Face Lift

Face Lift – Glossary

Here are definitions of medical terms related to face lift.

Blepharoplasty: A blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to reshape (plasty) the upper and lower lids of the eyes. A blepharoplasty is performed to correct a sagging upper lid that can sometimes interfere with vision and a puffy, baggy lower lid.

Collagen: Collagen is the fibrous protein found in the white tissue of skin, bone, cartilage, tendon, and other connective tissue. Collagen is made of rodlike molecules that have great tensile strength. Collagen works in partnership with elastin to give our bodies both structure and elasticity.

Cosmetic surgery – Surgery performed primarily to improve the appearance of a part of the body. Cosmetic surgery evolved from reconstructive surgery. Not all insurance policies cover cosmetic surgery.

Dermis: The dermis is the layer of skin immediately under the epidermis. The dermis contains blood vessels, nerves and nerve endings, glands, and hair follicles.

Elastin: Elastin is protein found in yellow elastic connective tissue. Chains of elastin molecules form rubberlike fibers like a bunch of rubber bands. The molecules stretch when pull and recoil when the pull is relaxed. Elastin works in partnership with collagen to give our tissues both structure and elasticity. Normally the body stops making elastin once the body matures.

Epidermis: The epidermis is the most superficial layer of the skin. The epidermis does not contain blood vessels.

General anesthesia: The type of anesthesia where the patient “sleeps” through the surgery. This type of anesthesia takes longer to recover from but is sometimes preferred for more complicated procedures.

Laser: The word “laser” is an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers produce an intense beam of light in one specific color (wavelength) that can be controlled for intensity and pulse duration. Light is amplified in a laser by bouncing back and forth between optical mirrors and lenses. The light gains strength with each cycle and when it has reached the right power, it is released in a quick burst of energy. The two most common types of lasers are the carbon dioxide (CO2) and the erbium:YAG. The CO2 laser delivers short bursts of high-energy light. The erbium:YAG laser produces a wavelength that is gentler and cooler. Both can be used for skin resurfacing techniques.

Platysma muscle: The platysma is a platelike muscle that runs from the neck to the jaw and the skin around the mouth. It acts to open the jaw.

Rhytidectomy: A rhytidectomy is a surgical procedure to reduce the most visible signs of aging. It eliminates excess fat, tightens muscles in the face and neck, and removes sagging skin.

Rhytid: A skin wrinkle. From the Greek rhytis, meaning wrinkle.

Submental lipectomy: A submental lipectomy is a surgical procedure to cut away excess fat under the chin. Submental liposuction vacuums away the fat under the chin.