Facelift / Rhytidectomy


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Indications
  • Facial aging characterized by wrinkles and sagging areas of the cheeks, jaw line, jowls
  • Loose redundant neck skin
Anesthesia
  • General
Duration
  • 4hrs
In / Outpatient
  • Usually outpatient. Some patients may require overnight stay
Procedure
  • Through an incision which begins in the temple and continues in front and behind the ear into the scalp, facial skin and soft tissues are elevated, tightened and redraped
  • Resuspends facial soft tissues to a more youthful position and redefines the neck and jaw
Recovery
  • Swelling and bruising of the face peak at 2 days after surgery and largely resolve over the next 2 weeks
  • Patients may wear a supportive bandage for 2 weeks
  • Return to work after 1 week, but no strenuous activity for 2 weeks
  • Subtle swelling and numbness of the face may remain for up to 6 months
Result
  • Provides a more youthful and defined appearance of the neck and face lasting 5 to 10 years
Risks
  • Infection, scarring, bleeding, delayed healing
  • Injury to nerves causing facial numbness or weakness of facial muscles
  • Residual asymmetry or contour irregularities
  • Asymmetry or change in hairline