Athens clinic: Vas. Sofias 48, 115 28
210 722 2070
Rhytidoplasty
Improve your appearance and psychology by correcting the signs that indicate aging in the face.
Rhytidoplasty (Facelift)
Time leaves its marks on the human face, on man and woman alike. This is also due to exposure to sunlight and other natural elements, as well as gravity and fluctuations in body weight. The modern way of living, such as stress, anxiety and smoking, also affects the aging process, not only of the face but of the body as well.
What we can achieve with a facelift
A facelift is the surgery that aims to “turn back time” and improve the face’s appearance, though while maintaining its natural characteristics. At the end of the operation, the patient looks relaxed and rejuvenated, without seeming to have undergone surgery. The plastic surgeon tightens the superficial neural network and the muscles of the face with special techniques, and restores them to their original youthful position, eliminating wrinkles, and then removing excess skin.
Rhytidoplasty
Improve your appearance and psychology by correcting the signs that indicate aging in the face.
Indications for rhytidoplasty
Signs that indicate aging on the face, as well as the need for a facelift, are wrinkles, sagging skin, fat and superficial neural tissue (S.M.A.S.), resulting in wrinkles in the nasolabial fold and in the area of the lower jaw close to the corner of the mouth, as well as the throat.
The first rhytidoplasty visit & facelift techniques
On the first visit and after a detailed medical history, a discussion will be had about the improvements the patient wishes to make on their face. With the help of the plastic surgeon, the goals of the facelift will be set. Rhytidoplasty is often combined with other methods of plastic surgery, such as blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, injectable implants and more.
During the first visit, whether the operation will be performed under local or total anesthesia will be decided, as well as the type of facelift that suits the specific case, such as S lift, MACS lift, mini lift or total rhytidoplasty. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions concern you and, at the same time, you will get a visual representation by being shown photos of similar cases.
Facelift preparation
Detailed instructions on how to prepare for rhytidoplasty will be given to you. You should avoid smoking, alcohol consumption and taking certain medications, such as aspirin and multivitamins, for two weeks before surgery. It is especially important to quit smoking for the aforementioned period, in order to speed up the healing process and reduce the chances of complications.
Depending on the type of facelift, you will need to take time off work for one to two weeks. Having someone at home to help you for the first two to three days after the rhytidoplasty would be good.
It should be noted that surgeries are performed in fully equipped private hospitals in Athens and London, and the most modern and safe methods of anesthesia are used by the team of anesthesiologists.
A few words about facelifts
A facelift needs two and a half to three and a half hours of surgical time. Each case in rhytidoplasty differs, and the surgeon personalizes the modern facelift methods to match the needs of each patient.
Surgical incisions are made both in the scalp and in areas where mild wrinkles are normally found, such as in front of and behind the ear. The surgeon mobilizes the skin to a greater or lesser degree, according to each case, and places the muscles and fat in their original, more youthful position. Strong sutures keep the tissues in place. The skin of the face is also affixed in its place.
Before rhytidoplasty
- Avoid sunbathing for one week before the operation.
- If you are taking any medication, inform Dr. Gaitanis, so that he can advise you on its continuation.
- ASPIRIN is prohibited for at least one week before the face lifting. You may take paracetamol.
- ALCOHOL is prohibited 48 hours before the operation.
- If you are a smoker, it is important to significantly reduce smoking or even better to QUIT it.
- If you are dyeing your hair, have highlights or a perm, make sure you have it done at least a week before your surgery, it will take at least 4-6 weeks to do it again.
- Do not cut your hair before the facelift, so that they can cover the incisions of the operation.
- Arrange your transfer to and from the hospital in advance. Dr. Gaitanis will have informed you whether you will stay overnight in the hospital or leave in the afternoon of the same day.
Operation Day
- Eating or drinking (even water) is prohibited for at least 6 hours before the face lifting.
- Remove nail polish, contact lenses, jewelry and makeup before leaving home for the hospital.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothes.
- Bring a scarf for your head with you to wear after the operation.
After rhytidoplasty
Depending on the type of facelift, you will go home either the same day or the morning after. Someone should come pick you up from the hospital. You will be given specific instructions when you are discharged, and you will rest at home for a week. Light walking and relaxation are allowed. You will not have any bandages on your face upon leaving for home and the nurses will wash your hair before you go.
The stitches will be removed after ten days. During this time, exercise, housework and going to the gym are prohibited. Allow your body to relax and heal as quickly as possible.
Your new face - No more wrinkles
A week later, the swelling as well as mild bruising will have receded, and you will be able to see your new, fresh face.
The purpose of the operation is to look like yourself, but without the imperfections and marks-wrinkles that come with time. The places of the incisions will be protected from the sun with the use of sunscreen for three months, and over time they will be very indistinct.
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210 722 2070