Rhytidectomy (Face & Neck lift)

The face & neck lift (technically known as Rhitidectomy) is a kind of cosmetic surgery that is intended to trim down facial wrinkles, remove telltale signs of aging, and make advance the overall look of the face and jaw area for providing a more confident appearance to the sufferer.

As skin looses its elasticity due to aging factor, hence changed look of face is unavoidable. As the human body reaches in senile age, the skin begins to loosen on the face and neck. Forehead lines become creases and wrinkles appear at the corners of the eyes, another chin or vertical folds appear at the front of the neck. Genetics, personal lifestyle, the pull of gravity, exposure to sun, all leave their marks on our faces. Sometimes activities such as sunbathing, smoking, outdoor activities and stress also change the appearance of the face. These all in combined give an old age look and often give an embarrassing experience. A rhytidectomy makes soft and perfect to the loose skin on your face and neck and tightens original tissue. As a result, face achieves a firmer and fresher look with a gorgeous appearance. Some of time the procedure is performed along with other facial plastic surgeries such as brow lifts forehead lift, nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) or blepharoplasty (eye-lift).

Rhytidectomy is a highly individualized procedure that offers to patient a unique bone structure on the face and facial musculature. The surgery usually starts by making an incision on the forehead and it is extended to in front of the ear and behind the ear lobe. An extra cut is made below the chin, to repair the neck. The doctor then separates the skin from the fat and removes the extra fat. The sagging tissue and muscles of face are tightened and remaining skin is repositioned to give a younger appearance. At the end of surgery surgeon stretches the skin and closes with sutures. A bandage is made over the face for the first 24 hours.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia so that patient sleeps throughout the procedure and will not experience any pain. Surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Sometimes surgeon performs a face & neck lift by keyhole surgery (endoscopes) that are inserted through small cuts. The advantages of Keyhole surgery is smaller scars and usually a shorter healing time. Patient has to stay in hospital usually for 1-2 nights after the surgery for safety and comfort. Any strenuous work out must stop for at least 3 to 4 weeks after the surgery. Most of the swelling and bruising may disappear within 2-3 weeks. Healing of the scars may take 1-2 years for complete cure. Generally patient will be ready to return to normal activities a week after, whereas some patients unable to work for up to 1 month. Patients are advised to avoid alcohol, hot tubs and saunas for at least a month. Lastly this multi-layered face lift provides a durable effect and of course, a more natural appearance through which you get rejuvenated and younger look as a result of rhytidectomy.