Rhytidectomy (Facelift)

The following "Guide to Cosmetic Plastic Surgery" is an overview to cosmetic plastic surgery and was published by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc.

A Rhytidectomy or facelift smoothes loose skin on your face and neck, tightens underlying tissues, and removes excess fat. Your bone structure, heredity and skin texture all play a role in how many “years” a facelift can “remove” and, to some extent, influence how long it will last.

There are many variations to the facelift procedure and the placement of incisions. The goal of every facelift technique is to keep the incisions hidden as much as possible, following surgery; scars will be concealed by your hair or with makeup.

Your plastic surgeon will free your facial skin from its underlying tissues and trim off the excess. In some instances, the deeper tissues may also need to be repositioned to restore a more youthful contour to your face. If necessary, a small incision beneath your chin permits the removal of fat and smoothing of the cord-like structures in your neck.

When facial sagging in the cheek area is pronounced, a procedure called a mid-facelift may be performed. Incisions are often made inside the lower eyelid of may be placed in another area that provides superior access to the central cheek region. Fat grafting is also frequently used as an alternative approach.

After facelift surgery, you will experience temporary skin discoloration and some tightness or numbness in your face and neck. Your skin will remain somewhat sensitive for a few months. Protection from the sun including daily use of a sun block is essential. You can wear cosmetics after a few days and patients often are back to work within two weeks.

Illustrations from left to right::   1. A facelift corrects visible signs of aging such as deep cheek folds, jowls and loose skin on the front and sides of your neck.   2. Your plastic surgeon will design incisions to suit your particular needs . Your facelift incisions may be placed within the hairline and within natural contours in front and behind your ears, as shown. Modified incisions may be used; for example, if you need correction of only your neck and lower face.   3. Loose skin is pulled up and back and the excess is removed.   4. After surgery, the skin on your face and neck will look smoother, firmer and fresher.

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The Plastic Surgery Center of Manchester, New Hampshire specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery, including body lifts, breast enlargements, breast lifts, breast reductions, eyelid surgery, ear surgery, facelifts, fat grafting, liposuction, neck and chin surgery, rhinoplasty (nose surgery), surgery after massive weight loss, and tummy tucks. We also offer facial rejuvenation (chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, Obagi Blue Peels, Glycolic Peels, Microdermabrasion), injectables (Botox) and facial fillers (Radiesse and Restylane) and advanced skin care to patients from all over New England (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts). While no responsible practitioner gives guarantees for the work they do on the human body, we can at least reassure you that you will receive the expertise and dedication of over 30 years in practice. Our patients become an important part of our family and we try to get to know each patient individually and customize their treatment to meet their desires.