Free Essays, Term Papers, Research Papers at Anti Essays

RHYTIDECTOMY
“Face Lift”




DEFENITION: Redundant or loose skin of the face and upper neck is excised.

POSITION: Supine; arms may be tucked at the sides or on padded arm boards.

DRAPING: Head is wrapped turban-style with sterile towels, and head drape sheet are affixed.

PROCEDURE:

1. Incision is marked bilaterally within the hair line in the temporal region of the scalp approximately 5cm above the hairline. The surgeon uses a # 15 scalpel blade for the initial incision.
2. The incision lines, temples, cheeks, upper neck, and the submental area are injected with the local anesthetic agent.
3. After the incisions are made, large flaps of skin and subcutaneous tissue are elevated from face and upper third of the neck, meeting in the midline in the submental area.
4. The edges of flaps are grasped with Allis forceps, and superior and posterior traction is placed on the flaps. If there is excess fat in the neck, it is sometimes excised. The submental incision is used to give better access to the central neck to remove fat. To obtain a tighter and perhaps longer lift, the deeper tissues and platysma muscles can be sutured in separate layer using.
5. Wound edges of the developed flap are pulled taut to determine the amount of redundant skin to be excised. The opposite side of the face will be referred to during this stage to maintain symmetry and create a natural appearance. “Tacking” sutures may be placed temporarily to hold the skin in place until the desired level of tension is achieved.
6. Redundant tissue is excised and wound is closed using suture of surgeon’s choice. A Jackson-pratt drain me be placed to help eliminate dead space and reduce the risk of hematoma. Excision is done with new #15 scalpel blade.
7. Incisions are closed in one or two layers. Sometimes skin...