Rhytidectomy (face-lift) in the otolaryngologic practice.

A surgical procedure is described that minimizes the lifting of the hairline in rhytidectomy by locating most of the incision inside the hair. Traction of the skin is directed at producing a soft, rounded contour. The author reports good results on 30 patients in two years' time. Appropriateness of rhytidectomy depends on psychologic factors and on biologic rather than chronologic age. Operation under general anesthesia is preferred and should be confined to a simple procedure. However, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, and mentoplasty are often performed at the same time. Forehead lifting is a desirable associated procedure in which the incisions can be joined. Cutting of the muscle fibers is preferred to resection of the frontal corrugator. Minilifting to obtain Oriental slant eyes is considered a wasted effort.