Face Lift(rhytidectomy)

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General Information

The term rhytidectomy is derived from the Latin word rhytid, which means wrinkle, and ectomy which means removal of; thus, rhytidectomy is the removal of lax skin. These wrinkles can be related to age, heredity or environmental factors. Not everyone ages at the same rate. A great deal of the aging process relates to your tissues and what you do to care for them.

This is considered a major operative procedure. Like any extensive surgical procedure, operative incisions and complicated surgical stitching are required. Contrary to popular belief and despite some newspaper and magazine articles, this is NOT as simple as having your hair set or a facial. Also contrary to some non-medical reports, it is NOT possible to remove all the folds and eliminate all the wrinkles of the face, regardless of the treatment applied. You must accept the judgment of the plastic surgeon and realize that he will only remove the skin of the face that can be done safely and suitable for your particular facial contour. The face lift procedure is directed toward improvement and can not in any way guarantee that each and every wrinkle and fold of the skin will be removed. The type of skin and age of the patient are important factors in the final result.

The most common question in regard to a face lift is HOW LONG WILL IT LAST? This is impossible to state, as there are many factors involved - the amount of skin removed; age and general condition of the patient; type of skin as well as it's condition and texture; amount of previous sun and wind exposure as well as healing ability. Dr Sevinor believes that the key sign of a great facelift is a youthful neck. As plastic surgeons we can slow down the clock but we can't stop it.

Procedure

The operation is performed in the hospital and the average stay is two days. The patient is admitted to the hospital the morning of surgery.

Operative Time

Approximately four hours or longer when combined with other procedures, such as eyelids and/or peels or laser.

Anesthesia

The anesthesia will be the surgeon's decision. Most commonly local anesthetic is utilized and the patient can be done under local anesthetic where the patient is heavily sedated so that they usually remember little or nothing about the actual procedure.

Surgical Procedure

Prior to surgery, the patient is instructed to shampoo their hair with surgical soap. This is done the night before and the morning of the procedure, while in the hospital. The incisions are within the temporal area, in front of the ear, behind the ear and back into the scalp over the mastoid areas. After the incisions are made, the skin is pulled in the proper lines of tension and the excess removed. Sutures are placed in deeper structures to assist maintaining stability. The incisions are then closed with surgical stitches.

 DISCOLORATION

The patient can expect some swelling of the face and eyelids and some discoloration common with any type of facial surgery. This is usually most notable on the second and third days and diminishes in approximately twelve days. This also depends on type of skin, age, and healing ability.

POSTOPERATIVE CARE

Immediately after surgery, bandages are placed about the head and face for twenty-four hours. A scarf may be worn to cover the stitches until they are removed. The patient is encouraged to report to the surgeon any significant pain not readily relieved with their pain pills or if minor bleeding, redness or other drainige is noted around the incisions. It is not uncommon on the third to fifth day after any major surgery to feel some postoperative depression.

Any post surgical questions should be directed to the SURGEON, since it is unwise for a patient to accept advice from individuals who are not directly concerned with the operation. Call your surgeon if any medical problems arise.

You must remain within reasonable travelling distance of the doctor's office for approximately two weeks.

MEDICATIONS

Take all medications EXACTLY as ordered. You may be requested to take some medicines before your surgery. DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN OR ASPIRIN CONTAINING COMPOUNDS FOR TWO WEEKS AFTER YOUR SURGERY. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Valadol, Tempra) may be used in place of Aspirin. AT THE FIRST SIGN OF HIVES OR RASH, DISCONTINUE ALL MEDICATION AND CALL IMMEDIATELY.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Some blood may accumulate under the skin. This can be removed by your doctor. Occasionally, minor crusts will appear on the incisions, however, this is a temporary problem. Small areas of numbness may be noted around the ears, cheeks and incision areas. It is unusual for this to be permanent. Infection and areas of skin or hair loss are possible, but uncommon. Nerve damage can occur but it is very rare. There are risks in every surgical procedure and these will be thoroughly discussed with your prior to surgery.

SCARS

The surgical scars are permanent; however, they are placed so that they are usually inconspicuous to normal visual observation after a reasonable period of time.

MAKE-UP

Make-up may be applied over the skin of the face up to the edge of the surgical scars approximately 14 days after the surgery.

SHAMPOO AND HAIR COLORING

No hair dye or stripping should be carried out until your surgeon gives permission. Other coifure procedures may be carried out approximately two weeks following surgery. Do not permit any beauty operator to pull on your hair or roughly massage the scalp. A hair dryer, if used, should be set at medium to cool heat. This is of utmost importance if any areas of numbness, especially around the ears or temples is noted.

SHOWERS AND BATHS

KEEP BANDAGES AND INCISIONS DRY UNTIL SUTURES ARE REMOVED. Shower after one week.

SOCIAL ACTIVITY

Social activities should be limited for approximately three weeks. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for four to six weeks.

Do not wear earrings until sensation has RETURNED to your earlobes.

FEE

Fee will be discussed with you prior to surgery. The surgeon's fee does not include hospital or anesthesia costs.