Contraindications of Rhytidectomy

Introduction:

Rhytidectomy or facelift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that helps improve the signs of aging in the neck and face region. In this procedure, the excess skin is removed, which helps tighten the underlying tissue that creates a youthful appearance. But it is contraindicated for some patients and during some conditions. These can include smoking, certain medications, bleeding disorders, in case of allergy, and unrealistic expectations. Always discuss the medical history with the health professional before the surgical procedure to reduce the risks and complications.

What Is Rhytidectomy?

Rhytidectomy or facelift helps in improving the signs of aging by the removal of excess skin present in the face and neck and thereby tightening the underlying tissue, which will create a youthful appearance. This procedure is indicated in people with good overall health and people with realistic expectations about the outcome. This procedure is done under general anesthesia, and an incision is made in the hairline and around the ears. Excess skin present is removed, and the underlying tissues will be tightened to create a firmer and smoother appearance. The incision is then closed with the help of surgical glue or sutures. Bruising and swelling can sometimes be seen after the procedure. A compression garment helps in reducing swelling and improves the healing process. To reduce the discomfort, pain medications are prescribed. Patients are advised to avoid heavy activities for several weeks after the procedure to promote the healing process.

Which Are the Different Types of Rhytidectomy?

The type of rhytidectomy will depend upon the needs and goals of the patient, and it is important to consult with a qualified health professional before the surgery. The different types of rhytidectomy include the following:

• Traditional Facelifts - It is a commonly used method in facelift surgery. In this method, an incision is made at the temple region, which extends towards and around the ear lobe and ends at the hairline behind the ear. Then the underlying skin, muscles, and tissues are lifted, and the tissues are tightened by removing the excess fat and skin present. The remaining tissue is repositioned to create a firmer and smoother appearance. This will help in creating a youthful appearance.

• Limited Incision Facelift - Shorter incisions are made around the ear and hairline above the ear. The skin and underlying tissues are lifted and tightened, which helps in getting a firmer and smoother appearance. This method is used in people having mild to moderate sagging of the face and neck.

• Neck Lift - In this method, incisions are made behind the ear or under the chin, which will help in lifting and tightening the skin and muscles present in the neck region.

• Mini Lift - It is a less invasive method of traditional facelift surgery. It is indicated in patients who have minor signs of aging. The incisions in this technique are smaller, and there will be less manipulation of tissues. The recovery time is also reduced in this technique.

• Thread Lift - It is a non-surgical procedure. In this method, a small thread or suture is inserted under the skin, which helps lift and tighten the facial tissues. For this method, the effects are short-lasting and not as dramatic compared to traditional facelift surgery.

What Are the Contraindications of Rhytidectomy?

The contraindications of rhytidectomy include the following:

• Active Infections - People having any current diseases or active infections which will affect the wound healing property are not indicated for this surgical procedure.

• Smoking - Smoking affects the healing process after the surgical procedure and can also increase other risks and complications. So patients with a history of smoking are advised to quit smoking before the start of the procedure.

• Bleeding Disorders - Patients having bleeding disorders are contraindicated from this procedure. In the case of people having a bleeding disorder, there will be an increased risk of bleeding after the surgical procedure.

• Medications - Some medications, like blood thinners, should be stopped before the surgical procedure. The usage of blood thinners will increase the chance of bleeding during and after the procedure.

• Unrealistic Expectations - People with unrealistic expectations are considered not good candidates for rhytidectomy.

• Poor Overall Health - People having poor overall health conditions are contraindicated from this surgery. These people have increased risks and complications than normal healthy people.

• Allergies - People having an allergy to any of the medications or allergic to the materials that are being used during the procedure should be contraindicated from the surgery.

What Are the Disadvantages of Rhytidectomy?

The disadvantages of rhytidectomy include the following:

• Surgical Risks - Like most surgical procedures, this technique also carries some potential risks and complications like infection, bleeding, scarring, and adverse reaction to anesthesia.

• Increased Recovery Time - This procedure needs increased recovery time to improve wound healing. Patients are advised to avoid heavy activities during this period.

• Expensive - Rhytidectomy is very expensive, and the rate depends on the extent of the surgical procedure.

• Unrealistic Expectations - This procedure cannot solve the natural aging process, and people with unrealistic expectations will be disappointed after the treatment procedure.

• Complications - In some rare cases, this procedure can result in complications like facial asymmetry, nerve damage, and poor aesthetic outcome.

What Are the Precautions to Take Before Rhytidectomy?

To ensure a successful and safe procedure, several precautions need to be followed before undergoing a rhytidectomy. This includes the following:

• Medical Evaluation - A complete medical evaluation has to be done before undergoing any type of surgical procedure to determine the risk and complications. This can include imaging tests, blood tests, and consultation with other medical specialists.

• Stop Smoking - Smoking will decrease wound healing and increase risks and complications during the surgery. So patients should quit smoking four weeks after the surgery.

• Avoiding Certain Medications - Some medications, like blood thinners and Aspirin, can increase the chances of bleeding during the surgery. These medications should be discontinued before the surgical procedure.

• Pre-operative Instructions - Follow pre-operative instructions before the surgery, like diet control or stopping certain medications as directed by the physician.

• Recovery Plan - After a rhytidectomy procedure, a considerable amount of time is required for recovery, and plan in advance about the different aspects to cover day-to-day tasks.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, rhytidectomy helps reduce the signs of aging in the face and neck region. However, similar to most surgical procedures, it is also associated with some contraindications. Therefore, it is always better to discuss the past history and potential risks with a qualified health professional or a surgeon before starting the procedure. This will give the best care and outcome, thereby reducing the risk and complications.