What is a pinch rhytidectomy? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Question

I had a SMAS face and neck lift 15 months ago. I now have loose skin in my lower face and neck. A pinch rhytidectomy and neck lift have been suggested as a secondary procedure to correct the loose skin. I am concerned about the success of this procedure and a possibly unnatural result.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I do not use the term pinch rhytidectomy and I’m not sure what your surgeon is referring to exactly. I can tell you that it is not unusual to have a bit of touch-up after a facelift as some skin can become loose after the surgery. It is possible this is what the surgeon is talking about and if that is the case, the procedure should be minimally invasive and should not alter your results in a negative way. Hope this helps!

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. The Pinch Blepharoplasty and the Pinch Facelift has been around for some time now. I have used the technique, and am pleased with the results that my patients obtain. The patients are usually happy as well. I have not seen unnatural results with this technique. Indeed, the technique is intended to not leave you with a result that does not look natural. Best to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is familiar with the technique and speak to them about your goals.

Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

Alejandro J. Quiroz, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. I don’t know what the pinch rhytidectomy is, it is very confusing for patients when doctors give names to the surgeries. In reality there is face lift with deep plane and face lift with only skin lift.

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. I'm not sure exactly what is meant by pinch rhytidectomy, but I assume this is a minor procedure to get rid of a small amount of recurrent skin laxity/excess. I have heard of, and occasionally perform, a lower eyelid skin pinch. This is used to remove a small amount of skin excess at the lower eyelid after facelift or lower blepharoplasty. In a situation like this the most important thing is to have an open conversation with your surgeon about what is being done and what to expect. Take care and best of luck!

Arnold Almonte, DO · Answer

Thanks for the question. I’m not sure what a “pinch” rhytidectomy is, but in the context of your story, it sounds like your surgeon has proposed doing some touch up work. It is not unusual for skin relaxation to occur after a facelift that requires some additional tightening. It’s not as extensive as undergoing the original procedure, but rather a refinement of it, as in nip n tuck. Oftentimes this can even be done under local anesthesia in the office setting. Good luck.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

I assume a "pinch" rhytidectomy  is a small tuck or limited procedure done to remove any residual excess skin after a facelift. This is sometimes necessary and will not create an "unnatural" look.

What is a pinch rhytidectomy? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Answers (6)

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