Rhytidectomy

Rhytidectomy (facelift) counteracts signs of aging by tightening muscle, removing fat, and trimming excess skin.

Over time, gravity and sun exposure take their toll on the face and neck. Deep creases that run from each side of the nose to the corners of the mouth appear; the jawline slackens; and the neck develops loose folds and fat deposits.

Rhytidectomy improves the look of the lower and middle areas of the face, and the neck. It is most effective for correcting the following:

Mid-face sagging

Deep creases under the eyes

Nasolabial folds

Jowls

Sagging fat

Loose skin and fat under the chin and jaw

Although rhytidectomy removes or reduces signs of aging, over time, they will gradually reappear. Rhytidectomy does not improve the look of the brow, eyelids and nose, and some parts of the mid-face. A patient who wants to improve those areas might combine rhytidectomy with a brow lift or eyelid surgery, and/or with injectable soft-tissue fillers, facial implants and skin resurfacing.

Candidates for Rhytidectomy

The best candidates for rhytidectomy want to correct one or more of the signs of aging indicated above; have some facial sagging, but still have elasticity in their skin; are generally healthy; do not smoke; and have realistic expectations about what rhytidectomy can do.

Types of Rhytidectomy

Rhytidectomy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure in an office-based facility, surgery center or hospital. Patients may have a choice of IV sedation or general anesthesia. The procedure takes about 3 hours. The way a facelift is performed depends on the surgeon, the patient’s facial structure, and the extent of correction desired.

Traditional Rhytidectomy

A traditional rhytidectomy is a “full” facelift that rejuvenates the face, jowls and neck, and includes sculpting and redistributing of fat; lifting and repositioning of muscle and deeper tissues; and trimming and re-draping of skin. The incision begins at the temples and travels down to the front of the ear, around the earlobe and behind the ear to the lower scalp at the hairline. Sometimes, another incision is made under the chin.

Limited-Incision Rhytidectomy

A limited-incision rhytidectomy improves the area around the eyes and mouth by reducing nasolabial folds and other deep creases. Short incisions are made at the temples and around the ear, and possibly in the lower eyelids and/or under the upper lip.

In both methods, incisions are closed with stitches or tissue glue. Scars are hidden in the hairline and natural contours of the face.

Recovery from Rhytidectomy

After rhytidectomy, the surgeon wraps the incisions in bandages, and may insert drainage tubes; if so, they are taken out the next day. If surgical clips are holding some incisions closed, they are removed, along with any stitches, 1 week after the procedure.

Post-rhytidectomy, swelling, numbness, bruising and a feeling of tightness or tension in the face and neck may be felt. There may be temporary asymmetry and stiffness. Most of these side effects resolve within 3 to 6 weeks, and sensation typically returns to normal within a few months. Scars become less red, raised, lumpy and itchy over time.

Most patients return to work by the third week. Camouflage cosmetics can be used to minimize the appearance of bruising.

Results of Rhytidectomy

Results of rhytidectomy are not permanent, and some patients choose to undergo another in 5 or 10 years. In some sense, however, effects are permanent; years later, the face continues to look better than if rhytidectomy had not been performed.

Risks Associated with Rhytidectomy

Possible complications of rhytidectomy include bleeding, infection, bruising, swelling or discoloration, allergic reaction to the anesthesia, skin blistering (usually only in smokers), nerve injury, and temporary or permanent loss of sensation in the face.

Procedures

Abdominoplasty

Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery

BOTOX ® Cosmetic

Brachioplasty

Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation with Breast Lift

Breast Reconstruction

Breast Reduction

Cheek Implants

Chemical Peels

Chin Augmentation

CO 2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

Dermabrasion

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Address

2000 Washington Street
Newton, MA 02462

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Phone

(617) 244-0990