The Right Way To Do A Rhytidectomy
The rhytidectomy procedure (aka the facelift) has been given a bad rap fairly unjustly. Because a few plastic surgeons perform these procedures poorly, people assume that there is a problem with the procedure instead of considering that the issue lies with the surgeon. Rhytidectomy literally means “the removal of wrinkles” and when done by an experienced surgeon does just that. It is meant to address the origin of the cause of facial aging, by addressing the muscle and fat layers of the facial structure, for a very natural uplifted and youthful visage without pulling the skin. A rhytidectomy should never leave the patient looking like they just went head first into a tornado or that they’ve taped back their skin.
Dr. Shapiro is known for his expertise in facelifts and his aesthetic eye for natural looking vibrancy. Dr. Shapiro addresses the descended facial fat and muscular layers in combination with a readjustment of the skin to provide a more natural looking ryhtidectomy. Rhytidectomy procedures are ideal to treat wrinkles, loose skin that has begun to sag, eyes that appear puffy, necks and jawlines that appear indistinct with muscle bans and fatty tissue, and facial fat that has accumulated in less-than-attractive places. While Dr. Shapiro offers several different options to best fit your needs, all of his rhytidectomy procedures are aimed at treating these aging concerns.
The traditional rhytidectomy is specifically designed to correct advanced signs of aging such as overdeveloped jowls, loose neck skin, and any excessive fat accumulation beneath the chin. For most patients undergoing the traditional facelift, extra fat and skin are trimmed away while the deeper layers of the muscular facial structure are lifted back into place. Facial fat is also lifted to a more youthful position as it is attached deeply to the muscles layers of the face.
Incisions for this type of facelift typically run from the hairline at the temples, or hidden along the sideburns themselves, around the ear hidden behind the cartilages, and within the hairline in the back of the ears. Again, Dr. Shapiro’s experience and flawless aesthetic helps him artistically hide the scars. This procedure creates a contoured neckline, a jowl-free chin, and uplifted cheeks that produce an overall youthful appearance.
