rhytidoplasty

rhytidoplasty /rhyt·i·do·plas·ty/ (rit´ĭ-do-plas″te) rhytidectomy.

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rhyt·i·do·plas·ty (rt-d-plst)

n.

See face-lift.

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rhytidoplasty

[ritid′ōplas′tē]

Etymology: Gk, rhytis, wrinkle, plassein, to mold

a procedure in reconstructive plastic surgery in which the skin of the face is tightened, wrinkles are removed, and the skin is made to appear firm and smooth. An incision is made at the hairline, and excess skin is separated from the supporting tissue and excised. The edges of the remaining skin are pulled up and back and sutured at the hairline. A pressure dressing is applied and left in place for 24 to 48 hours. Postoperative medication for pain is often necessary. The sutures are removed several days after discharge in an outpatient facility or in the surgeon's office. Also spelled rhitidoplasty.

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rhytidectomy [rit″ĭ-dek´tah-me]

plastic surgery for the removal of wrinkles, done to make an aging face look younger. When done with skill, it can be moderately successful. However, the changes are not permanent, and the patient may in time feel the need for another operation. The usual procedure is to open skin flaps in the region around the ears and to undermine the skin of the cheeks and jaws. Now this can be done with incisions adjacent to or within the hairline so that the scars are not noticeable. The area of the eyelids and eyebrows may also be operated on in association with the primary operation. Called also rhytidoplasty, and popularly known as a face-lift.

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rhytidoplasty (ritāidōplas´tē),

n a procedure in reconstructive plastic surgery in which the skin of the face is tightened, wrinkles are removed, and the skin is made to appear firm and smooth.

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rhytidoplasty

plastic surgery for the elimination of wrinkles or skin folds, as around the face or vulva of some dogs.