WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

What is a limited incision rhytidectomy? A limited incision rhytidectomy, or mini facelift, is surgery to removed signs of aging, such as wrinkles, extra fat, and loose skin. This surgery uses fewer, smaller incisions than a regular rhytidectomy.

What should I expect before a limited incision rhytidectomy? Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and any medicines you take. He will ask what you want to change about the way you look. Your healthcare provider will examine your face and neck. He will take pictures of your face and neck to help him plan your surgery. You may need to have blood taken for tests.

How is a limited incision rhytidectomy done?

• Your healthcare provider will make small incisions in front of your ears, hairline, and lower jawbone. A small incision will also be made near the outer edge of your eyes. Your healthcare provider will gently lift your skin so he can see your facial tissue, fat, and muscles. Your healthcare provider may use stitches to attach tissue or fat to parts of your facial bones or fascia. Fascia is strong connective tissue in your face. Your healthcare provider may place an endoscope inside the incisions to see the tissue under your skin. An endoscope is a thin, bendable tube with a light and camera at the end.
  
  
• Your healthcare provider may use thread to pull your tissue upwards. This thread also is used to lift your sagging cheeks and brows. Your healthcare provider will pull up the extra skin on your neck and chin. He may put glue over the tissue in your cheeks and forehead. This may add fullness to the area and help prevent bruising. A gel-like filler also may be used to add fullness to your face. The incisions will be closed with stitches and covered with bandages.

What are the different kinds of limited incision rhytidectomies?

• S-lift: Your healthcare provider makes an incision in front of your ears. Extra skin and fat are removed from your face. Stitches are then used to tighten and close the rest of your skin.
  
  
• Minimal access cranial suspension lift: Your healthcare provider makes incisions along your hairline. Extra skin and fat are removed. Your skin is tightened and closed with stitches.

What are the risks of limited incision rhytidectomy? You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. You may not be happy with the results of your facelift. You may have scars or hair loss. Your face may swell or parts of your face may droop. You may have large bruises caused by bleeding in your face and neck. These bruises can cause tissue in your face and neck to be damaged. You may have pain in your jaw, which may make it hard for you to open your mouth. You may have nerve damage that causes parts of your face or neck to be weak or numb. You may need another surgery to fix these problems.

When should I contact my healthcare provider? Contact your healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• Your wound is red, swollen, or draining pus.
  
  
• You feel depressed after your surgery.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

When should I seek immediate care? Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• Your face starts to swell and large bruises appear.
  
  
• You have trouble moving part of your face.
  
  
• Your lip sags on one side.
  
  
• Blood soaks through your bandage.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.