Dr. Bashar Bizrah Clinic

Understanding Rhytidectomy

As part of the aging process which happens to us all, our skin progressively loses its elasticity and our muscles tend to slacken. The stress of daily life, effects of gravity and exposure to the sun can be seen on our faces. The folds and smile lines deepens, the corners of the mouth droop, the jaw line sags and the skin of the neck becomes slack. Around the eyes, the eyebrows droop and the skin of the eyelids gathers in loose folds. The first signs are when fine wrinkles develop around the lips, at the outer corners of the eye and lines of expression.

Aging of the face does not necessarily select the rate that the rest of our body and mind is aging and many people feel frustrated that the face they see in the mirror is not the one they feel should be there.

If you are considering a facelift, or rhytidectomy, as it is often called this website will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure. for more information about how the procedure can help you, you should consult a certified plastic surgeon with vast experience in facelift surgery.

Is a facelift for you?
Facelifts are the fifth most commonly performed plastic surgery procedure in the United States. While this procedure cannot stop the aging process, it can often make a person appear a decade younger than their actual age and increases morale. However, it is important to understand the limitations of rhytidectomy and good health and psychological stability is vital.

The best candidate is one whose face and neck has begun to sag, but whose skin has some elasticity and whose bone structure is strong and well defined. Ideally patients are in their 40's-60's, but facelifts can be done successfully on people in their 70's or 80's.

Before deciding on a facelift, you should discuss with your surgeon whether the overall effect would be more successful if additional changes were made in the chin and neck areas through other facial surgery.

Making the decision for a facelift
During your consultation with a qualified facial plastic surgeon you will discuss the changes that you would like to make to your appearance. The surgeon will examine the structure of your face, skin texture, color and elasticity. Photographs will be taken so the surgeon can study your face. He/she will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and its risks and limitations. He/she will also explain the kind of anesthesia required, surgical facility and costs. Your surgeon will begin with a complete medical history as well as assessing your mental and emotional attitudes towards the surgery.

Be sure and ask all the questions you have about the surgery and ask to see photo's of the doctors recent patients, before and after surgery. Learning all you can about your options, risks an benefits is the key to making an informal decision.

Understanding the surgery
The incision for your facelift usually begins in the hair near the temple and continues in front of the ear, around the ear lobe, behind the ear and into the hair. The muscles and sagging tissue are tightened. Excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is repositioned to create a more youthful look.

For men, the incision is aligned to accommodate the natural beard lines. In all cases, the incision is placed where it will fall in a natural crease of the skin for camouflage. The surgeon will close the incision with stitches, or with metal clips on the scalp. If the neck needs lifting, a small incision maybe made under the chin.

facelift takes an average of two to three hours and can be performed with a combination of mild sedative, local anesthesia and a mild intravenous anesthesia. Preferences will be discussed with your surgeon during your consultation. The longer the procedure is expected to take, the more likely that general anesthesia will be recommended. Following the surgery, the surgeon will apply a dressing to protect the entire area where the incisions have been made. You may be allowed to return home within a few hours of the surgery, or it may be necessary to spend the night in the hospital so your recovery can be monitored by a medical staff.

What to expect after the surgery?
Despite the fact that it is a large operation, there is usually little pain but the surgeon will still prescribe medication.Swelling disappears within a few days and if a dressing has been applied it will be removed within one to two days. It is important to follow a careful plan on return to strenuous activity, in order to avoid tension on the wound. The surgeon will advise you to keep your head elevated when lying down and to report any undue discomfort. If a tube has been inserted during surgery it will be removed one-two days after the surgery. All staples and sutures are usually removed five to ten days after the operation.

The scars will remain pink for a few months before maturing to less visible while scars, which can be hidden with make-up. Furthermore the scars are often hidden within your hair and in the normal creases of your skin. Most people go to work after two weeks. After recorvery, patients can expect a more rested and youthful appearance. Although a face lift can last for many years, patients continue to age. By changing how you look, a face can change how you feel about yourself.

Questions to ask your doctor?

Are the desired results I described realistic?
Where is the surgery performed? How long will the procedure take?
Would a mini-facelift or neck lift work as well or better than a full facelift in my situation?
Are there other procedures that I should consider to enhance the affects of a facelift?
What kind of anaesthesia is used?
How much does it cost?
What is your experience in performing this procedure? (How long has he/she performed this procedure, and how many he/she performed in the past year?
What percentage of patients have had significant complications? (The physician should disclose this information to you.)
Will you repeat or correct procedures if it does not meet agreed upon goalsl? And if the procedure must be repeated/corrected, will I be charged again? (The physician should provide you with his/her policy on this issue.)
May I see "before and after" photos of recent patients? The physician should provide many photos of recent patients.
May I have the names and contact information for several recent blepharoplasty patients? (Follow up to get first-had information on the procedure and the surgeon.)
Could I observe the exact procedure I am considering before I decide to have the surgery? (Either on videotape or ask to view one in real life.)
What should I expect post-operatively, in terms of soreness, what to watch for, medication, bathing, and level of activity?
Who will be assisting during the surgery? What are their qualifications? (Does the plastic surgeon perform the entire surgery?)
Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked, suspended?
Do you offer patient financing?

Be sure to...

Tell your doctor about any allergies you have (to foods, drugs, environmental elements)
Tell your doctor if you have any serious medical condition(s).
Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription)
Carefully follow any instructions your surgeon gives you regarding eating and drinking smoking, and vitamins.
Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines for two weeks prior to surgery.
Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery.