The facelift or rhytidectomy is a surgical procedure that improves the facial appearance produced by the effects of the aging process of the person, by removing deposits of fat, fixing of facial muscles and the refolding of the skin of the face and the neck. The facelift can be performed in isolation or in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as eyelid, forehead or laser surgery.
The ideal candidates are those men or women whose skin on the face and neck has begun to stretch but still maintains good elasticity.
Facial rejuvenation surgery can give you a fresher and younger look, thus increasing your self-esteem, but it does not restore the health or vitality of your youth.
Complications
When this technique is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are rare in rhytidoplasties. However, there is always a risk that some of them may be present, such as bruising or transient facial nerve damage.
When you go to my office, ask any questions that you think are necessary. Clarify all your doubts and concerns. Mention if you smoke or use any medications, vitamins, or any other drugs that interfere with the clotting mechanism.
If you wear short hair, it is advisable to let it grow to hide the scars after surgery.
Anesthesia
The type of anesthesia used may be both general and local plus sedation.
Process
The rhytidectomy procedure lasts a few hours, especially if performed in conjunction with another facial rejuvenation procedure. The incisions are usually made on the hairline at the level of the temple, extending towards the front of the ears, continuing behind the auricular lobe to the lower part of the scalp.
If the neck needs to be treated, a small incision under the chin is performed.
Generally, the plastic surgeon separates the skin from the face of the fat and the muscular plane. Fat deposits of the neck and chin can be suctioned to improve the facial contour. Subsequently, the muscle is tight and the excess skin is resected to finally perform the sutures. In many cases, drainage is placed at the back of the ears to eliminate any loss of blood.
The first 48 to 72 hours after the procedure, you may feel some pain or swelling that can be controlled by medications prescribed by your doctor.
The drainage will be removed 2 days after the procedure and the dressing will be removed by the fifth day.
Most stitches will be removed within 5 days.
Recovery is fast. However, ideally, you should rest for about 2 weeks before returning to your usual tasks.
Keep in mind that the change is not immediate. At first your face will look weird due to the swelling, but in about 3 weeks you will notice the change and you will feel much better.
Remember that the aging process continues and this is not a definitive procedure. Either way, this technique can be repeated again in a few years.