Rhytidectomy - face lifting.

Face lifting smoothens flabby skin on the face and neck, improves the texture of underlying tissues and removes excess fat. The final outcome of the procedure depends on the bony framework of the face, genetic factors and structure of the skin. There are many modalities of face lifting. The incisions are concealed so that the resultant scarring is practically invisible.

The plastic surgeon releases the patient's skin from underlying tissue and removes its excess. In some cases deeper lying tissues may also require remodeling to obtain the most juvenile facial features. If it is necessary, small incisions are performed under the chin in order to remove accumulated fat and even out the skin on the neck that has been affected by ageing.

If flabby and dropping skin is visible on the cheeks, another procedure called mid-facelift, i.e. lifting of the middle of the face is possible. Incisions are often made in the lower eyelid or placed in other regions so that they provide better approach to the middle part of the cheeks.

After face lifting surgery the patient experiences for some time swelling, tension and disturbed sensation in the region of the face and neck. As the skin remains more sensitive for several months, everyday protection against sunlight is necessary as well as creams containing potent UV sunshields. Cosmetics may be applied on the skin several days after the operation and the patients usually come back to work after 2 - 3 weeks.