Albuquerque Center for Plastic Surgery
Procedures - Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

An "aging face" can be improved to look more rested or youthful for one's age with an operation called a Rhytidectomy. This procedure can be performed by itself or in conjunction with eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty) or brow lift. Fullness along the jaw line, prominent folds near the cheek and nose as well as hanging skin and fatty tissue in the neck can be repositioned to establish a more youthful profile and neck line.

Many incision or scar patterns have been described by plastic surgeons, and the common link is to design a pattern that is best suited for the individual patient's needs.

Very fine lines within the skin are not usually improved with a facelift, however, "jowls" and the "double chin" are usually markedly improved, and with realistic expectations, a more rested or youthful appearance is gained.

Complications are rare - but must be thoroughly discussed and considered before you decide to have surgery.

Incisions usually begin at the hairline at the temples, follow the natural line in front of the ear, curve behind the earlobe into the crease behind the ear, and into or along the lower scalp.
After deep tissues are tightened, the excess skin is pulled up and back, trimmed and surured into place.

Facial, neck tissue and muscle may be separated; fat may be trimmed or suctioned and underlying muscle may be tightened.
Most of the scars will be hidden within your hair and in the normal creases of your skin.

Patient Before and After Photos - Facelifts - Face Lifts
Patient 1 - Facelift - Rhytidectomy
Photos
Before and after photos of facelifts. Pictures of face lifts. Photographs of a rhytidectomy - facelift befores and afters
Before and after photos of facelifts. Pictures of face lifts. Photographs of a rhytidectomy - facelift befores and afters
Patient 3 - Facelift - Rhytidectomy
Photos
Before and after photos of facelifts. Pictures of face lifts. Photographs of a rhytidectomy - facelift befores and afters

At the time of consultation and the pre-operative appointment, a very detailed packet is reviewed with every patient including the following:



Procedure Description:
Improving sagging facial skin, jowls, and loose neck skin by removing excess fat, tightening muscles, redraping skin. Most often done on men and women over 40.
Surgery
Length:
3 - 4 hours
Cost Range :
$8,000.00 and up(includes Operating Room and an Anesthesiologist)
See our payment options for cosmetic surgery.
Anesthesia:
Local with sedation, or general.
In/Outpatient:
Usually outpatient. Some patients may require short inpatient stay.
Side Effects:
Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness and tenderness of skin; tight feeling, dry skin. For men, permanent need to shave behind ears, where beard-growing skin is repositioned.
Risks associated with Surgery:
Injury to the nerves that control facial muscles or feeling (usually temporary but may be permanent). Infection, bleeding. Poor healing; excessive scarring. Asymmetry or change in hairline.
Recovery Period:
Back to work: 10 to 14 days. More strenuous activity: 4 weeks or more. Bruising: 2 to 3 weeks. Must limit exposure to sun for several months.
Duration of Results:
Usually 5 to 10 years, depends on skin type and genetic factors.

 

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon American Board of Plastic Surgery, IncMember Amercian Society of Plastic SurgeonsMember American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
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Member American Society for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryMember Amercian Society of Plastic SurgeonsBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc