What is the medical term used for a face lift procedure?

The medical term for a face lift procedure is rhytidectomy. This term specifically refers to surgical procedures aimed at improving the visible signs of aging in the face and neck, such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and loss of volume. Rhytidectomy involves the removal of excess skin and the tightening of underlying tissues to create a more youthful appearance.

Understanding the terminology is crucial in the field of esthetics and cosmetic surgery, as it provides clarity on the specific procedures being discussed. Rhytidoplasty and other terms like dermalplasty and blepharoplasty refer to different procedures—rhytidoplasty is a more general term that can encompass many types of wrinkle-reducing surgeries, dermalplasty involves skin grafting or alteration of skin, and blepharoplasty specifically targets the eyelids, including both upper and lower eyelid correction. Therefore, rhytidectomy is the most precise term for what is commonly referred to as a face lift.