Limited Incision Rhytidectomy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
A limited incision rhytidectomy is a face lift that uses fewer, smaller incisions than a regular face lift. It may also be called a mini face lift. The goal of this surgery is to remove signs of aging. It can tighten the skin and the underlying tissues of your face and neck.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Before your surgery:
- Informed consent is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
- An IV is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.
During your surgery:
- You may be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. You may instead be given local anesthesia to numb the surgery area. With local anesthesia, you will also be given sedation to keep you relaxed and sleepy. Small incisions will be made in front of your ears, hairline, and lower jawbone. A small incision will also be made near the outer edge of your eyes.
- Your surgeon will pull your skin and tissues upwards to lift sagging cheeks and brows. He or she will pull up the extra skin on your neck and chin. Medical glue may be applied 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. Your surgeon will close the incisions with stitches and cover them with bandages.
After your surgery:
You will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully awake. You will be monitored closely for any problems. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. You will then be able to go home or be taken to your hospital room. Medicines may be given to decrease pain and nausea.
RISKS:
You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. You may not be happy with the results of your face lift. 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.
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 healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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