| Facelift What is a facelift?
Rhytidectomy, a surgical procedure commonly known as a facelift,
involves the removal of excess facial fat, the tightening of facial muscles, and the
stretching of facial skin -- to approximate a smoother, firmer appearance. The procedure
takes place on either the face, neck, or both.
Depending on the area of the face or neck where the "lift" is to take place,
the surgeon will separate the skin from the fat and muscle. The fat is then removed and
the skin is pulled back into place with any excess removed.
Possible complications associated with face lifts:
- nerve injury
Nerves that control the facial muscles could be damaged. This is usually a temporary
post-operative condition.
- infection and anesthesia reaction
As with any type of surgery, there is a risk of infection and a reaction to the
anesthesia.
- hematoma
A hematoma, blood that collects under the skin, could occur. They are generally
removed by the physician.
- slower healing process (for some people)
Smokers, in particular, may find that the healing process following a facelift is
slower than normal.
Who are candidates for facelift?
The best candidates for a facelift
are those whose face and/or neck have begun to sag, but whose skin still has some
elasticity. The procedure also works best on persons whose bone structure is strong and
well-defined.
About the procedure:
- Location options
include:
surgeon's office-based surgical facility
outpatient surgery center
hospital outpatient
hospital inpatient
- Anesthetic options include:
- general anesthesia
- local anesthesia, combined with a sedative (allows
the patient to remain awake but relaxed) for adults
Probable length of procedure:
several hours or longer, if more than one procedure is being performed
- Short-term side effects of surgery:
- significant discomfort after surgery is not usual
- temporary numbness of the skin
Click here to view the
Online Resources page of this web. |
