More often than not patients undergoing facelifts do have fullness of their eyelids and therefore may undergo upper and/or lower blepharoplasty in the same operative setting. Rhytidectomy takes approximately 3 to 5 hours and can take longer if combined with other cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. It is largely believed that it actually and significantly determines how long a facelift would last.

It should be understood that inherent characteristics as bone structure, skin type, nutritional status, and personal habits as smoking and alcohol intake, not to mention daily stress, affect the degree of improvement. A successful facelift is thought of as making a patient look good for one’s age. More often than not, the assignment of age is actually relative. Of course it is very difficult to pinpoint the exact result. Rhytidectomy is commonly said to take 5 to 10 years off a person’s age. How you handle the positive physical effects and gains of a facelift is actually up to you. This is realistically what rhytidectomy may just do for you. It solely improves appearance and possibly helps boosts self confidence. Having a “new” look from a facelift will never guarantee a new, healthy and successful life. Emotional stability in a potential patient is a prerequisite while reasonable expectations is a must. He should keep in mind though that the desired result is basically reasonable improvement or enhancement and never unreasonable and unachievable “perfection”. The patient is expected to discuss all expectations with regards to looking and feeling better after surgery. Realistically, facelift or rhytidectomy will never stop the aging process, however it may still effectively take years off your looks and “turn back the clock” by taking out excess skin and fat and by tightening the underlying soft tissue supporting structures.Īn informative and meaningful consultation with a certified cosmetic plastic surgeon is the initial step a patient will take if he or she is considering a facelift or rhytidectomy. The facial skin becomes lax and loose and eventually drapes below the jaw line, the skin around the neck are no longer tight, and wrinkling appears between the nose and mouth and in front of the ears. As we go through life and accumulate additional years, the effects of gravity, sun exposure and daily stress all leave their marks. Wrinkles, sagging skin and pockets of fat are common features of the face beginning at approximately 40 years of age. A facelift or rhytidectomy is cosmetic and aesthetic surgery for improving and attempting to eliminate the inevitable signs and manifestations of facial and neck aging.

Dr. edwin paul magallona