Rhytidectomy Surgery

Rhytidectomy surgery is suitable for both women and men patients between the age of 36-65 who have started to notice visible signs of aging, facial lines, sagging, wrinkles, facial folds. Rhytidectomy has better outcomes on patients who have skin elasticity remaining so patients over 65 sometimes may not be able to get the results they want even though most of them are satisfied.

Usually Rhytidectomy surgery takes 2 or more hours depending on the extent of the surgery and the technique used by the surgeon. The surgery is done using general anesthesia and usually done on an outpatient basis. Firstly the surgeon will make an incision line in the scalp, which will start at the temples and continue behind each ear (incisions can be made without needing to cut the hair). Once the incisions are made the surgeon will raise the skin from the temples, cheeks and neck. The next step is for the surgeon to lift and reposition the underlying connective tissue and remove excess fat and skin. Finally the surgeon will re-drape the skin over the new underlying structure and close the incisions with stitches and small metal clips. Drainage tubes will be inserted and the incisions will be bandaged.

• Patients will need to completely quit smoking at least 2 weeks before the surgery

• The use of certain medication, herbal supplements and vitamins must be quitted

• Patients must keep a healthy diet and stable weight

As anesthesia wears of patients can feel tired, groggy or confused. Patients will return home usually the same day of the surgery so accompany will be needed.

There can be:

• Bruising – can extend to eye area and give a black eye look

• Swelling – can persist up to 3 months, to reduce swelling patients must keep hydrated, eat a healthy diet, get plenty of rest and avoid some physical activities, keep head elevated, use prescribed medication given by the surgeon, avoid other medication as they can interfere with welling and fluid balance (ask your surgeon)

Patients may have sutures or tapes holding incisions closed as they heal. Patients must avoid disturbing them and the facial tissue and wear button down shirts during the recovery period (comfortable clothing). Patients must sleep in an elevated position with a couple of pillows behind their back to reduce swelling and other side effects. Patients must be gentle to the face, avoid scrubbing, brushing, blow-drying hair or other activities that can irritate the tender skin or incision. Patients must avoid alcohol and hot saunas. The area which surgery is done can be bandaged or wrapped in special gauze or compression garment as instructed by the surgeon.

Just like any other surgery Rhytidectomy has some risks as well such as

• Bleeding
• Numbness
• Swelling
• Sensitivity
• Scarring or poor wound healing
• Damage to nerves
• Facial asymmetry
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications

Reaction to anesthesia

Compression garment – special clothing to provide extra support especially after surgeries

Incision – surgical cut made in the skin during surgery or treatment

General anesthesia – variety of medications given to ensure unconsciousness, loss of control of reflexes. The patient is put to sleep to not feel any pain or discomfort.

Sutures – also called stitches, used to hold the tissues together

Drainage tubes – surgical instrument used to remove excess liquid like blood and pus from the body after surgery

Rhytidectomy surgery will be performed. The surgery will be performed using general anesthesia. Rhytidectomy usually takes 2 or more hours to perform. Rhytidectomy is done on an outpatient basis. Once the surgery is over the patient will be taken to a private room where they will be staying when in hospital for resting. The surgeon will perform a check up and if they are approved to be in a good, healthy condition and the surgery results are all successful; the patients are advised with post treatment care requirements and are ready to be discharged from hospital to their settlements. In some cases the patients can be required to spend the night in hospital.

Patients will attend a post surgery appointment for a final check up and consultation. The patient will be advised on further medication. Drainage tubes will be removed and dressing will be changed. If everything is right then the patient is ready to return to their destination; unless patients undergo other surgeries together with Rhytidectomy, which require for them to stay longer. Sutures will need to be removed on the fifth day after the surgery and if staples are used then they will need to be removed between 7 to 10 days after the surgery. The patient can enjoy their time in Turkey and have the removal done in Turkey or have the removal done at their destination.

• Trip schedule may vary. medicTurkey patient relations will provide you a detailed trip schedule before the travel.

• For details on accommodation, transportation and other services, please check the SERVICES page.

Rhytidectomy surgery takes from 2 hours depending on the extent of surgery.

The recommended stay in hospital is usually from an outpatient basis, in some cases the patient may be required to stay in hospital for the night of the surgery.

The recommended stay in Turkey for Rhytidectomy is 3 days including consultation before the surgery and after the surgery.

Just like any other surgery, there are some risks with Rhytidectomy like bleeding, numbness, swelling, sensitivity, scarring or poor wound healing, damage to nerves, facial asymmetry, deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications and reaction to anesthesia.

Usually patients can return to work after a week from the surgery but may still have swelling or bruising. Patients can carry on with their usual activities after 3 weeks from surgery.

The surgery is done using general anesthesia and usually done on an outpatient basis but if there are other surgeries performed together with Rhytidectomy then the patient may stay in hospital around 4 days or more. Firstly the surgeon will make an incision line in the scalp, which will start at the temples and continue behind each ear (incisions can be made without needing to cut the hair). Once the incisions are made, the surgeon will raise the skin from the temples, cheeks and neck. The next step is for the surgeon to lift and reposition the underlying connective tissue and remove excess fat and skin. Finally, the surgeon will re-drape the skin over the new underlying structure and close the incisions with stitches and small metal clips.

Sutures and bandages are usually removed around 5 days from the surgery. If surgical staples are used then they will be removed in 7 to 10 days.

There can be some scarring but usually incisions are made in the hairline, behind the ears and under the jaw line and will fade away in time.