If you’re unhappy with the way your face has responded to the aging process, there’s a solution: a rhytidectomy. Rhytidectomy is the fancy term for face lift, and it is all the rage among Chicago-based residents looking for a reputable cosmetic surgeon. Before scheduling the consultation and the procedure, read the top 4 Chicago face lift frequently asked questions.
What is the Rhytidectomy Procedure?
As mentioned before, a rhytidectomy is the scientific term for the face lift procedure. The name “face lift” says it all; this procedure is meant to quite literally lift the face. The skin and muscles of the face tend to sag and wrinkle over time, and although the aging process is inevitable, it can cause some major self-esteem issues.
This is especially true among members of Western societies, where women are expected to have flawless skin even as old age age begins to settle. The effects of aging can be reversed with a face lift. During the procedure, the cosmetic surgeon will make incisions along the patient’s hairline, and then lift and reshape the muscles and tissues beneath the skin. This gives the appearance of a “lift” once the patient has recovered.
What’s the Difference Between a Full Lift and a Mini Lift?
During your consultation period, the surgeon will determine whether you are a candidate for a full or mini lift. The mini lift is less invasive, treating only the area surrounding the cheeks. A full lift requires more cutting and tissue excision, focusing on the entire lower portion of the face. This often includes the cheeks, chin, and upper neck area.
What is the Rhytidectomy Recovery Period Like?
A full face lift is a fairly intensive procedure, so you’ll need plenty of time to recover. The period immediately following the procedure will be the most difficult, but your surgeon will send you home with the necessary pain medication. The surgeon will dress the incision area with compressive bandages, which should be replaced the following day.
Seven days after the procedure, you’ll return for a follow-up appointment to make sure everything is healing properly. At this time, the surgeon will remove the remaining sutures, except for one suture located behind the ear. This will be removed at the next follow up appointment, happening 2 weeks post surgery.
It is recommended that you schedule follow-up appointments for 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year following the surgery. You should be able to return to work within 10 days of the surgery. However, set aside 2 weeks for the recovery process; some patients require a longer healing period from a face lift.
What is the Average Cost of a Face Lift?
The final cost of your face lift depends on the surgical professional you choose, but plan on spending at least $3,000. Since the mini-lift is less invasive than the full lift, the mini procedure will cost less. Try not to let cost be the determining factor; investing in a cheap face lift is not the best decision.