FACE LIFT
Also known as "Rhytidectomy".
Surgical operation to remove unwanted wrinkles by tightening the skin of the face.
WHAT IS A FACE LIFT?
A Face lift, or Rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck, such as Relaxation of the skin of the face causing sagging, Deepening of the fold lines between the nose and corner of the mouth, Fat that has fallen or has disappeared, Jowls developing in the cheeks and jaw, Loose skin and excess fat of the neck that can appear as a double chin or "turkey neck".
The loss of youthful contours in the face can be due to variety of factors, including thinning of the skin, loss of facial fat, gravity, sun damage, smoking, as well as heredity and stress.
Other procedures that might be performed in conjunction with a face lift are brow lift and eyelid surgery to rejuvenate aging eyes. Fat transfer or fillers may be suggested to replace the lost fatty volume. Skin treatments such as IPL, dermabrasion, peels or laser may be offered to improve the quality and texture of the skin.
WHAT IS AN ENDOSCOPIC FACE LIFT?
An endoscope is a microscopic camera, attached to a small, handheld wand. The endoscopic face lift can make for a less invasive procedure that can provide patients with several key benefits.
WHAT DOES FACE LIFT SURGERY NOT ACCOMPLISH?
As a restorative surgery, a face lift does not change your fundamental appearance and cannot stop the aging process.
A face lift can only be performed surgically; minimally invasive rejuvenation treatments cannot achieve the same results, but may help delay the time at which a face lift becomes appropriate and complement the results of surgery.
Some minimally invasive treatments, such as stem cell face lifts, are of unproven benefit.
HOW ARE INCISIONS MADE?
Depending on the degree of change you'd like to see, your face lift choices include a traditional face lift, limited incision face lift or a neck lift.
TRADITIONAL FACE LIFT INCISION
A traditional face lift incision often begins in the hairline at the temples, continues around the ear and ends in the lower scalp. Fat may be sculpted or redistributed from the face, jowls and neck and underlying tissue is re-positioned, commonly the deeper layers of the face and the muscles are also lifted. Skin is re-draped over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed away.
A second incision under the chin may be necessary to further improve an aging neck. Sutures or skin adhesives close the incisions.
LIMITED INCISION
An alternative to a traditional face lift uses shorter incisions at the temples, continuing around the ear. "Mini-lifts" are usually reserved for patients with less skin relaxation, as the results are less rejuvenating than a full face lift.