Panama Medical Vacations

Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery

Rhytidectomy (Face Lift)
This is one of the most common cosmetic procedures. A facelift, technically known as a rhytidectomy, is a procedure used in plastic surgery to give a more youthful appearance. It usually involves the removal of excess fat, the tightening of underlying muscles, and the relocating the skin on the patient's face and neck. Your visit to Hospital Punta Pacifica, Affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, can be the start of a beautiful, new you!

Prior to Surgery
Any necessary precautions prior to surgery will be outlined for you in the treatment plan. If you require pre-op therapy, you will receive the proper instructions. If you are a smoker, you may be asked to stop for a time prior to your surgery. You might also be asked to refrain from using vitamin E (in large does), aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines since they can lead to increased bleeding during surgery.

The Procedure
A rhytidectomy usually takes several hours-or somewhat longer if you're having more than one procedure done. For extensive procedures, some surgeons may schedule two separate sessions. Every surgeon approaches the procedure in his or her own way. Some complete one side of the face at a time, and others move back and forth between the sides. The exact placement of incisions and the sequence of events depend on your facial structure and your surgeon's technique.

Incisions usually begin above the hairline at the temples, extend in a natural line in front of the ear (or just inside the cartilage at the front of the ear), and continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. If the neck needs work, a small incision may also be made under the chin.

In general, the surgeon separates the skin from the fat and muscle below. Fat may be trimmed or suctioned from around the neck and chin to improve the contour. The surgeon then tightens the underlying muscle and membrane, pulls the skin back, and removes the excess. Stitches secure the layers of tissue and close the incisions; metal clips may be used on the scalp.

Following surgery, a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin behind your ear to drain any blood that might collect there. The surgeon may also wrap your head loosely in bandages to minimize bruising and swelling.

After Your Surgery
There isn't usually significant discomfort after surgery; if there is, it can be lessened with the pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. Of course your skin will experience some numbness; this is quite normal and it will disappear in a few weeks or months.

Your doctor may tell you to keep your head elevated and as still as possible for a couple of days after surgery, to keep the swelling down. If you've had a drainage tube inserted, it will be removed one or two days after surgery. Bandages, when used, are usually removed after one to five days. Don't be surprised at the pale, bruised, and puffy face you see. Just keep in mind that in a few weeks you'll be looking normal.

Most of your stitches will be removed after about five days; however, your scalp may take longer to heal, and the stitches or metal clips in your hairline could be left in a few days longer.

Risks
Complications that can occur include hematoma (blood that forms under the skin that must be removed by the surgeon, injury to the nerves that control facial muscles usually temporary, infection, and reactions to the anesthesia. Poor healing of the skin is most likely to affect smokers.

While there is always an element of risk, having an American-trained surgeon, a professional staff and a world-class hospital make your Panama brow lift at Hospital Punta Pacifica, Affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, a safe and rewarding procedure.