SURGICAL PROCEDURES

Rhytidectomy

Overview

Due to age, excessive sun exposure and cosmetic tanning, the face undergoes a radical change. The skin's elasticity may wear down, and collagen may be reduced. As a result, the skin loosens, wrinkles form, and a surplus of fat accumulates in areas of the face. The effects of this create an appearance of old age. It is, therefore, many reasons women consider facelifts to reverse the ageing process. However, a facelift is just one procedure done to tighten the face, skin, and neck muscles. A single procedure alone may take away years of ageing, leading to a healthier and younger-looking (v-shaped) face.

Of course, complementary procedures enhance the facial structure even further, contouring and redefining areas in a subtle yet classic way.

Complimentary procedures include:

  • A neck lift
  • Brow lift
  • Blepharoplasty
  • Fat transfer to parts of the face
  • Dermal fillers

Procedure

Facelift (rhytidectomy)

Dr Kleintjes creates an incision for a full facelift, running from the bottom of the ear to the temples. Fortunately, traces of scarring are hidden within the hairline. After making the incisions, the doctor strengthens the underlying facial muscles by tightening them like a rope. Next, he removes extra fat, loose skin and tissue that contribute to age and repositions the remaining skin. The next step is flattening the skin by smoothing out the surface, including creases, to get rid of wrinkles and jowls. Finally, Dr Kleintjes seals the incisions using sutures.

Mini Facelift

Specifically, areas around the jawline and neck are targeted. The lower part of the face is elevated through tiny incisions in the area. Dr Kleintjes does this by removing extra skin from the lower region of the face and lifting the remaining skin.

Additionally, a brow or eye lift helps achieve the best cosmetic results, complimenting the mini facelift. Also, a non-invasive cosmetic procedure like dermal fillers (Juvederm and Restylane, FDA-approved fillers) maximises the effects of the surgery.

 

Recovery

After surgery, you are sent home with dressings over the incisions and, in some cases, drains to remove extra blood and fluid. Pain medication is prescribed to treat discomfort and inflammation at the site.

A full recovery from a complete facelift can take up to six months at most. Sensation in the face usually returns at this time. Grooves, creases and lumps over the skin take time to subside.

Contact Dr Kleintjes when the following symptoms occur:

  • Pain that persists longer than a week
  • Swelling
  • Bleeding
  • Bruising that does not dissipate

FAQ

1How long does a facelift consultation last?
The length of these facelift sessions depends on the number of questions you need to ask your doctor. Typically, a session lasts an hour but should take about 15-25 minutes, depending on your needs and cosmetic goals.
2Will I ever be too old for a facelift?
Generally, women 75 and older still qualify for a facelift. The procedure is perfectly safe even at an older age. Patients 65 and older are faced with the same complications as their younger counterparts.
3What are the signs I need a facelift?
You could be a good candidate for a facelift when the skin loses its laxity and folds develop along the neck and jawline. Fortunately, a facelift addresses loose folds of skin.

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