall, patients who are considering a face lift will have several questions as they approach the procedure. In terms of the specifics of the surgery itself, two of the most common questions are, ÒWhere are incisions placed for a rhytidectomy?Ó and ÒWhat are some variations to the common rhytidectomy method?Ó The best source of information regarding your potential changes should come from a cosmetic surgeon, as every surgery can potentially be different depending on your facial structure and other factors.
Face Lift Preparation
If youÕve decided to have a face lift done, you need to evaluate several things before moving ahead with the procedure. Although cosmetic surgery is extremely safe in general, any surgery involves risks, and the best way to deal with these risks is to alleviate as much stress as possible by acquiring knowledge. Specifically, three common questions regarding preparation for a face lift are, ÒWhat are some of the risks associated with rhytidectomy?Ó, ÒWhat steps should I take to prepare for surgery?Ó and ÒWhat can I expect the day of surgery to be like?Ó Answers to these questions are provided below, but the best way to obtain this information is with a consultation from a cosmetic surgeon.What are some of the risks associated with rhytidectomy?
Face lifts are extremely safe, and there is very little chance for unforeseen complications. However, in those rare cases where complications do arise, the symptoms that can show themselves include hematoma, which is a collection of blood under the skin that must be removed by the surgeon, injury to the nerves that control facial muscles which is normally temporary in nature and infections, which are also treatable with medication. Smokers also have a risk of having their skin heal poorly due to the damage that is caused with a tobacco habit.
What steps should I take to prepare for surgery?
Generally speaking, the proper preparatory steps for a face lift include following specific guidelines regarding your diet, your fluid intake, drinking alcohol and smoking. For instance, itÕs highly recommended that you stop smoking at least a week or two before your surgery, as smokersÕ skin generally does not heal as well. These guidelines will be provided by your cosmetic surgeon.
What can I expect the day of face lift surgery to be like?
The day of your surgery will seem like a whirlwind, as a lot will happen and youÕll experience an entire spectrum of emotions. One thing to remember is that feelings of fear or anxiety are completely normal, but youÕll also feel excitement and anticipation in regards to the ultimate results of your surgery. The procedure typically takes several hours, and in most cases, you should be sent home the same day. However, exceptions do arise, and you should know ahead of time when youÕll be headed home.
Overall, three common questions in regards to face lifts are, ÒWhat are some of the risks associated with rhytidectomy?Ó, ÒWhat steps should I take to prepare for surgery?Ó and ÒWhat can I expect the day of surgery to be like?Ó If youÕd like more specific answers than those provided above, the best way to get all the information you need is to contact a cosmetic surgeon for a full and detailed consultation.
Rhytidectomy - Face LIft Recovery
A patient can not properly plan for a face lift without also preparing for the recovery stage of the procedure. This is a critical time period, and one that needs to be carefully examined before moving ahead with the surgery. Generally speaking, three of the most common questions patients have in regards to the recovery period are, ÒHow will I look and feel immediately following the surgery?Ó, ÒWhen can I pursue my normal activities again?Ó and ÒHow long can I expect results to last?Ó Each of these questions is answered below, and for more specific information, contact a cosmetic surgeon for a consultation.How will I look and feel immediately following the surgery?
Despite what many may think, the amount of pain and discomfort a patient feels after such an extensive surgery is quite manageable. If there is pain, it can be managed with medication. Otherwise, the patient will feel some stiffness in the face and there will be some cloudiness as a result of the anesthesia. However, itÕs quite remarkable that this extensive surgery does not result in debilitating pain or discomfort.
When can I pursue my normal activities again?
You should be back on your feet and mobile within a day or two. However, you should plan on not getting back to work or school for at least a week, as your facial tissue needs time to heal. In terms of other activities, the timeframe for resuming them varies. For instance, sex and strenuous athletic activities should be avoided for a minimum of two weeks, and saunas and steam baths should be avoided for several months, as these elements can cause severe damage to your healing tissue.
How long can I expect results to last?
How long the results will last will mostly depend on your level of satisfaction years down the road. Generally speaking, a face lift should last at least five years and perhaps ten at a minimum. However, this surgery does not stop the aging process, but merely moves it backwards by a period of years. Your face will continue to age with time, and even if you donÕt ever have another face lift done, youÕll still reap the rewards of having it done for the rest of your life.
Overall, three of the most prominent questions regarding the recovery from a face lift are, ÒHow will I look and feel immediately following the surgery?Ó, ÒWhen can I pursue my normal activities again?Ó and ÒHow long can I expect results to last?Ó While answers are provided above, specific answers should be sought from an experienced cosmetic surgeon. EveryoneÕs face is different, and every procedure could involve specific steps that are unique to othersÕ experiences.
Rhytidectomy Checklist
As you consider the possibilities that a face lift can bring to your life, you need to gather as much information as possible to alleviate any stress or confusion as you approach the surgery. Below are brief explanations regarding specific aspects of every face lift.
Background of Face LIfts
The background of face lifts dates back decades, and although the original procedures were performed more because of necessity, recent trends have shown this procedure to be a safe and affordable option for those who want a younger look.
Best Candidates for a Face Lift
The best candidates for a face lift are generally between 40 and 60 years of age, and these patients should be in good health both physically and psychologically. Patients should also have time available for proper recovery.
Uncertainty and Risk
There is uncertainty and risk with any surgery, but face lifts are statistically as safe as any medical procedure available. In general, uncertainty and risk can involve hematoma, infections, swelling and numbness, but almost all of these conditions are manageable with medication.
Planning for Face Lift Surgery
Planning for surgery involves basically handling the details so that you can approach the procedure in a relaxed state. For instance, planning for surgery should involve making sure that you have a place in your home to relax and recover and arranging for a ride home when the surgery is complete.
Preparing for Rhytidectomy Surgery
Preparing for surgery involves following specific guidelines as set by your cosmetic surgeon. Preparing for surgery will usually include strategic considerations as they relate to diet, fluid intake and smoking.
Where Surgery is Performed
Where surgery is performed can vary. The procedure can take place at the doctorÕs facility, at an out-patient care facility or sometimes at a hospital for different reasons.
How Face Lift Surgery is Performed
How surgery is performed will depend on several factors. These factors include the preference of your cosmetic surgeon, your facial structure and the specific type of work youÕre having done.
Anesthesia
Anesthesia is given for every face lift. Most of the time, the anesthesia will be local in nature, meaning that youÕll be awake but comfortable during the procedure. There are times, however, when general anesthesia will be administered depending on the scope of your surgery.
Post-Op
The post-op period following your surgery is critical to the long-term success of the procedure. You should be up and on your feet within a few days following the surgery, and you should be able to assume most of your activities within a couple of weeks. Other things, however, such as steam baths, need to be avoided for several months.