Technically know as a rhytidectomy, is the surgical removal of wrinkles in order to gain a more youthful appearance. A rhytidectomy also helps to eliminate loose skin folds in the neck. Several hours are usually required to complete the face lift, while a surgeon may schedule two separate sessions for more extensive procedure.
Face lifts are performed by making an incision starting from the ear and continuing up into the hairline. The incision extends down around the back of the ear and ends up near the hairline at the bottom of the neck. Essentially, the skin is pulled upwards and backwards over the face. Excess skin is then removed and incisions are closed with sutures and staples. It is important at this stage that too much skin is not removed thus avoiding the ‘wind-swept’ look.
Significant discomfort after the surgery is rare but the face will be pale, bruised, and puffy for a few weeks. As with any cosmetic procedure, care should be taken while the wounds heal. Follow-up appointments with your surgeon involve removing bandages, dressing the wound, and after a week, removing stitches.
The traditional face lift has been around for over one hundred years. This generous period has led to much advancement in techniques used. Now, scars are hidden behind the hairline, and pulling the skin too tight is avoided. Nevertheless, individuals should realize the outcome is never completely predictable.
