Face Lift - Rhytidectomy Procedures
Overview
This is a procedure used to remove or at least improve sagging facial skin, jowls, loose neck skin and wrinkles. It is done by removing excess fat and tightening the underlying facial tissue and then redraping the skin. The technical name for this procedure is rhytidectomy (the surgical removal of wrinkles). It can give a much more youthful appearance, hence its popularity. This procedure was first used in the 1970's and it is now the fith most popular cosmetic suregery procedure following liposuction, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). It is most common among people over 40 years of age.
How is it carried out
The most common form of the procedure is carrid out by making an incision in front of the patients ear, extending it up to the hairline. It curves around the base of the ear and then behind it. It ends near the hairline at the back of the neck. The skin is then seperated from the deeper tissues. The deeper tissue can then be tightened with stiches. Also some of this deeper tissue may be removed if required for better results. Skin is pulled up and backwards, excess skin removed and the incisions then closed..
After the skin incision is made, the skin is separated from the deeper tissues( with a scalpel or scissors) over the cheeks, chin and neck. At this point, the deeper tissues can be tightened with stitches, with or without removing some of the excess deeper tissues.
The skin is then pulled upwards and backwards and the excess skin is then removed. The skin incisions are then closed with sutures and staples.
Results: The improvement in appearance usually lasts from 5-10 years.
Side effects: It leaves long scars but the part in front of the ear is not usually noticable and the portion behind the ear normally well hidden by hai and so not noticable to casual inspection. Temporary side effects include swelling, bruising(2-3 weeks), numbeness and skin tenderness. Men may have to permanently shave behind the ear where beard skin has been repositioned.
Health: You can normally return to work after 10-14 days, strenuous activity can be engaged in after a further 2 weeks. Limit exposure to sun for a few months. Discuss this and any potential risk with your Clinic/Doctor.
More information required before deciding? Read Cosmetic Surgery Books
Brazil Plastic Surgeon Web Sites -
Perfect Cirugia Plastica - Based in Sao Paulo, site in English.
Dr Bernado Froes - Based in Sao Paulo, site in English
Perfect Lines - Based in sao Paulo, site in English..
MaxPlastic - Based in Sao Paulo, site only in Portuguese. A good site though with prices listed. Also a Member of American society for Aesthetic plastic surgery.
Luiz S Toledo MD - Brazilian, Now based in Dubai, site in English
Dr Silvio Sterman - Based in Sao Paulo, site in English. Will arrange Hotels and airport pick up if required.
Skin Health - Based in Sao Paulo, site in English. Plastic Surgery, Dermatology and antiaging management.
Dr Edurado Sucupira - Based in Rio de Janeiro. Site in English.
CentroPlastica - Based in Rio de Janeiro. Site in English. An arrangement with hotels provides accommodations for foreign clients who wish to remain in Rio for a longer postoperative period under the care of the Clinic's staff.
Ivo Pitanguy Clinic - Based in Rio de Janeiro. Site in English