Rhytidectomy

Rhytidectomy or Rhytidoplasty is commonly called a facelift. This is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves removal of removal of excess facial skin so as to reduce loose skin folds and wrinkles. The facial skin is lifted and the tissues underneath are tightened so that the skin can be repositioned smoothly again. An incision is usually made from the hairline to the end of the ear. Deeper tissues can be slightly removed or tightened with sutures. The skin is then repositioned and some excess is cut if needed by the plastic surgeon.

Some patients might face complications after rhytidoplasty such as bleeding under the skin, infection, blood clots and tissue loss. There might be damage to the nerves of the face too. Persons suffering diabetes or hypertension are more likely to suffer medical risks when undergoing rhytidectomy. Post surgery a patient might experience numbness of the skin along with a rough and dry feeling.

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty or Cosmetic eyelid surgery is an operation to remove excess skin, fat and muscle from around the eyes and to correct droopy eyelids and bags under the eyes. It can be performed on the upper lids and lower lids at the same time. Sometimes it is done to improve vision problems. In other cases it is performed as a cosmetic operation so as to improve the appearance of the eyes. Other than correcting droopy, baggy eyelids by removing excess skin, fat and muscle, blepharoplasty can also remove wrinkles.

But this form of cosmetic eye surgery will not remove 'crow's feet' and scowl lines nor can it eliminate dark shadows under the eyes. Blepharoplasty can be done along with other facial surgery procedures such as a facelift or brow lift. The eyelid surgery is customized to suit the individual. Persons suffering from medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, Graves' disease and cardiovascular disease are cautioned from attempting cosmetic eye surgery. Those who suffer eye disorders such as glaucoma or detached retina are also advised against such cosmetic procedures.

Blepharoplasty surgery takes one to three hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. If you are having all four eyelids done, the surgeon will probably work on the upper lids first, then the lower ones. In a typical cosmetic eye surgery procedure, the surgeon makes incisions following the natural lines of your eyelids within the creases of your upper lids and just below the lashes in the lower lids. The incisions may extend into the crow's feet or laugh lines at the outer corners of your eyes.

The skin is then separated from underlying fatty tissue and muscle. Excess fat is removed and sagging skin and muscles are trimmed. Fine sutures are used to close the incisions. If you have a pocket of fat beneath your lower eyelids but don't need to have any skin removed, your surgeon may perform a transconjunctival Blepharoplasty. In this procedure, the incision is made inside your lower eyelid, thereby leaving no visible scar. It is usually performed on younger patients with thicker and more elastic skin. After surgery, the surgeon will probably lubricate your eyes with ointment and may apply a bandage. Your eyelids may feel tight and sore as the anesthesia wears off. The surgeon will prescribe pain medication to control the discomfort. You will be instructed to keep the head elevated for several days and to use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising. Healing of bruises may take a fortnight to a month. You will be shown how to clean your eyes, which may be gummy for a week or so.