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Woollahra Sydney . Wollongong NSW
What is a Lower Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery?
A lower facelift (rhytidectomy) or jowl lift is a surgery that removes excess skin and fat from under the chin, tightens the underlying support structures, and lifts the facial muscles. This procedure usually only focuses on the lower and outer parts of the face. The results of this procedure are generally less obvious than a full facelift (rhytidectomy).
Why Patients Might Consider a Lower Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery
As one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures, a Lower Facelift (rhytidectomy) might be considered for a number of different reasons.
- Often lower facelift (rhytidectomy) results in smaller scars than other types of face lifts (rhytidectomy)
- You will experience less discomfort during the recovery period and it is performed with general anaesthetic
- The surgery is aims to produce natural-looking and provides longer-lasting effects when compared to other facelift (rhytidectomy) surgeries
Are you a Suitable Candidate for Lower Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery?
Candidates for this procedure fulfil certain criteria:
- Candidates for this operation generally include someone who has a prominent jawline but has developed loose skin in the jowls and neck area
- Any person bothered by the signs of ageing in their lower face and neck
- People with a “double chin” appearance
- Someone with realistic expectations about what this procedure can achieve
- A person who has no systemic disorders that contraindicate lower facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery
Recovery after Lower Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery
A lower facelift (rhytidectomy) is performed with the patient under general anaesthesia. The whole procedure typically takes around two hours! You may stay overnight after your lower facelift (rhytidectomy) procedure. However, because you’ve been under general anaesthesia, you’ll be groggy afterward and will need someone responsible to drive you around.
A few days after surgery, you can resume light activities. Most patients choose to go back to work 1-2 weeks after their lower facelift (rhytidectomy).
As your skin is pulled taut during surgery, you may experience some swelling and bruising around the incision site for about one week. It is also recommended that you avoid strenuous activities at least two weeks after your operation. But to ensure a smooth recovery, take plenty of rest!
In addition, swelling and bruising will subside in time. A lower facelift can help to alter your appearance and can last for years.
Results after the Lower Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery
To get optimal results from a lower facelift (rhytidectomy), you need to have realistic expectations.
The desired result from a facelift (rhytidectomy) is generally one where the signs of ageing are addressed and you achieve a subtle change in appearance. Not all of the wrinkles will or can be removed, and ensuring that you’ll still look like yourself is one of the key objectives.
Lower Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery Aftercare
After you have had lower facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery, your face will be wrapped in bandages to minimise bleeding and swelling. Dr Hunt will provide instructions about how to care for yourself after surgery, including how to clean your face, what medications to apply or take orally to support healing and prevent infection, specific concerns from looking for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with Dr Hunt.
The final cosmetic result of a lower facelift (rhytidectomy) is not apparent until three months after surgery, once the swelling has subsided.
