Rhytidectomy
Have you been noticing more wrinkles or sagging skin when you look in the mirror? You may be thinking of having a facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy. After all, if the celebrities can do it, then why not you? Face lifts have become a viable option, and they have become ubiquitous in our culture today. But is this procedure really right for you? Well, to determine that, you will need to know what is involved in this process, the risks and the benefits.
What is a face lift? Face lifts are performed everyday around the world, and it is now sixth on the list of most in-demand cosmetic surgeries. Many people do not know that facelifts have been around for more than a century, and advancements in medicine have made them safer than ever before. Your particular facelift can vary in specifics, as each procedure can be tailored to your individual desires. However, most rhytidectomies have the same basic components. The doctor will typically make a small cut that begins near the temple in your hairline and travels down behind your ear. They may also make a second incision near the forehead as well. These type of incisions are used as they are the least noticeable after healing takes place. Also, if you wish to undergo a more limited lift, then even smaller cuts will be needed.
Once the doctor has made these incisions, he can then pull away the skin to reveal the muscles and fatty tissue underneath. With the advancements in facelift techniques, many skilled practitioners are no longer just stretching the skin itself. As the underlying tissue beneath the skin's surface dictates how your skin looks overall, many cosmetic surgeons now reshape and redistribute the fat in the lower layers of the face. This is known as facial contouring and it is a step ahead of simply putting tension on the skin. After this contouring is complete, the surgeon will tighten the skin to eliminate wrinkles and areas which sag, and then remove any unneeded folds which are left over. They will then pin the newly tightened skin into place with sutures or staples.
What are the risks? A common risk with this procedure is coming out on the other side with an unnatural look to your face. This can be minimized however, by choosing a cosmetic surgeon who is skilled in this type of surgery. You will be put under general anesthesia during a face lift, and that always carries a certain level of risk, though you are unlikely to have a problem. Other potential complications include bleeding, and very rarely, severing of facial nerves or infection. If you have serious health problems, it is not advisable to undergo any voluntary surgical procedure.
What are the benefits? A facelift can eradicate those unsightly folds of skin around the neck. It can also tighten up wrinkles around the cheek region. The rhytidectomy procedure will give you a younger looking appearance in general, and can erase years off the look of your face. Now especially popular are micro lifts, which are even less invasive. No matter what type you choose, a face lift can make a big change for the better that will make you happy to look in the mirror again!