It can be difficult to come to terms with the fact that aging is an inevitable process. With every birthday, the wrinkles and furrows get deeper, and our experiences start to show in our faces.
If crow’s feet, loose jowls, and saggy neck skin are getting you down, there are steps that you can take to put things right. Perhaps one of the first things to consider is a rhytidectomy.
What is a rhytidectomy?
The term rhytidectomy is a technical word for facelift. This is the same surgical procedure that you have read about in celebrity magazines time and time again.
As the skin on the face ages, a series of changes start to occur, beginning with the appearance of fine crow’s feet at the corner of the eyes. This is followed by forehead folds, a softening of the jawline, and the appearance of vertical folds in the neck.
Whilst there are some lucky people who can live well into their forties without worrying much about jowls and saggy eyelids, there are others who age quickly, and it is these people who need the help of a plastic surgeon to feel youthful again.
What does rhytidectomy surgery involve?
This type of facial surgery has become very routine over the last fifty years, but it is still a surgical operation, and it is important to be comfortable with that fact. For most patients, a general anesthesia is given, as the rhytidectomy process can take anywhere from two to four hours.
It begins with an incision above the temple, and continues around the back of the ear, and into the hairline. Once the major incisions have been made, the loosened skin is delicately lifted, so that the surgeon can relocate it to a tighter position. If necessary, fat and excess skin is also removed.
With the help of Jefferson Plastics, you can rest safe in the knowledge that your face will never scream ‘rhytidectomy.’ Our surgeons are highly skilled when it comes to placing incisions, so that they fall within the natural creases of the face. Whilst there is only minimal scarring involved in a good facelift procedure, it will be positioned to blend in with your features.
How long does it take to recover from a rhytidectomy?
There will be a slight amount of pain following the procedure, but in the vast majority of cases, this will be minimal. For most patients, it is nothing that over-the-counter painkillers cannot handle. However, if you do experience more intense pain, your surgeon may give you stronger medication.
A degree of swelling and bruising is to be expected, so it is important to take it easy in the days and weeks following the surgery. Within a couple of days, all dressings will be allowed to come off. In, five to ten days, the sutures will be removed.
Is a rhytidectomy the right decision for me?
At Jefferson Plastics, patient safety and satisfaction is a top priority. It is our policy to make sure that all prospective rhytidectomy candidates are fully informed about the procedure before it is allowed to go ahead. With over four decades of combined experience, our surgeons are highly skilled and can be trusted to provide the best results.
For more information, do not hesitate to get in touch with the friendly advisers at Jefferson Plastics today on 215-503-3223, and arrange an initial consultation – or click here to visit the website.
