Rhytidectomy
Restore a smoother contour of your face and neck by addressing excess skin and fat, and repositioning structures affected by weight loss or aging.
What is Rhytidectomy?
Rhytidectomy, commonly called a facelift or necklift, removes excess facial and neck skin and fat while addressing structures affected by weight loss or aging, and addressing muscles that may be undesirably active. This procedure creates a smoother appearance of the face and neck and may address issues of tissue malposition and platysmal bands. Dr Marc Seifman's technique ensures natural-looking results with well-concealed scarring.
book a consultRhytidectomy at a Glance
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Best suited for: People looking to improve the appearance of their face, people who have excess skin or fat tissue that gives an aged appearance, people whose facial structures have descended due to weight loss or aging, people with overactive plastysmal bands of the neck, people looking to improve their facial or neck contour.
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Recovery time: Two weeks for wound healing. Swelling may be present for up to six weeks.
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Surgical Procedure: 4-6 hours
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Commonly associated procedures: Can be combined with browlift, blepharoplasty or liposuction.
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Hospital stay: Overnight stay. May be longer if combined with other procedures.
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Anaesthesia: General
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Am I the right candidate for this?
You may be a candidate if you have loose facial and neck skin, excess rhytids (wrinkles), fat pad descent (including jowling), and platysmal banding. It is ideal to be at a stable weight. Good overall health and realistic expectations are essential.
What is the process?
Start by obtaining a referral from your GP, then book your initial consultation with Dr Seifman. Underlying conditions which may impact upon the appearance of your face or neck will be considered. You'll have a minimum of two comprehensive consultations to discuss your goals and plan your procedure. After placing your deposit, we'll schedule your surgery day. You'll need to fast before surgery as instructed. Some patients can go the next day, while others may stay for an extra night depending on individual circumstances. Follow-up appointments are scheduled at 1 week, 2 weeks and 6 weeks post-surgery, with our team available for any questions. You'll receive a complete care pack with detailed post-operative instructions.
Post-operative care and recovery timeline
Initial recovery requires 2-3 weeks off work with gradual return to normal activities over 6-8 weeks. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 6-8 weeks. Compression garments and drainage tubes may be required initially. Walking is encouraged early to prevent complications.
Risks and additional info
Potential risks include bleeding, infection, weakness of facial movements, wound healing issues, scarring, changes in sensation, and seroma formation. Future fluctuations in weight can affect results. Dr Seifman will discuss all aspects and help you choose the right timing for surgery.
Is this surgery right for me?
Is this treament right for me?
People who are interested in this operation typically are looking to improve the appearance of their face or neck, may have excess skin or fat tissue that gives an aged appearance, may have facial structures which descended due to weight loss or aging, or may have overactive muscles resulting in plastysmal bands of the neck.
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What does the procedure
journey look like?
To begin your journey at Tailored Plastic Surgery, you will typically have an initial consultation to discuss your goals and see how we can help you. After a second consultation and a cooling-off period of one week, if you wish to proceed, we will schedule the surgery on a date that suits you. We will discuss the steps you need to take in the lead-up to your surgery, and also on the day of your procedure.
Most people can see the impact of the surgery immediately. The night after your procedure and the day after you may experience some discomfort in the eyelids. You should be able to go home the next day. You should be able to return to work within two weeks depending on what your regular occupation is. We advise against strenuous physical activity and exercise within the first six weeks.
It is important to remember that with all surgical procedures, there will be swelling immediately after the operation, and it will only be with a little time, that the final results become apparent.
Procedure Risks
Rhytidectomy (facelift/necklift) aims to improve the contour of your face and neck. In addition to general surgery risks, potential risks associated with this procedure may include:
Nerve injury:
Nerve injury during surgery can result in temporary or permanent loss of sensation in the cheeks or ears, and temporary or permanent weakness of movement of some facial muscles.
Wound Healing Issues:
Rhytidectomy involves incisions, and there is a risk of delayed wound healing, wound separation, or infection. Proper wound care and follow-up visits are necessary for optimal healing.
Scarring:
Rhytidectomy incisions result in scars, typically located along the front of your ears and extending around to the back of your ears. The appearance of scars can vary depending on individual healing processes and proper scar management techniques.
Unsatisfactory results:
The face and neck are complex in their aesthetic composition, and achieving the desired aesthetic outcome is not always guaranteed. Rarely, the final result of your rhytidectomy may not meet your expectations. In such cases, a revision rhytidectomy, may be necessary to address any cosmetic concerns and achieve the desired outcome.
Seroma or Haematoma:
Collection of fluid (seroma) or blood (haematoma) under the skin may occur after rhytidectomy. Draining these collections may be necessary for proper healing.
Still unsure? Here are some FAQs…
What type of rhytidectomy will I have?
At your preoperative consultations, Dr Seifman will discuss your surgical goals. This will determine the surgical technique used.
Where will the scars be?
The scars are typically placed in front of the ears and extend under the ears to behind the ears.
Will the effects of the surgery be obvious?
At your preoperative consultations, Dr Seifman will discuss your surgical goals, including the extent of your rhytidectomy. This will determine the surgical technique used.