Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
The face is where most people notice the visible signs of the aging process. There are many factors that contribute to these signs: genetics, environment (sun damage and/or smoking), stress and illness, architectural changes in the skin, volume loss and gravity; to name a few. Face Lift is a procedure that typically addresses the cheeks, the lines extending from the corner of the nose to the corner of the mouth (nasolabial folds), jowls, marionette lines, as well as folds and fat deposits around the neck area. Visit the gallery page to learn more about the results for Chicago area facelift. In the paragraphs below, Dr. Pielet explains the facelift procedure, how a it is performed and the expected recovery time.
Today, there are many different techniques. A facelift (also referred to as a rhytidectomy) cannot stop the aging process but can eliminate the most visible signs of aging by reversing the effect of gravity, removing excess skin and fat and often tightening muscles throughout the facial area in order to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and smooth out the skin. A facelift will provide an overall lift to the lower 2/3′s of your face by tightening muscle and loose skin in the jowls, neck and jaw line.
How is a Rhytidectomy performed?
Rhytidectomy is an outpatient surgical procedure. There are many different ways to approach a facelift depending on your facial structure, Dr. Pielet’s evaluation and recommendations and your desired goals. For a classic facelift, incisions typically begin in the hairline at the temples or beneath the sideburns, extend in a natural line in front of the ear and continue behind the earlobe to the scalp. The skin is separated from the fat and muscle below, the underlying muscles might be tightened, skin is pulled upwards and back and the excess is removed. Stitches secure layers of tissue and close the incisions. Dr. Pielet performs many types of facelifts, some of which leave no visible scars. Typically, a facelift does not eliminate wrinkles on the forehead, crow’s feet or bags under the eyes, it can be combined with a brow lift and/or eyelid surgery to compliment your results. A facelift is often combined with fat grafting and skin resurfacing to obtain complete facial rejuvenation.
This procedure takes approximately 2-4 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure.
What to expect during the recovery period:
- Bruising and swelling in the affected area are normal and to be expected. These symptoms will fade within 1-2 weeks after surgery
- Minor discomfort, which can be controlled with medication
- Sutures and/or clips will be removed 5 to 7 days after surgery
- A light compression garment will be applies, it should be worn 1-2 days after surgery
- Avoid direct sunlight for several weeks and use a good sunscreen
- Return to light activity within a few days
- Full activity may resume 3-4 weeks post-op
Dr. Pielet has treated many Chicago male facelift surgery (rhytidectomy) patients with excellent results. He is a gifted cosmetic plastic surgeon in Chicago who offers a variety of facial plastic surgery and facial rejuvenation procedures for men and women. In addition to face lift surgery, he offers other facial procedures for patients seeking browlift, neck lift, ear surgery or nose surgery in Chicago.
