Who can receive a Rhytidectomy? This procedure can be carried out at any time once the signs of the aging appear. When is evident a deep line or crease, from the corner of the nose to the corner of the mouth. If the person presents deep wrinkles in cheeks or has loose skin and with wrinkles, same as excess of greasy fine tissue in the neck.
What does the consultation consist of? During the first consultation, Doctor Andrés Mejía evaluates the thickness, texture and elasticity of the skin, also severity of wrinkles and creases, to determine where the incisions will be carried out. All doubts are clarified, expectations are defined; desired issues for the improvement; procedure and type of anesthesia are explained, same as the institution clinic where the intervention will be carried out. Another additional procedures will be discussed, procedures that can be completed to treat all the concerns that the patient has identified. In general a rhytidectomy is combined with the front elevation, a eyelids surgery, nose restructuring or skin treatments such as dermo graze or laser.
How is the procedure carried out? The rhytidectomy is an ambulatory procedure. By security, during the operation several monitors are utilized to control the heart, arterial pressure, pulse and the quantity of oxygen circulating in the blood. The basic procedure consists in to have an operation in both sides of the face at the same time. Incisions are made inside the thickness of the hair in the temporary regions (the temple), then is directed in front of the ear and underneath and behind this one, finishing in the thickness of the hair. The skin is release from the underlying tissues and is pulled up and backwards withdrawing the excess of skin.
Flabby muscles are stretched and, in some cases, a little grease of the neck and chin area is subtracted. This latte procedure could require a small additional incision under the chin, using always small sutures to close the incisions. A rhytidectomy could take between three to five hours maybe more depending on the areas to work. The incisions are hidden in the natural contour of the ear, then are extended generally around the ear pavilion and in the scalp. After the surgery, the incisions can be concealed easily by hair or with makeup. When the surgery is finished, the patient passes to recovery where will be in continuous observation. Passed some hours and according to the evolution the patient will be permitted to go home.
¿Which are the facial rejuvenation risks? Some of the complications are hematomas, infection and anesthesia reactions. The patient can help to reduce at minimum certain risks by following Doctor Mejia instructions and advises before and after the surgery. Doctor Mejía counts on a multidisciplinary team of professional experts and the appropriate installations making those risks minimum.
How the patient should be prepared for the surgery? Be accompanied to the procedure is a must and days before not to consume cigarette, aspirins or any type of anti-inflammatory. Doctor Andrés Mejía will indicate you pre surgery additional instructions.
How is post surgery? Around the face a bandage will be wrapped to reduce the inflammation to the maximum. In some occasions tubes or drainage are left inserted under the skin that facilitate the exit of blood so hematomas are not formed. After the surgery, routine activities should be restricted to rest for some days. Maintaining the head elevated when sleeping will help to reduce the inflammation. The bandages will be withdrawn generally in one or two days.
During the first days the face will be very swelling and with bruises; bruises can be more pronounced in some parts. Do not be alarmed for any inequality or temporary asymmetry caused by this variation, is perfectly normal. Generally, the largest inflammation occurs between the 24 and the 48 following hours after the surgery, but can take several to diminish. Most of the bruises will disappear in a period of time of two weeks. After some days, makeup can be used to help to conceal the bruises while they are gone. By several weeks also you will experience certain numbness in the facial area. The stitches will be withdrawn between the 5th and 10th day after the surgery. During two weeks rest is advised and is sufficient time for the bruises to disappear. According to each case the patient will be able to reassume the majority of his/her normal activities in ten days or less. It is recommended to wait several weeks before reassuming activity and energetic exercise. The direct exposition to the sun should be avoided and solar screen should be used to protect the skin.
Which will be the results? Results of the rhytidectomy can be radicals or subtle, depending on the patient status before the surgery, as well as the specific goals that have being established in the first consultation.
Due that the process of recovery is gradual; several weeks should be expected to see the changes in order to evaluate them. Results will last depending on many variables including the hereditary factors and the form and habits of life. Although the process of the aging continues, the patients are very satisfied with their aspect for many years after the rhytidectomy.
